Croc shot in Rockhampton sparks police appeal
Police investigate the shooting death of a huge crocodile in RockhamptonPolice and officers from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) are continuing to investigate the death of a crocodile found shot dead near Rockhampton.
Around 1.15pm police were advised that the 5.2 metre crocodile was located on the Fitzroy River near Etna Creek.
Wildlife located the dead animal after a tip off from a member of the public.
An examination of the animal was being conducted on Friday (September 22, 2017), but the cause of death appears clear. Gun shot wound.
It is illegal to ‘take’ (and kill) a crocodile without authority and police will work closely with EHP to locate the person responsible.
In recent years in Rocky, there’s been speculation that the croc population is on the rise, with numerous sightings of big 5m salties all over town.
In April, a local photographer snapped a shot of what he reckons is the biggest croc he’s ever seen in the Fitzroy River, while there have been 10ft, 13ft and 14ft crocs that are almost pets hanging around the backyard and private boat ramp of local Sherrie Ashton who lives on the river.
But this is just part and parcel of living in Rocky and other parts of Far North Queensland. Some like pollie Bob Katter reckon it's time for a cull. But most boaters and fishers accept crocs as part of a healthy eco system.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation into the shot croc should contact Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
More on crocs in Queensland at
CrocWatch.
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