Beloved 5m croc ‘Big John' found decapitated in net in Queensland

News.com.au

5 days ago

A beloved five-metre saltwater crocodile known as 'Big John' has been found decapitated and entangled in a net in Far North Queensland, prompting an investigation by wildlife authorities as the community mourns the 'devastating' loss.
Big John, who measured between four to five metres long and was distinguishable by his missing tail tip, was found dead in a fishing net in Yarrabah Bay, a remote community a 55km drive from Cairns, on July 30.
The local legend – that had been monitored by Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji (GMY) Rangers for over four years – was affectionately referred to as the 'Crocodile Casanova of Buddbadoo' as he was often seen basking in the sun with three female crocodiles in the Buddabadoo (Yarrabah) creek system.
The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) told news.com.au it was investigating the matter.
'Anyone with information can provide it anonymously by calling 1300 130 372 or by completing a wildlife complaint form via the DETSI website,' it said.
In Queensland, possessing crocodile body parts without a permit is illegal and the maximum penalty for illegally killing an estuarine crocodile is $37,552.
A Gunggandji Aboriginal Corporation spokeswoman told the Cairns Post it was assisting DETSI with the investigation, noting the crocodile had not become entangled in an abandoned net.
'We can confirm the net wasn't a ghost net,' she said.
Gunggandji Aboriginal Corporation (GAC) announced Big John's death in heartfelt post on social media last week, paying tribute to the 'Icon of Buddabadoo'.
'With heavy hearts, we share the loss of an ancient and iconic presence — Big John, the saltwater crocodile who has watched over Buddabadoo for many years,' the post read.
'Big John was more than a crocodile. He was a guardian of our waterways, a link to our ancestral knowledge, and a living reminder of why we protect and care for our land and sea country.'
'Words can't express the sadness we feel at his passing,' GAC added, sharing a poem about the crocodile.
Other locals expressed sadness over the shock death, suggesting the croc should be honoured in a statue or children's book.
'Very sad, should put a statue or monument in honour of the big fella down there … Sorry for your loss rangers,' one person wrote.
'Sorry guys for your loss, what a legend Big John was,' said another.
'A devastating loss. I.think GMY should make a book about Big John … a kids book with that beautiful poem at the heart and a story of legacy, icons and Country,' another suggested.
Car runs over crocodile at infamous crossing
The investigation comes after horrifying footage went viral last week of a ute driving over a crocodile at an infamous crocodile-infested river crossing in the Northern Territory.
In the footage, a black ute could be seen making its way through Cahill's Crossing when a large crocodile surfaced from underneath its back wheel. The reptile appeared to be stuck as it is dragged by the car, with its mouth hanging agape.
Sensing something was wrong, the ute then attempted to reverse, freeing the animal from underneath its wheels before placing the car in drive and running over the lower half of its body again.
Matteo Mastratisi, who captured the wild moment on video, told news.com.au that it was 'definitely unintentional.'
'It wasn't the driver's fault. You couldn't see the croc until he went over it and he couldn't stop the car in the middle of the crossing either,' he said.
Mr Mastratisi believed the got away largely unscathed.
Situated within the Kakadu National Park, the river is home to over 10,000 known crocodiles. According to the park's website, there are around five to nine crocs per kilometre.
Weighing in on the viral incident, Calare MP Andrew Gee asked Maverick MP Bob Katter if Australia should feel sympathy for the crocodile, in a sit down video shared on social media over the weekend.
'I have to say Bob, I felt sympathy for the croc and I was glad to see the croc swim away from ute,' Mr Gee said, before asking Mr Katter if the nation should feel the same.
'I think that you people are sympathetic to crocodiles,' Mr Katter replied.
'I strongly advocate and I think everyone respects your affection and I think you should get close to crocodiles, you know a lot closer to crocodiles,' he said cheekily with a pause and a grin.
Mr Gee asked: 'So I think from all of that, we've worked out Bob that it is OK to have sympathy for the croc?'
'If you're with them,' he said. 'You know, I love my dog and I put my arm around him and that sort of thing and you know, if you love crocodiles, I think you should do that sort of thing,' he replied with a smile, before breaking out into song.
'Never smile at a crocodile,' he sang.