WILDLIFE officers have begun hunting a crocodile which has made its home at Centenary Lakes.

The reptile, estimated at 2m, was spotted sunning itself on a walking track by birdwatcher Harry Ward yesterday morning.

"He was just lying on the bank, enjoying the sun," Mr Ward said.

"I didn’t want to disturb it but was able to get close enough to get some shots. He didn’t seem scared at all."

View The Cairns Post photographer's best crocodile pictures. 

Cheryl Bailey and her step-son Ben Kilin also reported a sighting about 3pm on Thursday.

"It was there about half an hour and we waited around to alert other walkers," she said.

It is not known whether this is the same animal which made its home in the lakes in mid-2007 but Environmental Protection Agency senior director Clive Cook said it was unlikely.

"We haven’t had a sighting for quite a while and crocs are fairly mobile at this time of year," he said.

Wildlife officers have set up a baited trap in the lakes and if that proves unsuccessful, they will look at harpooning the animal next week.

"Although this is a relatively small crocodile, an attempt will be made as soon as possible to capture and remove it as it is in a popular recreational area," he said.

"The crocodile will be transferred by the EPA to a secure holding facility."

The latest sighting has reignited debate on a crocodile-exclusion barrier to stop the reptiles entering the lakes from nearby Saltwater Creek.

The barrier was discussed two years ago but never built.

"We do have it on our agenda to re-engage with (the council) about it," Mr Cook told The Weekend Post.

Rangers have put up a recent crocodile sighting signs telling the public that a crocodile is in the area.

Mr Cook said the croc would be well fed on large numbers of tilapia and frogs in the lakes.

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