Giant 5.2-metre (17 foot) croc shot dead in central Queensland [View all]

A massive 5.2-metre saltwater crocodile has been found shot dead in central Queensland, which locals describe as the largest-ever carcass pulled from the river in the area.

State environmental officers were alerted to the dead animal following a tip-off from a member of the public.
The crocodile was taken to a nearby boat ramp, where forensic police examined the carcass before it was taken to a nearby farm for a necropsy.

Koorana Saltwater Crocodile Farm owner John Lever said the reptile was the largest carcass pulled from the river in the area.
"Five metres-plus is quite rare and he's got to be at least 50, 60 or even 70 years of age," Mr Lever said.

"There has been a pretty strong public reaction against shooting crocs after this discovery.
"There was another large crocodile shot a while ago on a cattle property but it was discarded in the river and only photographed by someone in a kayak as it floated past them."

Read more at:
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/giant-5-2-metre-croc-shot-dead-in-central-queensland-20170922-p4yw1i.html