WILDLIFE officers have slammed the reckless behaviour of people who had been feeding a dangerous 3.5m croc trapped near a busy city boat ramp.

The croc, caught near the Edmonton boat ramp on Monday, had shown increasingly aggressive and territorial behaviour since moving into the area about two months ago, Queensland Parks and Wildlife’s Neil Mattocks told The Cairns Post.

Baited traps were set on Saturday.

"It had come close to several boats and was becoming too comfortable around humans," he said.

"A 3.5m animal is a dangerous animal."

Mr Mattocks said it had been reported that the croc, which had been feeding on fish frames and scraps, had rammed at least one vessel.

He said there were two other smaller crocodiles under 2m that were still in the area but not considered dangerous.

Mr Mattocks said QPWS was investigating reports people had been deliberately feeding the trapped saltie.

"It is crazy, reckless and could easily contribute to somebody being killed," he said. "It is an ambush predator, that is why we removed it from this location."

Mr Mattocks warned anyone caught feeding crocs faced fines of $4000.

He said people who did not clean up after cleaning fish were also causing problems.

Mr Mattocks said crocodiles were opportunistic feeders and would take whatever was on offer.

He warned that people using Far Northern waterways and beaches should always be vigilant.

"Be croc-wise, do not feed the animals and be aware at this time of year as they were looking for mates and new territory," Mr Mattocks said.

The 3.5m croc is being held at the QPW base in Portsmith while officers prepare it for sale to a crocodile farm.

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