(CNN) Wildlife rangers in northern Australia captured a massive 600 kilogram (1,300 pound) crocodile after first spotting it nearly a decade ago.

The crocodile, estimated to be more than 60 years old, was found lurking near a boat ramp in the Katherine River. At 4.71 meters (15.45 feet), the croc is the longest-ever trapped in the region.

The previous record holder was a 4.6 meter-long croc captured in 2011.

Though the average saltwater crocodile is about 5 meters (17 feet) long, according to National Geographic , captures of this size are rare, park authorities said.

The captured crocodile was tightly bound to the cart. Its eyes were covered and mouth muzzled.

Wildlife officials have been searching for the crocodile since it was first spotted in 2010, according to Tracey Duldig, the acting director of Wildlife Operations in the Northern Territory. They sought to capture and isolate it so in order to prevent it from "interacting with humans."

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