PICTURED: Fury over monster croc found dead in Queensland with bullet to head
People are outraged after a huge 5.2 metre crocodile was found dead near Alligator Creek in the Fitzroy River system in Queensland on Thursday.
Police released an image of the monstor crocodile on Friday, that was found with a gunshot wound to the head.
The photo shows the crocodile being taken away from the river on a trailer, taking up the entire space.
The crocodile measured 5.2 metres long. Source: Queensland Police Service
The Department of Environment said the animal was not a "problem croc" and it's issued an urgent warning for people to be aware of the risks of crocodiles.
Crocodiles over five metres are classified as "iconic".
A shooter may face a maximum penalty of more than $28,000 under the Nature Conservation Act.
The Department said that not only is it sad the crocodile was shot, but that people should now also expect the balance of the crocodile population to change in the Fitzroy.
"We can expect increased aggressive activity by younger male crocodiles," Department of Environment and Heritage Protection Conservation and Biodiversity Operations Director, Michael Joyce, told The Morning Bulletin.
"That's because they will be competing to take the dominant position which is now vacant."
One person labelled the shooting "wrong".
"Oh so it wasn't shot by relevant authorities, a member of the public shot it. That's wrong," the person said.
"That's sooooo sad," another person wrote.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
