An illegal find near a bridge has triggered a stern warning to Aussies. Anyone caught participating in what has been described as an “idiotic” trend not only puts themselves and others at risk, but could also face a fine of up to $6,676.
The plea to the public — one of many that have been issued over the past few years — comes after rangers with Queensland’s Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) recently investigated reports of discarded fish frames near Ninds Creek Bridge in Innisfail.
After the rangers arrived in the area, they discovered a 3.2-metre crocodile that had been lured to the area by the scraps dumped below the platform, a spokesperson for the department confirmed to Yahoo News Australia.
Concerning footage shows the fish frames scattered across rocks on the water’s edge, and the hungry animal lurking nearby.
The crocodile appears to dip back under the water after spotting the rangers, who then installed signs urging fishers to responsibly dispose of their waste, or face the consequences.
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Aussies caught illegally discarding fish scraps face hefty fines
It is illegal to discard fish scraps and bait in a way that may attract crocodiles to a public space such as a boat ramp, jetty or camping area, and where there is a sign of the presence of animals.
Anyone caught doing so faces an on-the-spot fine of $483 and a maximum court-imposed fine of $6,676.
The “dangerous” and “careless” behaviour increases the risk to public safety as it encourages the animals to loiter around public places in search of food, DETSI states online.
“Combined with habituation to humans, this can lead to changes in animal behaviour and is one of the main reasons for the removal of problem crocodiles outside active removal zones.”
It’s understood authorities are continuing to monitor the Ninds Creek Bridge area.
In September last year, one month after NSW doctor David Hogbin was taken by a crocodile in the state’s Far North, the fines for deliberately feeding the animals were increased by more than 400 per cent.
The on-the-spot fine jumped from $483 to $2580, with the maximum court-imposed fine increasing from $6,452 to $26,615.
‘Reckless’ behaviour teaches crocs to associate people with food
Earlier this year, a former Proserpine River tour guide shared his fury over the “stupid” and “reckless” human behaviour, which has long been condemned by authorities.
Mark Norman told Yahoo he feared an attack was imminent at the river’s boat ramp after a 4.5m croc was enticed to the area by pig carcasses and fish scraps.
The mature male, which was targeted for removal, had learned to associate humans with food.
Mark Norman previously told Yahoo he was outraged at the ‘reckless’ behaviour at the Proserpine River boat ramp. Source: Mark Norman
“The very reckless feeding activities at the public boat ramp have resulted in a very dangerous situation occurring,” he said. “It’s gotten to the point where this animal is quite brazen now.
“The biggest concern is that someone is going to get attacked at the boat ramp, it’s a very high probability the way things are going at the moment, unfortunately.”
He also said the reptile’s removal was “detrimental” to the river system. In 2019, another 4.5m crocodile dubbed ‘Fat Guts’ was removed from the Proserpine River after displaying “dangerous” behaviour stemming from illegal feeding.
Anyone who spots someone discarding fish scraps in public areas — intentionally or not — can be reported via the QWildlife app, online or by calling 1300 130 372.
“We investigate every sighting report received,” a DETSI spokesperson told Yahoo.
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