A ‘problem’ crocodile that had killed several dogs and terrorised a remote community for months has been removed and shot dead by authorities.
The 3.63m long saltwater crocodile ended up in the Baines River at Bulla in Northern Territory earlier this year following floods.
With homes located just 250m away, the croc had been stalking and lunging at terrified passersby, including children ever since.
The monster predator was captured and killed by police and wildlife rangers on Tuesday.
‘After consultation with traditional owners, Elders, community members and Parks and Wildlife, the crocodile was shot to ensure that it did not continue to pose a significant risk to the community,’ the police said.
The 3.63m long saltwater crocodile had moved into a river after a flood. Its new home was only 250m from local residences and it killed several dogs and lunged at adults and children
The Department Parks and Wildlife used the opportunity to conduct an crocodile safety session, which gave local children an up-close look at the dangers lurking in the territory’s waterways.
‘Any body of water in the Top End may contain large and potentially dangerous crocodiles,’ DEPWS Director of Wildlife Operations Kristen Hay said.
‘That’s why we urge everyone to Be Crocwise and only swim where there are designated swimming signs,’ she said.
The giant animal was then taken into Bulla where the community prepared the croc in a traditional manner for a feast.
The massive croc was captured on Tuesday afternoon and was eventually shot and prepared for a feast in a traditional manner. Wildlife officers also used the opportunity for local kids to get up close and personal with the croc and teach them about safety around the reptiles
Northern Territory Commander Kylie Anderson said the reptiles ‘can pose a significant risk to community safety’.
‘Thanks to the seamless collaboration between Parks and Wildlife, our remote police staff and local residents we were able to safely remove the large saltie and maintain the safety of the community,’ she said.
‘There’s never a dull moment in remote policing.’
