Giant five-metre crocodile shot dead in central Queensland
The crocodile is believed to be one of the largest found in the wild in Australia. Photo: Supplied/Queensland Police
Police are investigating the death of a massive five-metre saltwater crocodile found shot dead in central Queensland.
The male reptile, believed to be one of the largest found in the wild in Australia measuring 5.2m, was spotted in the Fitzroy River at Rockhampton just after 1pm on Thursday with the bullet still in its head.
State environmental officers were alerted to the dead animal following a tip-off from a member of the public.
The crocodile was taken to a nearby boat ramp, where forensic police examined the carcass and then transported to a nearby farm for a necropsy.
The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection are also investigating.
It is a crime to kill crocodiles – they are protected under Queensland law. If anyone has any information about who did this – call police. https://t.co/2iyhI5jUWY
— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) September 21, 2017
Cassius, a male caught in the Northern Territory three decades ago, is recognised as the world’s largest crocodile in captivity.
The aquatic reptile measures 5.48m and lives at a farm on Green Island in far north Queensland. A 6.16m Philippino crocodile called Lolong previously held the record before it died in 2013.
