‘Idiots of the century’: Four men seen frolicking in baited crocodile traps in Australia
‘Idiots of the century’: Four men seen frolicking in baited crocodile traps in Australia http://ebx.sh/2y4Vc1r
Four men have been dubbed the “idiots of the century” by a local mayor in Queensland, Australia, after Facebook photos showed them swimming into a baited crocodile trap.
“I
was absolutely gobsmacked, this is incredibly stupid and dangerous
behaviour. I’m wondering if these fellows are vying for the idiots of
the year award or the idiots of the century award,” Julia Leu, the mayor
of Douglas Shire, told Australia’s ABC Radio.In the photos, the men are seen swimming around the trap, venturing inside the trap, and even standing on top of it. The trap was set up after a 79-year-old woman with dementia was reportedly taken by a 4.3-metre long crocodile just two weeks ago. That croc was trapped, but the area is a well known habitat for the animals.
Queensland’s environment minister also chimed in, stunned at the men’s stunt.
“Srsly?” Steven Miles tweeted. “The meat we put in these traps is bait. For crocodiles. Don’t swim in them! It’s stupid, and illegal.”
The Queensland government recently introduced fines of more than $15,000 for people who tamper with traps. The men have not been identified, but an investigation has been launched.
Queensland, in Australia’s northeast, has a coastline spanning more than 7,000 kilometres. Its Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system and is home to thousands of marine species.
Link: http://www.vancouversun.com/news/world
