Estuarine and freshwater crocodiles play a crucial role in the wetlands and marine areas of Queensland. According to the Kowanyama government's website, they are usually the largest predator in these regions that help maintain the balance of the ecosystem. Estuarine or saltwater crocodiles can be seen along some beaches and offshore islands and can be active at any time, like the crocodile that chased some kids last month.
The same crocodile continued to display aggressive behavior, so the local wildlife officials decided to 'humanely euthanize' it despite its potential icon animal status. The mayor of Kowanyama said that the removal of the animal is a relief for the community.
Kowanyama Crocodile Chases Children That Were Forced to Climb a Tree
Last month, a group of children climbed up a tree to escape a crocodile that slithered towards them, Metro reported. The eight children, aged 11 to 14, were playing in Magnificent Creek at Kowanyama in Queensland when they saw the massive reptile believed to be about 5 meters long.
Rescuers praised them for their quick thinking skills and keeping calm as they climbed the tree and shouted for help. Senior Constable Martin Shepard said that the group all managed to save themselves by climbing the tree to get away from the beast. Luckily, a passerby on the bank heard their cries and immediately called the local police.
At first, the officials thought the kids were only joking about the crocodile even though it was evident that they were scared. But when they attempted to rescue the group, the crocodile reappeared.
Using a boat they borrowed from a local man, they were able to rescue the group of children. Shepard said that the crocodile was probably larger than the 5-meter boat they were on and could be capable of dragging anyone if it had been hungry at the time.
Kowanyama Crocodile 'Humanely Euthanized'
The tiny Cape York community was put into the media spotlight after the incident last month. Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Robbie Sands said that the crocodile continued to display aggressive behavior that led to him calling in the experts.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife (QPWS) rangers shot the crocodile despite its potential icon animal status. According to ABC News, Queensland conservation law dictates that saltwater crocodiles more than 4 meters long are considered icon animals that are removed from populated areas and relocated to a registered crocodile farm or zoo to be used to educate people about their conservation.
Mayor Sands said that the rangers spent five nights in Kowanyama surveying the area to identify the crocodiles. The team was not able to get close enough to the crocodile to measure it, but they estimated it could be over 3.5 meters long.
He told ABC News that the Department of Environment and Science had confirmed its size. Due to its massive size and proximity to human settlements and recreational areas, the crocodile presented a high risk to community safety and was declared a problem. The only option is to 'humanely euthanize' the crocodile.
After the event, the department has not released any statements regarding the recovery of the animal's carcass and its status as an icon animal.
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