A popular Croc-Spotting site in the distant North-Queensland will be followed after several reports of “reckless” interactions with the reptiles.
The Russell River in Babinda, 40 minutes from Cairns, is the home of many crocodiles, including a 4.5-meter reptile that is lovingly known to the local population as Clyde.
Clyde has been living for decades on a part of the Russell River near Babinda. ((ABC Far North: Brendan Mounter))
Last week, images of two men who were taunted Clyde on the river bank were reported to the authorities.
In 2024 a influencer was accused after he had fed him a rotisserie chicken.
This week the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (Detsi) installed signs on the Riverbank -warning that the area was checked for illegal crocodile feeding.
“Feeding crocodiles – deliberately or not – teaches them to associate people with food and brings subsequent visitors to the area with an attack,” the board said.
Matt Cornish welcomes the installation of the board, but says the department should do more. ((ABC Far North: Brendan Mounter))
Co-founder Matt Cornish, co-founder of the community of Crocodiles (Croc), said that he had spent “months” to push the department to take action.
“We have to make sure that we do the area well and start persecutions to people who communicate recklessly with crocodiles,” he said.
Mr. Cornish has called for the installation of CCTV and full -time rangers in the area, stricter penalties and timely prosecution for those who break the law.
According to the legislation of the state, someone who is found as food or deliberately disturbing crocodiles can get more than $ 26,000 a fine.
A crocodile that attacks a person will be removed or cleared.
Gungandji traditional owner Warren Martens says that crocodiles are a totem for his people and must be respected. ((ABC Far North: Brendan Mounter))
Part of the family
Gungandji man and traditional owner Warren Martens feared that human behavior in the area could be harmful to Clyde.
“It will be a different death in our family if Clyde is removed or euthanized,” said Mr. Martens.
He said that permanent signage that must be installed the meaning of crocodiles in the Aboriginal culture.
Apart from the fact that he had been a location of Babinda for decades, Clyde was also “as a family” off the coast of Aboriginal peoples whose Totem was the crocodile, Mr Martens said.
The Crocodile Management Plan of Queensland and does not specifically provide native consultations.
Mr Martens said that more Aboriginal voices were needed and that people from First Nations should patrol the area.
“Aboriginals must be part of that solution … The government must have consultation around Clyde and his future existence on human activity,” he said.
A spokesperson for Detsi said that “secret and open” monitoring methods were used after “reports from people who behave inappropriate”.
The department did not confirm whether the board would be permanent.
Anyone with information about crocodile -related violations can call 1300 130 372.
#Reckless #behavior #beloved #Croc #sparks #calls #harshness