Wildlife rangers are investigating after stumbling upon a saltwater crocodile that was removed from its trap and beheaded in Darwin’s rural area.
WARNING: This story contains an image some readers may find distressing.
The NT's Parks and Wildlife department has labelled the action shocking and "extremely dangerous" and warn those responsible could face serious consequences.
The animal, believed to be about three metres long, was maimed after being removed from an underwater trap off Gunn Point Road at Howard Springs.
Rangers believe the incident took place some time after 4:30pm on Sunday.
“The crocodile management team received a report of a dead crocodile on the side of the road and were shocked at what they found,” said the department’s chief wildlife officer, Peter Ross.
“The trap has been dragged out of the water, the crocodile removed, then dragged behind a vehicle and beheaded at some point.
“Not only is it illegal to interfere with a crocodile; it is extremely dangerous.”
Those responsible could face a maximum penalty of $81,000 or five years in prison.
The department traps and removes hundreds of crocodiles each year under its crocodile management strategy.
Anyone with information is urged to contact rangers on 0401 115 702.
