A saltwater crocodile measuring a giant 4.7 metres has been captured after an eight-year search in the Northern Territory.
It is the largest ever captured in the Katherine River system, which is believed to be home to some crocs measuring more than five metres.
Rangers became aware of the giant crocodile in 2010 when reports first started coming in about him lurking near a local boat ramp.
Since then, rangers have been on the lookout and they are confident yesterday’s catch is the culprit.
“He was caught in a private station 60 kilometres downstream from the Katherine township,” a spokeswoman from NT Parks and Wildlife told 9Digital.
Traps were set up two weeks ago and three monster crocs were spotted from the air.
“He is significantly larger than the others sighted in the area,” The spokeswoman said.
The spokeswoman said the 600-kilogram crocodile was quite fat and could be over 60 years old.
“He is middle-aged. They can live anywhere up to and over 100 years old.”
The Northern Territory Government said there have been 188 saltwater crocodiles captured in the Top End this year.
“This is the first time in two years they’ve caught one in that area,” the spokeswoman said.
Seven have been pulled from the Katherine River so far.
The second largest was 4.6 metre long "saltie" caught in 2011.
Although yesterday’s catch was uncommon for the dry season, there are still crocodiles moving around the Top End waterways undetected.
Rangers are warning people to stay vigilant and remain “croc wise” in the area.
Ranger John Burke told The Age “They are always moving around regardless of the temperature. The population is growing.”
The NT Parks and Wildlife spokeswoman told 9Digital the giant crocodile was not classed as a “problem croc” and he will be transported to a farm in the Katherine region.
https://www.9news.com.au/national/2018/07/10/12/36/giant-crocodile-caught-in-katherine-river
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