A saltwater crocodile measuring 2.3 metres has been spotted in a dam west of Brisbane, hundreds of kilometres from its natural habitat.
A spokesperson for Queensland’s environmental department said the department had received a report of a crocodile sighting near Gatton.
The reptile was later removed and staff will “look to rehome it” the spokesperson said.
Saltwater or estuarine crocodile habitat area begins at the Boyne River south of Gladstone — more 400 kilometres as the crow flies from where the crocodile was found — north to the Torres Strait and across the Cape York Peninsula and Gulf Country.
The crocodile seen in the dam in footage supplied to the ABC. (Supplied)
While crocodiles can be found outside of that area, sightings are rare.
Last year rangers began a search for a crocodile near Noosa on the Sunshine Coast after a sighting at a popular beachside camping spot.
The department said anyone with information about the crocodile should get in touch or make an anonymous tip via their website.
The maximum court-ordered penalty for unlawfully taking or keeping a saltwater crocodile in Queensland is $37,500.