Bramston Beach crocodile removed from the wild

Issued: 22 November 2024

Photo of the slide mark left by the crocodile at Bramston Beach Open larger image

The slide mark left by the crocodile at Bramston Beach

A large crocodile that lunged at a fisher on 2 October 2024 and was behaving aggressively at Bramston Beach has been removed from the wild.

For public safety reasons, the 4-metre male crocodile was humanely euthanised by wildlife officers from the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) on 21 November 2024.

Since 4 October 2024, wildlife officers attempted to capture the animal by setting baited traps in Bluemetal Creek, south of Cairns, but those efforts were thwarted by members of the public who damaged both traps and disturbed the crocodile.

Under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan, humane euthanasia is used as a last resort when a ‘problem crocodile’ needs to be removed from the wild.

Despite the removal of this crocodile, people still need to be Crocwise in the Bramston Beach area. Wildlife officers observed around 20 other crocodiles when spotlighting in Bluemetal Creek during this operation.

Bramston Beach is Croc Country and crocodiles will continue to inhabit the area. Heading into crocodile breeding season, male crocodiles can become aggressive and territorial.

Fishers are encouraged to stand well back from the water and to place a barrier such as an esky or similarly large item between themselves and the water.

People are responsible for their own safety in Croc Country, and we’re asking people to make sensible choices around the water.

Residents and visitors in Croc Country are encouraged to report all crocodile sightings in a timely manner to the department.

Crocodile sightings can be reported by using the QWildlife app for iOS and Android, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DETSI website, or by calling 1300 130 372. The department investigates every crocodile sighting report received.

People in Croc Country are urged to be CrocWise, which includes:

  • Expect crocodiles in all 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 crocodile traps – that includes when 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 as far back from the edge of the water as possible
  • 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.