Idiots swim into baited croc trap

NADJA HAINKE

December 27th, 2009

THE reckless idiots pictured have taken croc trap surfing to a dangerous new level - swimming into the cage.

The image of the three drongos risking their lives and limbs surfaced yesterday after they were posted on Facebook.

It is believed the picture was taken at Manton Dam - about 75km south of Darwin. The photo shows one man atop the floating metal cage - designed to capture 4m long salties.

His two mates are pulling faces from inside the baited trap.

It follows a series of photos - published in the Northern Territory News - which show wannabe thrillseekers captured on top of crocodile traps in the Territory.

Darwin girls Ally Pettifor and Bonnie Keogh became the laugh of the nation when they were photographed dancing on top of a croc trap - wearing nothing but bikinis and using champagne bottles as microphones.

The photo, published last month, went around the world and attracted hundreds of reader comments.

"From my understanding, crocodiles like to eat brain - so these two are safe," one reader said in a text message to the editor.

That photo came only a few months after three young men were pictured with their thumbs up while standing on a floating cage.

Territory Parks and Wildlife rangers have labelled the latest act as "absolute stupidity".

"It won't be tolerated any more," senior ranger Peter Phillips said.

"We will investigate this case and if we find out who they are, they will be fined.

"The agency has zero tolerance with people interfering with croc traps.

"It's totally irresponsible.

"The traps are there for a very important safety reason."

Offenders could be fined up to $55,000 or jailed for five years for the reckless act, the Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act states.

From: http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2009/12/27/111921_ntnews.html