Oak Beach croc "Vanessa" removed despite pleas
Crocwise
Authorities have caught and removed a resident Oak Beach crocodile known as "Vanessa" amid pleas from dozens of people on social media to leave her be.
Launched by Anna Sophie, the social media push to stop a bid by wildlife authorities trapping Vanessa fell short, the crocodile removed from the area on Sunday morning.
Anna posted a plea on local Facebook notice boards on Thursday when learning of plans to remove the crocodile from Oak Beach.
“I have just witnessed wildlife authorities setting a trap at Oak Beach to capture Vanessa, the resident crocodile known to our local community,’’ Anna said.
“Vanessa lives in crocodile habitat. Locals know her movements, respect her space and take sensible Crocwise precautions.
“No evidence has been provided to our community that she has attacked anyone or displayed behaviour that justifies her removal.
“Yes, Vanessa sometimes investigates crab pots or takes bait that people leave near the water. She is a wild crocodile behaving like a crocodile, not a nuisance animal who deserves to be condemned to captivity or death because humans have behaved irresponsibly in her habitat.
“Removing Vanessa will not remove the habitat or prevent another, unfamiliar crocodile from moving into the area. It removes an animal whose movements our community already understands and replaces familiarity with uncertainty.’’
Anna’s call to action included emailing the State Government Environment Tourism, Science and Innovation Department; the Environment Minister and Cook MP David Kempton.
“Please share this post and lodge your own respectful written complaint,’’ Anna encouraged.
“Numbers matter, but factual, individual complaints matter even more.
“This is Croc Country. Coexistence requires responsible human behaviour, not automatically removing wildlife for existing in its natural home.’’
The post triggered a wave of support, led by Solar Whisper’s David White.
“Very sad situation when we can’t coexist with the oldest residents,’’ he wrote.
“The beach will be no safer when they take Miss V as all crocs are dangerous if we don’t act accordingly.
“Douglas Shire touts itself to the world as a place where wildlife lives, it’s sad this attitude still exists.’’
Liz Reedy called on residents and supporters to set the trap off at every opportunity, while JJ Bugman, Kim Christensen and Kathrina Southwell called to “leave Vanessa alone’’.
“Wow, so what, we just trap all the animals in the ocean?” added Tricia Griffin.
Oak Beach resident Mark Hogan said Vanessa had “never been a problem”.
“All of us are aware of her and there has never been any interaction, stalking, threatening or any other issue,” he said.
The Croc Dashboard lists a sighting of a crocodile around 4.30pm on September 7 and the matter was listed as “under investigation”.
Derani Zealand pointed out that Vanessa should only be removed if displaying aggressive behaviour.
"Oak Beach is in Zone E. Crocs only removed if displaying aggressive behaviour,'' Ms Zealand said.
"So if Vanessa is not displaying dangerous behaviour it doesn't matter what size she is. She needs to be left alone."
Anna declined to comment further following the removal of Vanessa, saying only that it had been her only objective to save her.