Man interferes with trap set to catch problem crocodile

Footage has been released of the man standing barefoot on the floating trap in Cattle Creek near Ingham on Thursday.

The trap was set to capture a massive croc that had lunged at a fisherman from a nearby bank a week earlier.

Wildlife officers hope to identify the man who faces a fine of almost $19,000 for the reckless act.

"Interfering with a crocodile trap is potentially life-threatening behaviour and we cannot understand why the man has taken this risk," senior wildlife officer Tony Frisby said.

The trap was set up after a "large, aggressive crocodile" had been identified in the creek.

"Baited traps are designed to attract declared 'problem crocodiles' that pose an unacceptable risk to the public," Mr Frisby said.

"We have confirmed the presence of a large, aggressive crocodile in the creek and are seeking to remove the animal to help keep people safe.

"The baited, floating trap was set to capture a 4m crocodile that lunged twice at a person fishing from the bank on April 18."

A camera was mounted inside the trap and on Thursday it captured vision of the man's legs standing on it, ignoring "recent crocodile sighting warning" signs nearby.

Mr Frisby hoped the released footage helped identify the man, with the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation appealing to the public for help.

"Not only has the man risked his own life, he could have risked the lives of others, as interfering with a trap can render it inoperable so the target crocodile cannot not be caught," he said.

The maximum penalty for interfering with a crocodile trap is $18,576.

Anyone with information should call the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation.

"People are responsible for their own safety in croc country, and this man was certainly not being croc-wise by behaving in this reckless way," Mr Frisby said.

Ingham is a known crocodile habitat, with wildlife officers responding to 40 sightings in the area in 2024 alone.

Australian Associated Press