Police Officer Uses Shovel to Capture Crocodile Found on Family’s Front Porch

In a remarkable turn of events in Western Australia, a police officer took on the unexpected role of wildlife rescuer after a freshwater crocodile made an appearance outside a family’s home. The incident occurred in Junjuwa, a small community situated near Fitzroy Crossing, within the Kimberley region, approximately 2,400 kilometres north of Perth.

The community was left astounded when the approximately one-metre crocodile was discovered lounging on the front porch. Local residents, concerned for their safety and unsure how to manage the situation, reached out to the police seeking assistance. Officer Mark Howes, who serves as the officer-in-charge of the Fitzroy Crossing police, was soon notified of the unusual situation.

Howes recounted the moment he received the call from one of his colleagues. The staff member had approached him, asking, “Do you know who gets rid of crocodiles in Fitzroy Crossing?” After discovering that no wildlife officers were available at the time, Howes decided to take matters into his own hands and go to the scene.

Upon his arrival, he found the crocodile sitting comfortably on the porch, presenting a unique challenge for the officer. Initially, Howes aimed to lead the reptile safely through the front gate and back to the river. However, the situation took an unexpected turn when the crocodile bolted into the backyard, making the process more complicated.

Recalling the sudden shift, Howes said, “I picked up the shovel and, of course, best laid plans, it went out the back of the house where there’s no gate.” Faced with an agile creature and limited options, he had to think quickly. He grabbed a metal tool with a forked end and managed to pin the crocodile momentarily, allowing him the opportunity to approach from behind.

With a firm grip on the reptile’s neck, Howes carefully lifted the crocodile and carried it out of the yard, much to the astonishment of onlookers. “It gave me enough time to jump in behind it and grab it so it didn’t bite me,” he reflected, demonstrating both courage and remarkable reflexes in what could have quickly turned into a dangerous situation.

Once safely outside, the crocodile was transported in the back of a police vehicle, ready to be returned to its natural habitat. Howes noted that while the operation concluded successfully, the crocodile was not a compliant passenger. “It still had sharp teeth, and it was having a red-hot crack at me,” he remarked, underscoring the risks involved in the rescue.

The incident highlights not only the unpredictability of wildlife encounters in remote Australian communities but also the services rendered by local police officers who are often called upon to respond in such situations. With no wildlife officers available to address the problem, Howes’ quick thinking ensured both human and animal safety.

The astonishing episode serves as a reminder of the diverse wildlife that inhabits the region and the importance of community cooperation in keeping residents safe. Furthermore, it showcases the versatility of police work, as officers can find themselves tackling a variety of incidents that extend beyond traditional law enforcement duties.

As the crocodile was successfully relocated back to the river, the community returned to its routine, albeit with a few more tales to tell about their encounters with local wildlife. As for Howes, he remains a local hero and a testament to the adaptability of the police force in Western Australia.