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NORTHERN TERRITORY NEWS (Darwin, Australia) 15 July 07 Monster croc executed (Greg McLean)
Photo: Gunned Down: This croc, affectionately known as Elizabeth, had to be destroyed after it was found peppered with bullets
A monster croc with a taste for fishing boats has been found peppered with bullets from a high-powered rifle.
The 5.5m saltie - nicknamed Elizabeth by locals - had to be put down by police after a tour guide spotted him labouring on the banks of the Daly River with gunshot wounds to the head.
Prestige Inland and Coastal owner Jeff Wenban, 31, was sightseeing with his family from interstate on Friday morning when he came across his "old mate" about 35km west of the Woolianna boat ramp on the Daly.
Mr Wenban believes he had been shot in the head several times with a high-powered rifle.
The monster croc was notorious around Daly River for stalking fishermen and sometimes biting their boats for encroaching in his waters.
"He's grabbed hold of the back of my boat in the past, but he only did it because we were in his area," Mr Wenban said.
"He certainly used to let people know he was around and everyone knew about him.
"He was a big old fella, he could have been 100 years old, and you never want to see an animal like that die in those circumstances.
"Having him around was great for me because everyone wants to see the big crocs and he was massive.
"Everyone on the river knows him as my mate and it's sad to see him go out like that.
"He was a bit of a danger, but if someone wanted to get rid of him that badly they could have arranged to take him out to a wildlife park."
Officer-in-charge of Daly River police Ian Kennon said problem crocs should be reported to police or Parks and Wildlife.
Anyone caught and successfully prosecuted for shooting crocodiles faces up to five years' jail or a fine of up to $55,000.
Anyone with information about the shooting can call police on 131 444.
Monster croc executed

AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION 31 July 07 Police close investigation into croc maiming
Police have had to close their investigation into who maimed one of the Northern Territory's large salt water crocodiles, because of a lack of evidence.
The 4.5-metre long Daly River crocodile was shot in the head just over a fortnight ago, and police had to kill it.
Rangers took the crocodile's skull, but they were not able to find enough of a bullet for there to be forensic tests done.
Police say the matter is now considered finalised unless more information comes to light.
Police close investigation into croc maiming