Images of a 5.2m crocodile found shot in the Fitzroy River, Rockhampton on Thursday, September 21. Police and the EHP are appealing for public assistance in their investigations to find the culprit.

Images of a 5.2m crocodile found shot in the Fitzroy River, Rockhampton on Thursday, September 21. Police and the EHP are appealing for public assistance in their investigations to find the culprit. Department of Environment and He

UPDATE 3.50PM: NEW images of the Fitzroy River's alpha croc's carcass have been released as authorities warn of massive fines for the killer.

The single gunshot which cost the 5.2m beast its life, could also see the culprit pay a $28,383.75 fine for "taking an estuarine crocodile without authority".

The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection's Michael Joyce issued the warning as he joined police in the public appeal for assistance to bring whoever is responsible to justice.

Shot Fitzroy River croc: The tarped corpse of the 5.2m crocodile, found shot in the Fitzroy River, Rockhampton. Video courtesy of the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection.

EHP Conservation and Biodiversity Operations Director Michael Joyce said the EHP removed the carcass for forensic examination by police and wildlife officers this morning.

"Anyone with information about the killing of this crocodile is urged to contact EHP on 1300 130 372, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Police Link on 13 14 44," Mr Joyce said.

It is an offence under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 to take an estuarine crocodile without authority.

Earlier today Rockhampton Detective Senior Sergeant Luke Peachey warned the person responsible could also face three years behind bars for the animal cruelty offence.

INITIAL REPORT: POLICE have released this picture of the king crocodile shot dead in the Fitzroy River yesterday.

The death of the 5.2 metre crocodile has prompted an urgent warning for members of the public to be vigilant and to exercise Crocwise behaviour.

Department of Environment and Heritage Protection Conservation and Biodiversity Operations Director Michael Joyce said the crocodile was found today (Thursday 21 September 2017) near Alligator Creek with a single gunshot wound to the head.

"People need to clearly understand that the death of this animal has changed the balance of the crocodile population in the Fitzroy and we can expect increased aggressive activity by younger male crocodiles," Mr Joyce said.

"That's because they will be competing to take the dominant position which is now vacant.

"I cannot stress strongly enough the need for all river users to be aware of the risks and to be Crocwise."

Police have released this image of the 5.2m crocodile shot in the head in the Fitzroy River.

Mr Joyce said wildlife officers would be actively monitoring the crocodile activity in the Fitzroy and promoting the Queensland Government's Crocwise safety messages at every opportunity over coming days and weeks.

"We don't know at this stage how long it will take for the balance of the population to be restored so my urgent message to everyone in the Rockhampton area is to be extremely careful and to report all crocodile sightings as soon as possible on 1300 130 372," Mr Joyce said.

"Prompt reports are of great assistance to wildlife officers in their efforts to manage crocodiles, so don't delay if you see a crocodile."

Mr Joyce said the crocodile appeared to have died sometime in the past 48 hours.

The carcass has been removed as evidence and will be forensically examined by Queensland Police.

It is an offence under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 to take an estuarine crocodile without authority and there are greater penalties in place for the unlawful take of an 'iconic' crocodile, defined as 5 metres or greater in length.

The maximum penalty for the unlawful take of an 'iconic' crocodile is $28,383.75.

A massive 4.8m crocodile shot by overseas hunters near Port Alma in 1963.

Mr Joyce said the dead crocodile was not believed to be the same animal which is currently targeted for removal approximately three kilometres upstream of Pink Lily Sands.

"Wildlife officers are continuing their efforts to remove that crocodile and a floating trap remains in place."

"If this iconic crocodile had been reported to the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection wildlife officers would have immediately taken steps to remove it, in accordance with the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan," Mr Joyce said.

"Rather than take matters in to your own hands I would urge anyone who is concerned about a crocodile in the Fitzroy River system to contact EHP as soon as possible on 1300 130 372."