For nearly a tenner , an elusive “ monster ” crocodile has elude wildlife authority in Australia . Now , rangers in the Northern Territory have captured the monumental saltwater croc .

Rumors of a large , shadowy figure swimming near a boat ramp on the Katherine River had long vex local commando and intrigue area local anesthetic .

" We ’ve called it a lot of things over the years because it ’s been so hard to catch , " elderly wildlife ship’s officer John Burketold ABC News .

NT Parks and Wildlife rangers say it is rare to capture a crocodile this massive in the Katherine River . Despite its jumbo size , rangers say capturing the croc was n’t as challenging as one might think . A trap was set a few weeks ago near the river in hopes of capture the so - called “ big fella ” . Just like that , he swam right into it .

" We ’ve discover that the big guy cable , because they ’re so used to being the gaffer of their gob , they be given to work with us well than the footling ones , " Burke said .

Measuring a thumping 4.7 time long ( over 15 animal foot ) and count up to 600 kilograms ( 1,320 lbf. ) , officialsestimatethe male crocodile is around 60 years old . NT Parks and Wildlife say in aFacebook postthat the crocodile has been “ removed ” to “ keep human fundamental interaction in more populated area . ” The photo shows the giant strapped down to the bed of a preview with duct tape around its jaw and middle to minimise stress .

The post continues a word of advice as well : “ Large crocodile can move around Top End watercourse undetected and you should always Be Crocwise . ”

Captured more than 300 kilometers ( 187 mile ) from the sea , the crocodile was found just 30 klick ( 17 miles ) downstream from the democratic tourer destination Katherine Gorge , where visitor swim , canoe , and take crocodile tour . The crocodile was driven to a crocodile farm out of doors of Katherine , where the Associated Press says he will likely become atourist attractiveness .

Though “ large fella ” sounds monumental , he ’s not the largest crocodile to be capture in Australia . In 1974 a 6 - meter - prospicient ( 20 - foot ) brine croc was captured in a meshing in the Mary River , according to the Australiangovernment .

If you ’re still not convert that everything in Australia is trying to kill you then you ’re certainly crazy .