THE ADVERTISER (Adelaide, Australia) 06 December 06 Croc dies after removed from river
(AAP) A 300kg saltwater crocodile hauled out of the Katherine River yesterday for safety reasons died before it got to its new home.
The male saltie, measuring more than 3m, was captured by wildlife officers yesterday afternoon at Donkey Camp, 8km from Katherine.
Parks and Wildlife acting regional director Sarah Kerin said the hefty reptile died before making it to its home.
The croc was spotted in a zone one area of the river - an area frequently used for fishing and canoeing.
"In the interest of public safety all crocodiles sighted in the area are removed," Ms Kerin said.
"(It is) a no-tolerance area for saltwater crocodiles."
Under the Katherine River Crocodile Strategy, zone one extends from Nitmiluk, past Katherine Township to Vampire Creek.
"Within this zone permanent traps are checked on a weekly basis and the area is surveyed by boat and helicopter regularly as part of the Katherine Crocodile Management Plan," Ms Kerin said.
Yesterday's capture was the 11th crocodile removed from the Katherine River in 2006, and the third removed from zone one this year.
"The Katherine Crocodile Strategy aims to remove problem crocodiles that may pose a threat to public safety while promoting the conservation and management of our native wildlife," Ms Kerin said.
Croc dies after removed from river