Man charged with interfering with a crocodile trap
Police have charged a man with one count each of obstruction of conservation officers and interfering with crocodile traps.
It will be alleged that the man attended the Coconuts boat ramp in Innisfail around 12:30pm on November 21 where wildlife officers from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) were removing a trap that contained a 4 metre crocodile.
It will be alleged the man approached the EHP officers and started arguing with them about the crocodile while they were reversing the trap trailer down the boat ramp.
The man allegedly stood on the trailer and extended the winch.
While the officers were pulling the trap out of the water, the man allegedly entered the water to waist depth and pushed at the trap.
It is alleged that when the officers directed him to exit the water and stop interfering with the trap as it was dangerous, he became verbally abusive.
The man’s behaviour caused the crocodile to become agitated and strike the side of the trap near where he was standing.
EHP Senior Wildlife Officer Tony Frisby said wildlife officers perform an very important and difficult job in locating and removing dangerous crocodiles from waterways.
“Removing a large crocodile is tricky enough and we certainly don’t need intervention by members of the public,” Mr Frisby said.
“If someone obstructs our officers while we are working, not only is it an offence, it can make the situation dangerous for our staff, and for the person interfering.
It may also cause the crocodile to thrash about and injure itself.
“If you see our officers in the process of removing a crocodile, please stay well clear and abide by any instructions our officers may give.”
Detectives from the Innisfail Criminal Investigation Branch located the 32-year-old Coconuts man on Tuesday.
He is scheduled to appear at the Innisfail Magistrates Court on December 18.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
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