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The hatchling crocodile was found in a fish tank inside the home and has now been placed at a farm or zoo.
A juvenile estuarine crocodile has been seized, and a man has been fined following a joint investigation in Cairns between the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) and the Queensland Police Service.
After receiving information from a concerned member of the public, police and DETSI's Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) searched a home in Manoora on 16 May 2025.
The hatchling crocodile was found in a fish tank, and a man in his twenties was issued with a $2,419 Penalty Infringement Notice for unlawfully keeping the crocodile.
Acting Manager Northern Wildlife Operations, Dinouk Perera, said it is unlawful to keep estuarine and freshwater crocodiles in Queensland without a permit, and the animal was confiscated by QPWS officers.
"We believe the crocodile was captured as a hatchling and is now several months old," Mr Perera said.
"The man admitted that he had broken the law by taking the crocodile from the wild and although he was remorseful, we take a zero-tolerance approach to the unlawful possession of wildlife.
"We have examined the crocodile and although it appears healthy, it cannot be released back into the wild as it may have been exposed to disease. It is destined for a life at a farm or zoo, or at an educational facility.
"The maximum court-ordered penalty for unlawfully keeping an estuarine crocodile is $36,292."
Anyone with information about the deliberate taking, harming or killing of crocodiles, or the illegal trade of wildlife is urged to call 1300 130 372.
