Australia: Crocodile that ripped off woman's arm near Wyndham killed by rangers

A saltwater crocodile that attacked a woman near the town of Wyndham in Western Australia has been killed by rangers, the state's Parks and Wildlife department said. The crocodile had bitten off an arm of the woman on 13 January.

"A crocodile which attacked a woman in Wyndham has been destroyed," the district wildlife officer Peter Carstairs said in a statement. "The saltwater crocodile attacked the woman in her 60s yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon at 3 Mile Swamp near the Wyndham town oval, resulting in the loss of her arm below the elbow."

Crocodiles are protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 of the Australian state. However, the latest attack called for killing of the amphibian.

"Because this crocodile attacked a person and was in an area used by people and pets, it was imperative that we removed it and we ensured that it was destroyed quickly and humanely," Carstairs said. The 2.2-metre-long sea crocodile was caught by Balanggarra rangers using a fishing line, he added.

Parks and Wildlife advises that a crocodile which attacked a woman in Wyndham has been destroyed. https://t.co/ZTnlrxFCOR

— Parks and Wildlife (@WAParksWildlife) January 14, 2016

Saltwater and freshwater crocodiles live in coastal rivers and creek systems, often spreading to the open sea and around islands. However, they also tend to move inland. Sea crocodiles can often be found in freshwater, rivers, creeks and swamps, which are habitats mostly associated with freshwater crocodiles, the department said.

Authorities have warned people to remain cautious around waterways in the region where the crocodiles are likely to appear. Park rangers and officials will continue monitoring the site over the coming days to ensure that there are no additional crocodiles in the area, the statement added.