Wildlife rangers are investigating after stumbling upon a saltwater crocodile that was removed from its trap and beheaded in Darwin™s rural area. WARNING: This story contains an image some readers may find distressing. Rangers believe the creature was killed and maimed after being pulled from an underwater trap Its headless body was later discovered on the side of a road in Darwin™s rural area Those responsible could face a significant fine or a jail term The NT’s Parks and Wildlife department has labelled the action shocking and “extremely dangerous” and warn those responsible could face serious consequences.  The animal, believed to be about three metres long, was maimed after being removed from an underwater trap off Gunn Point Road at Howard Springs. Rangers believe the incident took place some time after 4:30pm on Sunday. Parks and wildlife are investigating after the crocodile was found along the side of a road in Darwin’s rural area. ( Supplied: Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security ) œThe crocodile management team received a report of a dead crocodile on the side of the road and were shocked at what they found, said the department™s chief wildlife officer, Peter Ross. œThe trap has been dragged out of the water, the crocodile removed, then dragged behind a vehicle and beheaded at some point. œNot only is it illegal to interfere with a crocodile; it is extremely dangerous. Those responsible could face a maximum penalty of $81,000 or five years in prison. Authorities say blood stains left along the road show where the crocodile was dragged.  ( Supplied: Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security ) The department traps and removes hundreds of crocodiles each year under its crocodile management strategy. Anyone with information is urged to contact rangers on 0401 115 702.