Annan River crocodile feeding

Issued: 5 Aug 2024

DESI is highly concerned at seeing recent social media videos reportedly showing crocodiles being fed in the Annan River, near Cooktown.

It is illegal to feed crocodiles in Queensland, and anyone with information about the deliberate feeding of crocodiles is encouraged to call 1300 130 372 and report the information. Reports can be made anonymously.

Feeding of crocodiles at riverbanks or boat ramps encourages them to hang around, waiting for their next meal. This can place future visitors to the area at a much greater risk of attack if they approach or enter the water.

People should never feed crocodiles or give easy access to food or fish scraps. Crocodiles have been around for millions of years, and they can source their own food.

They have a highly developed sense of smell, allowing them to detect prey or animal carcasses on the land and in the water from long distances.

People are responsible for their own safety in Croc Country, and we’re asking people to make sensible choices around the water.

The current penalty for deliberately feeding a crocodile is $6,452.