MELBOURNE, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- A massive saltwater crocodile has been found shot dead in the Australian State of Queensland, and experts fear its death could spark a dangerous fight for supremacy among young males, the Guardian reported.
The 5.2-meter male reptile was found dead with a bullet in his head in the Fitzroy river on Thursday and was taken to a nearby farm for necropsy and burial. It was estimated to be between 80 and 100 years old.
Locals said a five-meter crocodile had not been caught in the area for 20 to 30 years.
The remaining male crocodiles could act differently and become more hostile as they establish who will rule next, an official from Queensland's Department of Environment and Heritage Protection was quoted by the Guardian as saying.
Local residents are urged to notify the department of any crocodiles in the river or anywhere else in the region, and are expected to be extra vigilant.
