A cranky crocodile that chomped a tourist on the knee has been removed from his Mason Creek home to a crocodile breeding program at a licenced crocodile farm.

The move has caused a row between locals and the croc removalists about whose rights are more important – the crocodiles or people’s.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife manager conservation services Mark Read said the 2m male crocodile, known as “Allan”, was caught using a harpooning technique at 9.30pm on Monday.

“We stun the crocodile with a bright light then use a steal harpoon that catches into the skin of the crocodile and basically catch it like a big fish,” he said.

Last week a Belgian tourist tried to get a better photo of Allan in his Cape Tribulation home by walking towards the crocodile and slapping the water.

The crocodile responded by rearing up and biting the tourist on the knee.

The tourist was treated for the bite mark and mild shock at the Cape Tribulation pharmacy.

Long time Cape Tribulation resident Lawrence Mason said the crocodile should not have been removed and that wild animals were of little risk to humans unless someone behaved stupidly.

“The guy basically tormented it… only a half wit would not realise that mimicking prey behaviour would cause it (the croc) to attack”, Mr Mason said.