PREVIEW

Wildlife officers have finally captured a dangerous 3.9-metre (12.8-foot) crocodile which had spent months stalking the residents of Herbert River in North Queensland, Australia, on Monday.

Resident Lawrence Perticato first reported the saltwater croc to the authorities after noticing a “dramatic change” in its behaviour, from his home backing onto the Herbert River.
He said the animal “thrashed and had a go” at him while he was mowing his lawn, and ate three of his neighbour’s chickens.
Saltwater crocodiles can be found on the east coast of India, across Southeast Asia, and in northern Australia and Micronesia. They are the largest living reptiles in the world, with males growing up to 1,000–1,500 kilograms (2,200–3,300 pounds) in weight and 6 metres (20 feet) long.
Saltwater crocs are known as hypercarnivorous apex predators. Their diet includes almost any animal that enters their territory, including other predators like sharks, and humans.
“He started to come for us and stalk us on the riverbank here,” Lawrence recalled to ABC News after the beast’s eventual capture. “I've lived on the river all my life and have become accustomed to crocodiles, and I know when there's a dangerous one… With this guy stalking us the way he has been, it's become very concerning.”
He added, “I do a lot of fishing here in the river and haven't been able to put my boat in because it's just too dangerous.”
Despite his previous experience with crocodiles, Lawrence felt “on edge” for the months that the animal was active in Herbert River.
Although Lawrence told the outlet he didn’t give crocodiles names because he doesn’t “like to get too attached”, he did share that a neighbour had dubbed this saltwater beast ‘Herbie’.
According to wildlife officer Ella Meeve, the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation was trying to capture Herbie for months.
“Three-point-nine metres is a big animal, so that absolutely poses a significant risk to human life,” she said. “If people were to walk too close to the water, it could have been bad news.”
Officers from the Department set a floating trap for Herbie, though their efforts were hampered by wet weather and flooding.
“We've been going up there two to three times a week, just trying to change the bait over and maintain that trap,” Ella remembered. “We are all very relieved that we have now removed that animal.”
On Monday, a gated trap on the banks of the river ensnared the crocodile, and officers later collected it.
“He was not very thrilled,” Ella said of the encounter. “He was very vocal — there were a lot of growls and bellows.”
After the capture, Herbie was driven to Townsville for transfer to a crocodile farm or zoo.
“It doesn't matter whether you've lived on the river all your life, or near rivers or waterways, just be 'croc-wise' all the time,” Lawrence advised. “Their numbers in this river have multiplied exponentially over the last 20 years. They're just becoming more game now – they're not scared of us.”