![](https://imageresizer.static9.net.au/dcPGQcuvcgS7iyHUGQ5vNSf4Jvk=/750x0/https%3A%2F%2F1.800.gay%3A443%2Fhttps%2Fvms-network-images-prod.s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com%2F2023%2F08%2F530082%2Fpickerimage.jpg)
In the wake of a viral video, a crocodile expert said the actions of a select few Queensland locals are putting a well-known and beloved saltie at risk.
It comes after footage, circulated this week, showed a man fishing metres from "Clyde" who is known to frequent the bank on the Russell River, south of Cairns.
Jesse Crampton, Business owner of Croc Country Australia and a cattle farmer, told 9news.com.au he's been monitoring Clyde for the past four years - and he's concerned about what he's been seeing.
"Unfortunately for Clyde, he chose the sunning bank right opposite the bridge, so he draws quite a lot of attention," Crampton said.
"And he's grown a lot these past years because he's been getting fed lots.
"There's a few wild cards going down there and chucking him food, which is certainly a no-go. That's the next level, compared to fishing on the bank.
"I've personally seen over the years people down there feeding him fish, and big carcasses like wallaby carcasses of the road, doing their own attack shows."
"I've personally seen over the years people down there feeding him fish, and big carcasses like wallaby carcasses of the road, doing their own attack shows."
Crampton said this could prove a death sentence for Clyde, because if he becomes habitualised to humans his behaviour could become more erratic.
If this happens, and he displays problematic behaviour, he could be targeted for removal from the wild.
"When crocodiles lose the fear of people and they get food, associated with humans, then they become dangerous animals," Crampton said.
"And if an animal is deemed an immediate threat then they (Department of Environment and Science) remove it to reduce the risk of someone getting killed."
The Department of Environment and Science (DES) explains if a crocodile is declared a "problem" and targeted for removal, wildlife officers will attempt to capture it; either indirectly or directly.
Zoo discovers 70 coins inside alligator
"If neither of these options are available, or fail to succeed after several attempts, humane euthanasia of the animal may be considered as a last resort," DES said.
"Live crocodiles that are removed from the wild are taken to licensed zoos and farms. When it is appropriate to do so, this is done in consultation with the local Traditional Custodians."
To date, Clyde has displayed no dangerous behaviour and is not deemed a problem - "yet", Crampton added.
Crampton said while the action of the fisherman in the video is not necessarily of concern, he's worried it could encourage copycats who don't know how to read the large reptiles, or others, who "push boundaries".
"In my opinion, he wasn't down there provoking the crocodile or feeding the crocodile, he was just fishing," Crampton said.
"Even though it looks extremely close, the croc is on land basking. It's winter time up here, and he was still a fair distance away keeping an eye on the animal.
"But this type of behaviour does encourage others to do it.
"That's the issue we're facing; reckless behaviour does encourage the removal of crocodiles."