Wildlife rangers investigate after crocodile found beheaded
Wildlife rangers are investigating after a saltwater crocodile was removed from its trap and beheaded in Darwin.
Warning: This story contains an image some readers may find distressing.
The Northern Territory's Parks and Wildlife department has warned those responsible could face heavy fines or jail for their actions.
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Authorities said the animal was maimed after it was removed from an underwater trap at Howard Springs. Supplied
Authorities said the animal was maimed after it was removed from an underwater trap at Howard Springs.
It is believed the incident happened at about 4.30pm on Sunday.
The department's chief wildlife officer Peter Ross said not only is it illegal to interfere with a crocodile, "it is extremely dangerous".
"The crocodile management team received a report of a dead crocodile on the side of the road and were shocked at what they found," Ross said.
"The trap has been dragged out of the water, the crocodile removed, then dragged behind a vehicle and beheaded at some point."
Wildlife rangers are investigating after a saltwater crocodile was removed from its trap and beheaded in Darwin. Supplied
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Those responsible could face a maximum penalty of five years in prison or $81,000.
Hundreds of crocodiles are trapped and removed under the department's crocodile management strategy.
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