The footage reportedly showed people throwing fish scraps or meat into water where crocodiles ate it, but it does not prove that feeding caused the fatal Annan River attack. The missing man, a 40-year-old from New South Wales, fell into the river while fishing with family near Cooktown on 3 August 2024. The search later ended after human remains believed to be his were found in a crocodile authorities believed was responsible.
What did the crocodile-feeding footage show?
PerthNow reported that social-media clips showed people throwing fish scraps or meat into the water and crocodiles eating it. Captions suggested the scenes were at the Annan River in Cooktown, but the article said the footage dates were unknown. The reported location and timing therefore remain unverified details, not established facts about when or where the clips were filmed. PerthNow’s report
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Nothing in that reporting establishes that the people in the videos were connected to the incident, or that feeding caused the attack. Queensland’s warning describes a general risk: crocodiles fed at riverbanks or boat ramps may linger there waiting for food, potentially putting later visitors at greater risk if they approach or enter the water. Queensland’s 5 August 2024 statement
What happened on the Annan River?
3 August 2024: The man goes missing
Queensland Police said a 40-year-old New South Wales man went missing after falling into the Annan River while fishing with family near Cooktown. ABC reported that emergency services were called at about 2:10 p.m. after reports he may have been taken by a crocodile. ABC News’ account
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5 August 2024: Search and capture
While the search was underway, Queensland’s environment department described boat, drone and helicopter surveys, as well as a baited trap prepared with Yuku Baja Muliku Land and Sea Rangers. At that point, the department cautioned that the full circumstances had not been confirmed. Queensland’s search update
Wildlife officers euthanised a large crocodile found in a small creek about four kilometres upstream. The department said its snout markings were consistent with those of the target animal and that it was believed responsible for the fatal attack. Queensland’s investigation update
After the search
ABC reported that human remains were found in the crocodile and were believed to be those of the missing man, identified in the reporting as Newcastle doctor David Hogbin. The search that was underway when the footage story appeared was no longer an ongoing missing-person search; the reported outcome was a fatal attack.
Is it illegal to feed crocodiles in Queensland?
Yes. Queensland’s environment department stated on 5 August 2024: “It is illegal to feed crocodiles in Queensland.” The department listed a penalty of $6,452 for deliberately feeding a crocodile in that release. That is the amount stated at that time, not confirmation of the penalty in force today. Department statement, 5 August 2024
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The department’s concern is not limited to direct contact with a crocodile. Feeding can encourage crocodiles to wait near places where people fish or launch boats; leaving fish scraps or bait by the water can also attract wildlife. The clips do not establish a cause for the Annan River attack, but the department’s warning explains why feeding is prohibited and risky.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Queensland crocodile-safety advice near waterways
Queensland advises people to assume crocodiles may be present in all waterways, including where there are no warning signs. Its Crocwise guidance recommends:
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- Obey warning signs and keep well back from the water’s edge when fishing.
- Never wade into the water to retrieve a lure.
- Camp well back from the water, and do not leave food, fish scraps or bait near it.
- Never feed, provoke or harass crocodiles.
- Supervise children whenever they are near water.
- Use extra caution around water at night; smaller vessels such as canoes and kayaks carry greater risk.
These are precautions for crocodile habitat, not a guarantee that any activity or equipment makes a waterway safe. Queensland’s Crocwise guidance in the 5 August 2024 update
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