Locals in Far North Queensland were furious after discovering a mutilated crocodile in the area. They suspected that the croc was a victim of trophy hunting.
Crocodile Beheaded in Queensland
The beheaded four-meter crocodile was found on the remote Cow Bay Beach, about 30 kilometers north of Port Douglas in the Daintree Rainforest. Unfortunately, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service could not determine the cause of death as it was already too decomposed for necropsy. In addition, the beast had a missing skull and was buried in the country, News.com.au reported.
When word of the deceased animal reached Tom Chalmers Hayes, a crocodile photographer and conservationist, he hurried to the scene. In a series of enraged videos he released on social media, he expressed how upset he was at the fate of the mutilated beast.
He couldn't help but swear while standing just meters from the slain croc. He apologized for his language but couldn't help because he was furious at what had happened to the animal.
He believed the crocodile was shot dead, and its head was cut off as some "trophy."
He also questioned the "odd" timing of the incident following the attacks of crocodiles in the area. Hayes said he understands some are not fond of crocodiles in FNQ. However, he couldn't imagine them taking it upon themselves to kill the beast.
Hayes, a photographer and son of a conservationist, told News.com.au that he took up croc photography as an escape from depression and alcoholism. It enhances his love for them, and he even follows their daily activities.
He explained that his love for crocodiles has always been there, like an 8-year-old boy who loves dinosaurs. For him, it was a reignition of his childhood.
The Queensland's Department of Environment and Sciences spokesman said wildlife officers could not determine its cause of death. But they seek public assistance to figure out what happened to the beast.
They also warned the public that it is illegal to deliberately harm or kill crocodiles or possess deceased crocodiles or parts of a deceased croc. The maximum penalty for the deliberate harm or killing of a crocodile in Queensland is $14, 375.
What Happened to the Mutilated Crocodile
A local woman spoke with Cairns Post on the weekend and said the crocodile had already been spotted in the area for about six weeks. She admitted that she was horrified seeing it, and someone probably wanted to get rid of the reptile. She speculated that it was a trophy-hunting hero act.
Another tour operator added that it's impossible that the crocodile got into a fight with another predator, noting that their head is well attached. They even use their heads for combat. There were also no bite marks on its body, suggesting that it suffered an ill fate at the hands of a human.
Animal Cruelty Against Crocodile
Earlier this year, another crocodile in Far North Queensland was shot dead after attacking a man and a dog. The 4.2-meter croc reportedly attacked Alister MacPhee at a Bloomfield boat ramp.
Department of Environment and Science incident controller Michael Joyce, the croc responsible for the attack, was found 200 meters from the boat ramp. It was killed a day after the attack.
Steve Irwin's dad Bob Irwin is among the conservationist who wants to investigate the croc's death. He wanted to ensure that it did not involve animal cruelty.
Bob, who has worked with wildlife for 50 years, admitted he is upset about incidents involving humans and crocs because the latter usually pays the ultimate price.
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