SYDNEY: As many as 70 crocodile heads were found dumped and left to rot in a freezer in a small town in northern Australia, media reported on Tuesday.
A group of children found the freezer that had been left behind a local shop at a small town called Humpty Doo, 40 km southeast of Darwin in Australia's Northern Territory (NT), reported Xinhua.
Authorities said at least 50 crocodile heads - but as many as 70 - had been stuffed inside the freezer.
NT national parks and wildlife officers have joined the investigation.
Crocodiles are considered a protected species in Australia and anyone convicted of killing the animal faces a fine of $55,779 or five years in jail.
A limited number of permits are issued each year for local hunters to kill or remove crocodiles that pose a danger to the community.
Crocodile skin is incredibly valuable in the global fashion industry.