'Stupid' EPA moved giant croc to tourist mecca

[depakid]

A crocodile which has caused beaches to be closed at a north Queensland tourist mecca has gone missing as authorities admit the reptile was deliberately moved to the area.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said yesterday that the 3.5m crocodile had been trapped near the Cape York community of Bamaga earlier this year and released more than 1000km south, in a creek near Townsville, as part of satellite tracking program Crocs in Space to see whether it would establish a new home range.

The beast subsequently began to frequent Magnetic Island, just off Townsville, where beaches have been closed. Tourism operators on the island are incensed and say they will seek compensation for lost business.

The EPA said it hoped a 3pm (AEST) satellite fix will determine the whereabouts of the crocodile. "EPA is sympathetic to the Magnetic Island business operators and is endeavouring to catch the crocodile at the earliest opportunity," said Mike Devery, EPA Wildlife Branch Manager.

More: http://www.smh.com.au/news/news/stupid-epa-released-giant-croc-into-tourist-mecca/2008/10/30/1224956223513.html

It's bad enough that you can't swim in most places around there in the summer, due to chironex (Box Jellyfish). Now people have to worry about being eaten by a saltie!
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Croc food near Townsville:

[pscot]

1. How doth the little crocodile

Improve his shining tail
And pours the waters of the Nile
On every golden scale

How cheerfully he seems to grin
How neatly spreads his claws
And welcomes little fishes in
Through gently smiling jaws