Aussie fisherman searches for three-metre crocodile after 'half-done' spear attack
Disturbing video has captured the result of a 'brutal attack' on a three-metre saltwater crocodile that left it with a broken spear protruding from its head. Queensland authorities confirmed on Friday they're investigating the incident which they say has likely left the animal in 'extreme pain'.
The fisherman who filmed the animal told Yahoo News the sight was 'very distressing'. He'd been exploring remote coastline at Cape Tribulation in early February when he made the discovery.
'I'm all for hunting things. But I don't agree with a half-done job. This was clearly an attack,' he said.
It's one of a string of incidents involving attacks on crocodiles in the area, including the beheading of a large male at nearby Cow Bay in 2023. While they have not been officially linked, locals with knowledge of the area who requested anonymity believe they know who is responsible.
Community Representation of Crocodiles has worked with Crime Stoppers to raise funds and provide rewards for crimes against wildlife in Queensland.
'We want to remind the public that these acts of cruelty are serious wildlife crimes, and those responsible should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law to educate the community that there's no tolerance,' spokesperson Dan Kemp told Yahoo.
Simon Booth from Queensland's Department of Environment (DETSI) confirmed the incident is being investigated. 'If not captured and assessed, it will most likely die a slow and agonising death,' he said.
Saltwater crocodiles in Queensland are threatened with extinction due to widespread hunting in the 1970s and their numbers are yet to recover. They are protected across the state and those caught harming them face fines of up to $36,292.
'We are disgusted by this shocking incident, and it is disheartening to know that people can be so cruel,' Booth said.
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The fisherman who filmed the video says as large predators, crocodiles have played an important role in stopping development across the region's coastline.
'I see crocodiles as keeping the whole area safe. They deserve our respect. If they weren't here there'd be skyscrapers built across Far North Queensland,' he said.
'Crocodiles keep it raw, and protect its natural beauty.'
Since he first spotted the crocodile with the 15cm spear in its head on February 10, he's been searching for it without any luck.
"I've been back down there multiple times and I'm not sure where it is now," he said.
Anyone with information about the attack on the crocodile is urged to contact DETSI on 1300 130 372.
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