A fishing charter says crocodiles are becoming more aggressive and less intimidated by humans after sightings of the dangerous predators increased in areas further south.
Lyton Heffer, the owner of Fishing Port Douglas who has been in the north Queensland area for 22 years, says crocodiles have shifted their behaviour – making them increasingly dangerous.
‘I don’t think they’re scared of human activity anymore and they’re encroaching on areas they haven’t been in the past,’ he told the Courier Mail.
A fishing charter says crocodiles are becoming more aggressive and less intimidated by humans as sightings of the reptiles are increasing in areas further and further south
Sightings in north Queensland have increased from 345 in 2015 to 389 in 2016 and now 477 in 2017, a 38 per cent increase in two years
The animals have been seen as far south as the Sunshine Coast, sparking fears for swimmers in areas not normally associated with the danger
Sightings in north Queensland have increased from 345 in 2015 to 389 in 2016 and now 477 in 2017, a 38 per cent increase in two years.
The animals have been seen as far south as the Sunshine Coast, sparking fears for swimmers in areas not normally associated with the danger.
Recent crocodile run-ins have seen the creatures attacking trucks crossing rivers and cameras of fishermen.
The state’s Environment Minister Steven Miles says safety and monitoring programs have doubled to combat the increasing population and prevalence.
‘We have made the wildlife officers, who do a very difficult and sometimes unsafe job, permanent. They were temporary officers under the (previous government),’ he said.
Cairns has had the highest number of sightings this year with 108, followed by the Cassowary Coast and Townsville with 66 and 61 respectively.
The state’s Environment Minister Steven Miles says safety and monitoring programs have doubled to combat the increasing population and prevalence
Cairns has had the highest number of sightings this year with 108, followed by the Cassowary Coast and Townsville with 66 and 61 respectively
One crocodile was found dead with a bullet lodged in its head in central Queensland with residents taking matters into their own hands
Police and wildlife services are investigating the issue, as the killing of ‘iconic crocodiles’, animals measuring 5 metres or more, is illegal and results in fines up to $28,383.75
One crocodile was found dead with a bullet lodged in its head in central Queensland with residents taking matters into their own hands.
Police and wildlife services are investigating the issue, as the killing of ‘iconic crocodiles’, animals measuring five metres or more, is illegal and results in fines up to $28,383.75.
‘People need to clearly understand that the death of this animal has changed the balance of the crocodile population in the Fitzroy and we can expect increased aggressive activity by younger male crocodiles,’ Department of Environment Director Michael Joyce told the Morning Bulletin.
A proposed cull in north Queensland and the Northern territory has been slammed by residents and environmentalists.
A truck driver who had a crocodile attempt to take a chunk out of one of his tyres at the infamous Cahill’s Crossing says he has never seen more of the creatures in the area.
The crossing, about 286km from Darwin, links Jabiru and the Indigenous Gunbalanya community. A study in 2015 found more than 120 crocodiles within a six kilometre-stretch of the Kakadu river.
A crocodile tired of waiting for its afternoon snack tried to take a bite out of a passing Mack truck, but was put back in its place
The truck was driving through Cahill’s Crossing in Kakadu, which allows vehicles to travel through crocodile infested waters