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Group of men labeled 'Idiots of the century' for climbing into baited crocodile trap in Australia

You've Got Grown Men Swimming In A Crocodile Trap, Exactly Where We Put The Bait For The Crocodiles.

News Nation Bureau | Edited By : Tahir Qureshi | Updated on: 24 Oct 2017, 08:56:07 PM
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New Delhi:

There is a very thin line between courage and idiocy, and it was proved in northeast Australia where a group of over-adventurous men were spotted and photographed while they were swimming around, and even climbing into a baited crocodile trap near the scene of a fatal attack in Queensland at the Port Douglas Marina.  

The men have been branded "idiots of the century!"

An investigation has been launched by the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) into the breach. 

The traps were set up in the area after a 4.3m crocodile was believed to have killed a 79-year-old dementia patient Anne Cameron two weeks ago.

"These traps are specifically designed to attract crocodiles and they are deployed in places where a problem crocodile is known to be present," a department spokesperson said in a statement to ABC News.

"It is extremely dangerous to interfere with a crocodile trap, regardless of whether or not there is a crocodile within.

"It is not an exaggeration to say that interfering with crocodile traps can be potentially life-threatening for the person concerned."

The men, who have been widely condemned after the photos spread on social media, could face a $15,000 fine for their behaviour. 

Julia Leu, the local mayor, said she 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,” she told ABC radio.

Steven Miles, Queensland’s environment minister, said: "I've seen some pretty ridiculous things in my time as Environment Minister, particularly when it comes to crocodiles, but this one takes the cake.

"You've got grown men swimming in a crocodile trap, exactly where we put the bait for the crocodiles.

"The reason the trap is there is because we suspect there are crocodiles in the area.

"The trap is dangerous in and of itself, and of course if the crocodile were to appear that would be even more dangerous."

He also urged anyone with information on the matter to contact the department.

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First Published : 24 Oct 2017, 08:55:31 PM

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