BRISBANE, Queensland, Feb. 20 -- The Department of Environment and Science issued the following media release:
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A trap has been set for the animal after a slide mark was seen
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Large slide mark on the bank of the Pioneer River on 18 February 2025
A crocodile that has moved into freshwater above the DumbletonWeir in the Mackay region will be targeted for removal from the PioneerRiver.
On 15February2025, a member of the pubic reported what they believed to be a crocodile to the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science andInnovation.
Wildlife officers investigating the sighting report photographed a large slide mark on the bank of the Pioneer River on 18February2025.
Senior Wildlife officer JaneBurns said recent crocodile sighting signs have been installed in the area, and a spotlight search was conducted on 19February2025.
"I would like to thank the person who reported the crocodile to the department, and I can assure the community that the animal will be targeted for removal from the wild," MsBurnssaid.
"During our spotlight search last night, we did not confirm the presence of a large crocodile above the weir, but a baited trap will be settoday.
"The Mackay region is known CrocCountry, and people should expect crocodiles in all water bodies even if there are nosigns.
"Crocodiles are highly mobile, and they can get around built structures like the DumbletonWeir. Webelieve this animal moved into the area above the weir during the recent weatherevent.
"I urge people to be Crocwise while this animal is targeted for removal from the wild, and I'm asking everyone to avoid swimming above the Dumbleton Weir while the trap is in thewater.
"The animal might make its way downstream of its own accord, but if we successfully remove this animal from the wild, people still need to be Crocwise in the Mackayregion.
"People are responsible for their own safety in CrocCountry and should make sensible choices around thewater.
"I'd like to encourage everyone in the community to make a sighting report if they see what they believe to be acrocodile."
Crocodile sightings can be reported by using the QWildlifeapp, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DETSIwebsite, or bycalling 1300130372. Thedepartment investigates every crocodile sighting reportreceived.
Crocwise tips for people in CrocCountry:
* Expect crocodiles in ALL northern and far northern Queensland waterways even if there is no warningsign* Obey all warning signs - they are there to keep yousafe* Be aware crocs also swim in the ocean and be extra cautious around water atnight* Stay well away from croc traps - that includes fishing andboating* The smaller the vessel the greater the risk, so avoid using canoes andkayaks* Stand back from the water's edge when fishing and don't wade in to retrieve alure* Camp as far back from the water's edge aspossible* Never leave food, fish scraps or bait near the water, camp sites or boatramps* Never provoke, harass or feedcrocs* Always supervise children near the water and keep pets on alead.
View further information on beingCrocwise.
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