Remains of missing tourist found in crocodile's mouth

The 40-year-old doctor, Dave Hogbin, from Newcastle, New South Wales, was on holiday in Queensland with his wife and three children. One of the attractions was a visit to a wildlife park near Cooktown.

On Saturday, while he and other tourists were walking, a steep escarpment collapsed beneath him, pulling Hogbin into the water. His wife described him to the media as a tall, strong and physically fit man, but there was little he could do about the situation. The park service was notified of the dangerous incident.

A helicopter was used to search for the man, from which a nearly five-meter crocodile was spotted on Monday. The reptile, which was four kilometers from the scene, was shot.

The death of the giant reptile was announced by Daniel Guymer, Queensland's senior conservation officer.

– The animal had evidence in its mouth indicating that Mr Hogbin was the target of its attack, the official added.

The remains of the man were sent to a laboratory to confirm the victim's identity. This is the third crocodile attack on a human in Australia this year. The highest number of such incidents – four – was recorded in 2014. As the Associated Press news agency points out, the crocodile population in this country has increased significantly since they were placed under protection in 1970.

The services claim that one of the reasons for crocodile attacks on people is the inappropriate behavior of tourists who, among other things, feed the local specimens.

“It's very risky and very reckless. If people feed the crocodiles, they encourage them to stay there, and that will be a safety hazard for people who come later,” said Daniel Guymer.

The fine for intentionally feeding a crocodile in Queensland is A$6,500 (approximately $4,200 US).