North Queensland wildlife officers have successfully captured a 3.9-metre (12.8-foot) saltwater crocodile that had been terrorizing the residents of Herbert River for months. The aggressive crocodile, nicknamed Herbie, exhibited unusual behavior, including attacking local resident Lawrence Perticato while he was mowing his lawn and eating his neighbor’s chickens.
Saltwater crocodiles are known to be the largest living reptiles in the world, with males reaching weights of up to 1,000–1,500 kilograms (2,200–3,300 pounds) and lengths of 6 metres (20 feet). Lawrence Perticato, who has lived on the river all his life, described feeling on edge during the crocodile’s period of activity in Herbert River. Despite his familiarity with crocodiles, he noted that this particular one was behaving in a dangerous manner.
The successful capture of the dangerous crocodile brought an end to the months of fear and uncertainty experienced by the residents of Herbert River. The community can now breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the threat posed by the aggressive saltwater crocodile has been eliminated. The crocodile will be transferred to a crocodile farm or zoo in Townsville for further observation and care.
