The 40-year-old man had been reported missing after a suspected crocodile attack near the Annan River Bridge in Far North Queensland on Saturday afternoon.
Queensland police stated, “A formal identification process is underway, but it is believed that the remains are those of a 40-year-old man from New South Wales. Further testing will be conducted to confirm his identity.”
The search and rescue operation for the missing man has been suspended.
On Monday, a spokesman for the Queensland Department of Environment, Science, and Innovation reported that a large crocodile, believed to be responsible for the attack, had been “humanely euthanized”.
The crocodile, nearly five meters long, was found about 4 kilometers from the site of the attack and was identified by distinctive markings on its snout. The reptile was estimated to be several decades old.
Australian media revealed that the man had been fishing at a popular spot with his wife and children. Authorities are also looking into reports that individuals were seen feeding crocodiles near the area of the incident.
Feeding crocodiles is a criminal offense in Australia, punishable by fines of approximately AUD 6,452 (USD 4,188).
Australia typically reports an average of two fatal crocodile attacks annually. The most recent fatal incident occurred in July when a 12-year-old girl was killed in the Northern Territory.