(CNN) A town in northern Australia is in mourning this week after a beloved crocodile was found dead.

Meunga Creek: Police are appealing for public tip offs, as officers and rangers investigate the death of Cardwell's most well-known crocodile. There are fears the four and a half metre reptile called 'Bismarck' was shot. Credit: Ryan Moody Fishing. #7News pic.twitter.com/020wwZzhDO — 7 News Townsville (@7NewsTownsville) March 5, 2019

According to CNN affiliate 7 News Australia , a fisherman discovered the body of Bismarck, an 80-year-old saltwater crocodile popular with residents and tourists, in Cardwell's Meunga Creek late last week.

It is believed the 4.5 meter (15 foot) crocodile was shot in the head.

"Well Cardwell say goodbye to one of your biggest tourist attractions," Ryan Moody said in a video posted to Facebook after discovering the dead animal. "This croc was never a threat to humans."

Moody said there is now a risk a more aggressive crocodile would move into Bismarck's territory.

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