"Herbie" went into the net

“Problem crocodile” stalked people and ate chickens

(Bild: Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation)

In Australia, rangers have succeeded in catching two notorious "problem crocodiles" after weeks of unsuccessful attempts. The Queensland regional government announced on Tuesday that an almost four-metre-long specimen called "Herbie", which had been roaming around on private property on the Herbert River 125 kilometers north of the city of Townsville, had caused particular concern. 

"Herbie" had been stalking him and other residents as well as pets and farm animals, said Lawrence Perticato, who then informed the authorities, to the ABC radio station. Several chickens belonging to a neighbor had already fallen victim to the giant crocodile's appetite, Perticato said.

"I've lived by the river all my life and I'm used to crocodiles, and I know when it gets dangerous." He normally goes fishing in the river often, but was no longer even able to put his boat in the water because of the danger. The authorities thanked him for the tip-off and moved in with traps.

Another crocodile was caught in the net
However, a floating trap initially installed in the river was unsuccessful. It was only when a trap with bait was installed on the riverbank that Herbie was finally netted on Sunday. Another crocodile, which had been hanging around a weir on the Ross River near Townsville for weeks, was also deliberately removed from the wild, it was reported. The three-metre-long reptile had also posed a threat to public safety due to its conspicuous behavior.

"Herbie" and another crocodile were captured using net traps.(Bild: Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation)

The animals showed no fear of humans.(Bild: Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation)

The animals are to be housed in a crocodile farm or a zoo. "But people need to understand that removing these crocodiles will not make the Herbert River or the Ross River any safer," said wildlife officer Tony Frisby.

"Expect crocodiles on all waterways"
Parts of the tropical state of Queensland are known as "Croc Country" because of the many saltwater crocodiles that live there. "People need to be aware that they are responsible for their own safety in Croc Country and should expect to see crocodiles in all waterways, even if there are no signs," emphasized Frisby. On average, there are two fatal crocodile attacks per year in Australia.