There are few things more quintessentially Australian than a lazy afternoon by a tropical creek, the sun glinting off the water, and the distant possibility of spotting one of our most ancient residents: the saltwater crocodile.
But for the locals of Far North Queensland, a recent discovery in their beloved waterway has left them less in awe and more in shock—and for good reason.
Over the weekend, a severed deer head was found lurking in the shallows of a creek known to be home to Clyde, a massive crocodile who’s become something of a local celebrity.
Clyde isn’t just any croc—he’s an ‘icon crocodile,’ measuring over four metres and holding deep cultural significance for the local First Nations community, who regard him as a totem animal. But as Clyde’s fame has grown, so too have the risks posed by reckless human behaviour.
The grisly find was first spotted by Cairns teacher Bryony, who was out ‘nature spotting’ with her sons.
Hoping for a glimpse of Clyde, they were instead confronted by the sight of the deer’s antlers and head submerged in the creek bed.
‘It looks like they’re trying to either feed him or bait him. It’s just really reckless. It was just horrifying,’ Bryony said.
And she’s not wrong. Feeding or baiting crocodiles isn’t just dangerous—it’s illegal. Queensland authorities have ramped up penalties in recent years, with on-the-spot fines now sitting at a hefty $2,580 and court-imposed penalties reaching a staggering $26,614.
The reason for these tough laws is simple: feeding crocs can make them associate humans with food, increasing the risk of attacks and, ultimately, leading to the removal—or destruction—of the animal.
Bryony is calling for better signage to warn tourists of the dangers, fearing that if the current behaviour continues, it’s only a matter of time before tragedy strikes.
‘If tourists wander on that beach, then something terrible is going to happen. And it’ll be Clyde that’s removed, and it could also be a fatality that we’ll see,’ she warned.
Matt Cornish, wildlife guide, photographer, and founder of CROC (Community Representation of Crocodiles), didn’t mince words when asked about the incident.
‘Stop being stupid. Your behaviour is for a short-term personal gain, but results in long-term pain for the broader community and the Indigenous people of the area and the crocodile, and the ecosystem attached to it,’ he said.
Matt’s frustration is understandable. Just last year, a man was killed by a crocodile in Cooktown after falling into a river where the croc had been regularly fed by humans.
The tragic incident is a stark reminder that these aren’t just stories—they’re real risks with real consequences.
Despite the increased fines, Matt believes enforcement is still lacking. ‘This kind of behaviour not only will result in crocodiles being removed, but will result in another fatality in the near future,’ he said, urging the government to step up and crack down on offenders.
The Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation has confirmed the incident is under investigation.
‘Not only is the alleged behaviour extremely dangerous, it could also result in a potential penalty of $26,614,’ a spokesperson said.
They’re encouraging anyone with information to report it by calling 1300 130 372, with the option to remain anonymous.
Why does this keep happening?
It’s easy to see the appeal of getting up close and personal with a creature as impressive as Clyde.
But what many don’t realise is that feeding or baiting crocodiles disrupts their natural behaviour, making them more likely to approach humans and, ultimately, putting both people and crocs at risk.
When a croc becomes a ‘problem animal’, it’s often the animal that pays the price—either by being relocated or, in some cases, euthanised.
There’s also a cultural dimension to consider. For many First Nations communities, crocodiles like Clyde are more than just wildlife—they’re totems, symbols of connection to country and culture.
The loss of such an animal is felt deeply, not just by the local ecosystem but by the people who have lived alongside these creatures for generations.
What can be done?
Education is key. More signage, better information for tourists, and community outreach can all help reduce risky behaviour.
But as Matt Cornish points out, laws are only effective if they’re enforced. Increased patrols, community reporting, and swift penalties for offenders could go a long way towards protecting both people and crocodiles.
A call to our readers
Have you ever encountered a crocodile in the wild? What do you think should be done to protect both these magnificent animals and the people who share their habitat?
Have you noticed risky behaviour from tourists or locals in your area? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences—share your stories in the comments below!
Let’s work together to keep our waterways safe for everyone—humans and crocs alike. And remember: when it comes to our native wildlife, respect is the best policy.
Also read: Shocking croc danger caught on camera at Australian tourist spot
