Residents of an Australian town are furious upon finding a mutilated crocodile carcass rotting on an idyllic beach.
Warning: Graphic content.
A desecrated 13-foot/3.69-metre crocodile has been discovered on Cow Bay Beach in Queensland, Australia.
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The stunning beach is situated a stone's throw away from major tourist hubs in the Daintree Region. It also features a lush jungle backdrop and crystal blue waters.
However, locals are furious upon finding a beheaded crocodile spoiling the tranquil plane.
If you’re a little squeamish, look away now as this picture of the decapitated crocodile is not a pretty sight.
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According to the Queensland Department of Environment and Science (DES), it is not currently known how the crocodile died.
“Due to the state of decomposition, it cannot be determined if there has been any human interference,” the DES told Live Science.
“It may be that the crocodile was decapitated (pre or post-mortem) due to natural predation.”
However, not everyone believes that the gigantic male crocodile died of natural courses.
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Crocodile photographer, conservationist and local Tom Chalmers Hayes said, “The DES claim is absolutely ridiculous. I was with the body for three hours and there are absolutely no markings to suggest a crocodile has killed this male and torn it up.”
Chalmers Hayes then reportedly said that upon inspection there were ‘very clear’ machete marks around the neck of the deceased beast. He believed that the head had ‘been removed’.
In a video he posted to social media, he continues to chat about the crocodile, calling the dead crocodile a "poor c***"
"I know there have been some people who don’t like this crocodile in this area for a while, but I just can’t imagine why anyone would actually take it upon themselves to kill him – It’s pretty disgusting," he says.
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It's thought that the recent decapitation could be related to the three Queensland-based crocodile attacks that have taken place over the past few months.
In February, it was reported that a local 37-year-old man named Andrew McPhee, had to free his leg from the jaws of a crocodile, after it dragged him and his dog into the Bloomfield River.
The 4.2-metre crocodile was apparently shot dead after the man was attacked.
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While all the attacks since February have been non-fatal, the newly-discovered beheaded crocodile could potentially be related.
Elsewhere, it’s thought that this inhumane death could also disturb the social order and cause harm to the Queensland ecosystem.
Postdoctoral researcher at Charles Darwin University, Cameron Baker said, “As we’re only beginning to understand the social system of crocodiles, it’s difficult to predict how the removal of a single large male crocodile will impact the remaining crocodiles in the area.”
“As top predators, crocodiles potentially play several crucial roles in their environment.
“For instance, by limiting the population density and behaviour of their prey species, crocodiles inadvertently enhance the survival of their prey’s prey.
“The removal of crocodiles through hunting may unintentionally alter the composition of the ecosystem,” he added.
Ella Scott