Environment: Crocodile shot dead because of an idiot

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service officers have shot dead the 400kg crocodile that attacked a man in far north Queensland. Searchers have found no trace of the victim aged 60.

Excuse me if I have more sympathy for the crocodile than for the victim.

The man and his wife were fishing in a canoe in Lakefield National Park, an area they knew well. They were regular visitors and police said they were well aware of the danger. In addition, there are plenty of large warning notices around the area.

QPWS researcher Mark Read said, "If you look at the attack scenario quite often the crocodile is responding because of some perceived territorial intrusion."

Exactly.