Latest news Crocodile killed after suspected attack in Australia

After a suspected attack on a 40-year-old angler in Australia, rangers have killed a crocodile. The almost five-metre-long reptile was spotted by a helicopter about four kilometers from the scene of the accident, the wildlife authority said. It was recognized by a distinctive white scar on its snout.

Authorities now speak of "fatal attack"

The search for the 40-year-old is continuing, but it is feared that he is dead, according to media reports. A spokesperson for the wildlife protection authority also described the incident as a "fatal attack". The crocodile's carcass had been handed over to the police. It was probably several decades old.

The attack happened on Saturday near Cooktown in the north of the tropical state of Queensland. Initial investigations revealed that the man had been fishing on the riverbank when he fell into the water and did not resurface, according to a police statement.

According to reports, the man was with his wife and children on the banks of the Annan River, which is popular with anglers. The family from the neighboring state of New South Wales had been passing through in a caravan. "My condolences go out to the family, who are obviously traumatized at the moment," the 7News channel quoted investigator Greg Finucane as saying.

People are said to have been feeding crocodiles nearby

The authorities are also investigating reports on social media that people were seen feeding crocodiles near the scene of the accident. "This is very dangerous and very reckless", said a spokesperson for the wildlife protection authority. This encourages the reptiles to linger in the area and poses a major safety risk. Feeding crocodiles is considered a criminal offense and can be punished with a fine of around 3,800 euros.

Only in July, there was a fatal crocodile attack on a twelve-year-old girl in Australia. Rangers later killed a 4.2 meter long reptile in the Northern Territory. The child had been swimming near an Aboriginal community before disappearing. Emergency services later discovered the girl's remains. On average, there are two fatal crocodile attacks per year in Australia.

SDA