A crocodile will be removed from the wild at Zilzie, after being seen exhibiting dangerous behaviour.
The croc has regularly been seen around the Coorooman Creek boat ramp.
A member of the public reported the crocodile basking in the sun near the boat ramp on April 28.
Wildlife officer Alexander Peters says it displayed concerning behaviour when Department of Environment, Science and Innovation officers went to check it out.
“We conducted a spotlight survey, and the crocodile deliberately approached our vessel and showed no fear of wildlife officers or the noise we made,” Mr Peters said.
“A two-meter crocodile is considered to be a juvenile animal, and it should be wary of boats, of people and of the activity at the boat ramp.
“But it was obvious that the crocodile had become highly habituated, and we believe it has been approaching people in boats for a free feed.
“We suspect people have been deliberately feeding the crocodile from their boats and have either deliberately or inadvertently left unwanted bait and fish frames at the boat ramp.
He says it’s extremely disappointing to have to target the animal for removal from the wild, due to the careless actions of people.
“The deliberate and inadvertent feeding of crocodiles is extremely dangerous behaviour, as the animal will expect food from people and could become aggressive if it doesn’t receive it.”
Mr Peters said back in March, wildlife officers conducted a site inspection at the boat ramp and observed the two-meter crocodile loitering nearby.
“We provided Crocwise information to people at the boat ramp in March and issued a plea via local media for the careless behaviour to stop,” he said.
“Unfortunately, the careless behaviour has continued, and the crocodile will suffer by being removed from the wild and placed with a farm or zoo.
“People need to be aware that they are responsible for their own safety in Croc Country, and deliberately or inadvertently feeding crocodiles is not Crocwise behaviour.”
