A large saltwater crocodile that sparked periodic beach closures around Broome in recent weeks has been captured and relocated by authorities.
The 3.5-metre-long estuarine crocodile had been sighted in waters around the tourist town, about 2,000 kilometres north of Perth in WA’s Kimberley, multiple times in recent weeks.
But a sighting on Saturday, just north of Cable Beach and about 100 metres offshore, saw Yawuru and Parks and Wildlife rangers decide capture and relocation was the safest possible option.
This resulted in another beach closure, the third in recent weeks, as rangers began the “inherently risky” process of wrangling the reptile.
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Parks and Wildlife district officer Lyle Gilbert said the reptile, relatively large by Kimberley standards, was well within Broome’s crocodile control zone, an area of ocean around the town where the animals were monitored and removed.
“The crocodiles we capture and relocate are ones occurring in the croc risk management area … where they’re going to potentially run into people,” Mr Gilbert said.
“And if they’re causing problems, if they’re threatening vessels or showing signs they could potentially attack people, we’ll relocate them.”
The crocodile was seen 100 metres offshore. (Supplied: Poppy Youdale)
How do you capture a crocodile?
Mr Gilbert said It took four rangers to capture the animal.
“[We] attach to the crocodile by either a grapple or a harpoon, which basically just sticks into the skin, which holds the animal in place,” he said.
“Then it’s a matter of actually securing its jaws to reduce the risk to people and cover its eyes.”
Mr Gilbert stressed the importance of managing the risks to both the people involved and the crocodile to ensure the process ran smoothly and safely.
He said people must remain vigilant and aware in “crocodile country”.
Rare occurrence
Beach Hut Broome owner Angela Roberson was at Cable Beach on the weekend when the capture occurred.
Several beaches across Broome were periodically closed over recent weeks, as this crocodile lurked. (ABC Kimberley: Ruby Littler)
She said there was lots of interest from locals and tourists, with people lining the stairs and looking out from the surf club to try to catch a glimpse.
“I have seen crocodiles, but not of that size and not right here in front of our business,” she said.
“It does happen, but not too regularly; I think this one was a bit misplaced.”
Ms Roberson, whose business rents sun chairs and beach equipment to beachgoers, said she was grateful to those involved with safely capturing the crocodile.
“They managed to capture it within an hour and a half, which is amazing. They really should get a lot of credit for responding so quickly,” she said.
“I’m very thankful we’re able to reopen the beach and we’re able to continue to trade, which is great for Cable Beach and great for tourism in general.”
Cable Beach is a tourist mecca for travellers from around the country. (ABC News)
Park crocodile’s new home
The reptile was successfully transferred to Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park, on the outskirts of Broome.
Mr Gilbert said it was fortunate the park was located so close because it led to better outcomes for the animal.
“Those guys look after the crocodiles really well and he’ll get fed regularly and not have to work as hard for his food,” he said.
“He should have a pretty good life out there.”