…Researched and contributed by Jack Sylva.
A headless crocodile found on a beach in Cow Bay, north of Cairns, has raised concerns of possible foul play.
Wildlife experts are investigating whether the reptile was killed for a trophy.
Discovery by Photographer Photographer Tom Hayes was the first to spot the decapitated reptile on the beach.
He believes that it was killed by a human as there were marks of machete on its back.
Hayes added that the marks were not made by another crocodile that had attacked the reptile.
He was disgusted by the brutal act and stated that it did not matter if the crocodile was shot or found dead, the act of mutilation was still heinous.
Investigation The Queensland Environment Department has launched an investigation into the matter but has been unable to determine the cause of the beheading.
The department has not ruled out the possibility of foul play but says it could also have been an attack by a rival crocodile.
The act of mutilating a crocodile in Queensland is against wildlife laws and is punishable by a $14,000 fine.
Similar Incidents In the Northern Territory, crocodiles can only be killed by licensed hunters under the territory’s crocodile management program.
The skulls of the crocodiles are sold for up to $4800. Similar incidents have been reported in the past where the reptiles were killed for their skulls.
Commentary
The brutal act of decapitating the crocodile has raised questions about wildlife conservation and protection laws.
It is important to maintain and enforce these laws to prevent such heinous acts from happening. The investigation should be thorough and prompt, and the culprit should be brought to justice.
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