A 2.5 meter crocodile hanging out in a family’s backyard in northern Queensland has been trapped and removed by authorities.
Rangers from the Ministry of Environment, Science and Innovation removed the crocodile after the family reported its unwanted presence to authorities in mid-January.
It is believed the animal was within 15 to 20 meters of the family home following recent heavy rain and flooding in the Cardwell region caused by ex-tropical cyclone Kirrily.
“The crocodile came straight to the fence and tried to stick its head under it,” wildlife inspector Ella Meeve told AAP.
A 2.5 meter crocodile (pictured) has shocked a Queensland family after they discovered it poking its head under the fence of their home
The area falls under zone ‘E’, a general management area for crocodiles.
Hinchinbrook Shire and Cardwell are common areas where you can find crocodiles all over the water.
“Where this property was located, it did have connections to other creeks and rivers in that area,” Ms Meeve said.
“Pretty much in that area you would expect to see a crocodile in any body of water. It’s a typical crocodile habitat.’
The 8-foot-long saltwater fall was captured by placing a floating trap in the nearby water with pig bait.
The crocodile was hanging around the backyard of the house after the recent heavy rains and flooding caused by ex-tropical cyclone Kirrily and was promptly captured (pictured)
The animal was safely captured within a week and conservationists are now trying to find a new home for the animal after it went to a sanctuary in Townsville.
“There are a lot of them, you’d be surprised,” Ms Meeve joked when asked about the crocodile paperwork.
Authorities have reminded to be ‘crocwise’ and expect crocodiles in all northern and far north Queensland waterways, even if there are no warning signs.