Canberra

Authorities in Australia’s Northern Territory (NT) have euthanized a 4.2-meter saltwater crocodile responsible for the tragic death of a child, confirmed NT Police on Wednesday. According to source, the incident occurred when the 12-year-old girl was swimming with her family near Palumpa, a remote town more than 200 kilometers southwest of Darwin on July 2. Her disappearance prompted a two-day search involving aerial surveillance, police, park rangers, and local community members, leading to the discovery of her remains on July 4.

Police determined the girl’s injuries were consistent with a crocodile attack, marking the first fatal crocodile incident in NT since 2018. In a statement, NT Police disclosed that rangers, with approval from local Indigenous traditional owners, shot the crocodile on Sunday after it resurfaced on Tuesday, confirming its identity as the assailant.

The events of last week have had a huge impact on the family, and local police continue to offer support during this difficult time, stated Senior Sergeant Erica Gibson of NT Police. The family has requested privacy as they mourn their loss.

According to NT government estimates, the region hosts over 100,000 saltwater crocodiles in the wild, more than any other Australian state or territory.