Wildlife officers are investigating the mysterious death of a large crocodile at Cow Bay in the Daintree, discovered beheaded on the beach.

The croc, four or more metres in length, was found near the estuary to the north of the Cow Bay Beach footpath entry.

The first report of the discovery was made to the Department of Environment and Science (DES) late yesterday, with another report this morning, which the DES confirmed to Newsport a short time ago.

It’s not known how the croc died – whether it was shot and its head removed to possibly hide any evidence such as a remaining bullet, or if it was attacked by a another crocodile or even a shark.

A local resident, who preferred to not be named, said the crocodile had been sighted along Cow Bay Beach several times recently.

“I take the dogs to the beach two or three times a day,” the resident told us. “It’s been cruising that area for about six weeks.”

The DES said it will be releasing any further information in “due course” once its officers have looked closely into the croc’s death.

“I don’t know if it’s just a straight out act to get rid of it so it didn’t take someone or something, or if it’s a trophy-hunting hero act or whatever, I’m not sure,” the resident added.