Tyto Wetlands crocodile captured in Ingham

Issued: 24 May 2024

A crocodile that took up residence in the Tyto Wetlands in Ingham was removed from the wild by direct capture during a spotlighting survey on 23 May 2024.

The 2.4-metre crocodile was removed after consideration of its size and location and will be temporarily housed in the department’s Garners beach facility while awaiting placement at a crocodile farm or zoo.

Under the new draft Queensland Crocodile Management Plan, it is proposed that the zoning of artificial ponds at the front of the Tyto Wetlands be changed so any crocodile of two metres or greater in length would be targeted for removal.

Senior Wildlife Officer Tony Frisby said the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation had received multiple sighting reports of the crocodile via the QWildlife app.

“The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service would like to thank those members of the public who reported seeing the crocodile to the department,” Mr Frisby said.

“Ingham is Croc Country and the removal of this animal does not mean there are no longer any crocodiles in the vicinity.

“People should expect crocodiles in all local waterways, even if there are no signs there, and everyone in Croc Country should be Crocwise by making sensible choices around the water.

“People are responsible for their own safety in Croc Country and that means avoiding complacency and avoiding activities that put themselves or their family or friends in danger.

“People in Croc Country should report all crocodile sightings in a timely manner, as they help give wildlife officers a location and information about the animal’s behaviour, and we investigate every sighting report.”

Queenslanders are encouraged to have their say on the new draft Queensland Crocodile Management Plan by completing this survey.

Feedback is encouraged on new crocodile zones and maps, how crocodiles are managed and the process for removing crocodiles from the wild. Consultation on the draft plan closes on 5 June 2024.

Members of the public are encouraged to report all crocodile sightings to DESI as soon as possible, through the QWildlife app, via the DESI website or by calling 1300 130 372.

Wildlife officers investigate every sighting report, and estuarine crocodiles that pose a threat to human safety are targeted for removal under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan.

Crocwise tips for people in Croc Country:

• Expect crocodiles in ALL northern and far northern Queensland waterways even if there is no warning sign
• Obey all warning signs – they are there to keep you safe
• Be aware crocs also swim in the ocean and be extra cautious around water at night
• Stay well away from croc traps – that includes fishing and boating
• The smaller the vessel the greater the risk, so avoid using canoes and kayaks
• Stand back from the water’s edge when fishing and don’t wade in to retrieve a lure
• Camp well back from the water
• Never leave food, fish scraps or bait near the water, at camp sites or at boat ramps
• Never provoke, harass or feed crocs
• Always supervise children near the water and keep pets on a lead

View further information on being Crocwise.