Men photographed in baited crocodile trap branded 'idiots'

Oct. 25 (UPI) -- A group of men photographed swimming inside a baited crocodile trap have been branded the "idiots of the century" by local officials in Australia.

A series of photos posted to Facebook by Stacy W. Clayton show a quartet of grinning men swimming inside a crocodile trap at the Port Douglas marina in Queensland.

Local officials said the traps were set after a massive crocodile was blamed for a fatal attack in the area.

"These traps are specifically designed to attract crocodiles and they are deployed in places where a problem crocodile is known to be present," a Department of Environment and Heritage Protection spokesperson told ABC News.

"It is extremely dangerous to interfere with a crocodile trap, regardless of whether or not there is a crocodile within," the representative said. "It is not an exaggeration to say that interfering with crocodile traps can be potentially life-threatening for the person concerned."

Authorities said the men could face a hefty fine if they are identified.

Douglas Shire Council Mayor Julia Leu said she was "absolutely gobsmacked" by the photos.

"This is incredibly stupid and dangerous behavior. I'm wondering if these fellows are vying for the idiots of the year award or the idiots of the century award," Leu told ABC Radio.

Queensland Environment Minister Steven Miles shared one of the photos on Twitter.

"Srsly? The meat we put in these traps is bait. For crocodiles. Don't swim in them! It's stupid, and illegal," he tweeted.