A Department of Environment and Science spokeswoman said the man was fishing at Peter Faust Dam at Proserpine at the weekend when he saw what he thought were crocodile’s eyes and moved his boat closer.

“After confirming the presence of a crocodile, he captured and restrained the animal and took it home,” the spokeswoman said.

“He later called DES so that a wildlife officer could retrieve the crocodile.”

The crocodile that started the night in a dam ultimately ended up in a zoo. The DES is investigating the man for his role in the saga. If found to have deliberately interfered with a crocodile, he could face a fine of up to $30,026.

“DES wishes to remind the public that they should not harass or interfere with crocodiles, and that they run the risk of serious injuries if they approach, disturb or seek to interact with estuarine crocodiles of any size,” the spokeswoman said.

“A 1.7m crocodile is quite capable of inflicting serious injuries on a person, particularly when it is feeling threatened.”

Under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan, the dam is in a zone where any crocodiles displaying dangerous behaviour are targeted for removal.