Human remains found inside monster Australian crocodile

Saltwater crocodiles are protected in Australia

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Australian police are examining human remains found in a crocodile to see if they match the DNA of a missing man.

The 62-year-old man was snatched from his boat in the Kakadu National Park, in the Northern Territory.

The 4.7m-long (15.4ft) reptile was one of two shot by park rangers near the scene of the attack.

The man's wife, son and daughter-in-law were reported to have been with him on the South Alligator River when he disappeared on Saturday.

"The human remains have been taken for examination," Sgt Andrew Hocking said.

"There are a number of statements to be taken from witnesses and a file will be prepared for the coroner."

Experts said that it was unusual for a crocodile to attack during this time of year when Australia experiences cooler weather.

Police are urging visitors to be careful when visiting the Kakadu National Park

The shot crocodile, the same species as this one, was nearly 5m in length

Saltwater crocodiles can grow up 7m long and weigh more than a tonne.

Crocodile numbers have increased since being declared a protected species in 1971. They are a common feature of Australia's tropical north.

The Australian government rejected a controversial plan to allow crocodile safari hunting in the Northern Territory in March.

Australian police shot two crocodiles dead in January while on a search for a missing 12-year-old boy attacked by a crocodile in the Northern Territory.

Another man was killed by a crocodile in August last year, when he swam in a river in the north during a birthday party.