This is the shocking moment four men were snapped swimming inside a crocodile trap, which are usually baited with partial pig carcasses to draw in the reptiles.
Queensland authorities are investigating after photos emerged of the incident in a Cairns river, but are ‘concerned’ by the incident.
The foolhardy swimmers were photographed entering a crocodile cage just off the shore, with one man even climbing on top of the mesh to shut the cage door.
Four men were spotting swimming inside a river crocodile trap in Cairns on Monday morning
One of the men seems to be shutting the door of the crocodile trap with three others inside
In one of the photos, a man appears to be locking the other men inside the underwater trap.
‘Stay well away from crocodile traps,’ warned a spokesperson. ‘Crocodile traps are designed to attract hungry crocodiles so avoid fishing and boating near them and never interfere with them.’
‘Crocodile danger is real – don’t risk your life…Just because you can’t see a crocodile doesn’t mean there is not one close by.’
The swimmers were photographed inside a crocodile trap baited to attract dangerous reptiles
‘Crocodiles can be very patient, and can stay underwater and unseen for up to four hours without even a breath.’
The Department of Environment has warned of an increase in crocodiles and snakes due to recent rainfall and flooding.
People are also warned that crocodiles move further upstream during very high tides and periods of flooding and may move into new areas.
The Department of Environment recommends everyone in ‘Croc Country’ be extra vigilant and take responsibility for their own safety by reading the safety guidelines.
The north-eastern party of Australia, particularly near the coast, is known as ‘Croc Country’
Baited traps were set along the creek as searchers hunted for the crocodile in muddy waters
This incident comes less than a week after human remains were found inside a crocodile that is believed to have eaten an elderly grandmother.
‘The crocodile, which is believed to be the one involved in the death of 79-year-old Anne Cameron, was examined by a specialist in Cairns [on Monday] with human remains being located inside,’ police officers said.
Ms Cameron was last seen in Port Douglas near an OzCare Aged Care facility last week, and a report is being prepared for the coroner.
OzCare Aged Care patient Anne Cameron was believed to have been eaten by a crocodile
Her remains and walking stick were later found by police next to Craiglie Creek, connected to Mowbray River, less than two kilometres from the aged care facility.
Baited traps were set along the creek to capture the crocodile, which searchers believed hid in the muddy waters near mangroves.
Video footage showed the baited traps being set along the Mowbray River on Sunday.
Crocodile traps are being installed in rivers throughout Queensland after Ms Cameron’s death