A group of men have been labelled contenders for “idiots of the century” after they splashed about in a baited crocodile trap.
Four swimmers were pictured frolicking in the floating snare near the scene of a fatal crocodile attack in Queensland, Australia earlier this month.
Their rash antics sparked sweeping condemnation. Julia Leu, the mayor of Douglas Shire, said of the incident at the Port Douglas Marina: “I was absolutely gobsmacked, this is incredibly stupid and dangerous behaviour.”
She told ABC Radio: “I’m wondering if these fellows are vying for the idiots of the year award or the idiots of the century award.”
Queensland’s environment minister, Steven Miles, was also stunned.
He tweeted: “Srsly? The meat we put in these traps is bait. For crocodiles. Don’t swim in them! It’s stupid and illegal.”
Anne Cameron, a 79-year-old dementia sufferer, went missing not far from Port Douglas less than two weeks ago.
Authorities believe she was eaten by a crocodile after human remains were discovered inside one of the large reptiles captured by wildlife officers.