Crocodile Sightings Due to Flooding Rivers & Streams in Vallarta Team Angels/Rodrigo Lopez Becerril - Vallarta Opina
go to original September 8, 2014

As the local citizens have observed from the bridge area of Francisco Villa Avenue, at least two crocodiles have been seen taking in the sun on the island formed in the Pitillal River, less than 50 meters from the adjacent homes.

Crocodiles have also been sighted in a nearby canal close to the substation of the Federal Commission of Electricity on Politécnico Nacional Avenue, where residents reported that a crocodile walks freely through the area where a lot of water has accumulated from the recent rains.

These cases are joined by other reports of colonies like La Floresta, the Airport, the Marina, Boca de Tomate, Tamarindos Colony, Health Center and other delegations of Las Juntas and Ixtapa, and adjacent to the Ameca River, where residents reported the presence of crocodiles that stroll through streams with sporadic trips to the shores, to the awe or horror of those watching from a distance.

According to the Municipal Civil Protection Unit Director, Sergio Ramírez López, the presence of crocodiles in the region is normal since it is their natural habitat. If we go back to the origins, the men invaded the territory inhabited by crocodiles, however we must now promote a healthy distance and coexistence between the two species.

In this sense, the head of Civil Protection said that during the rainy season crocodiles are better able to move along the canals, streams and rivers in the city, and explained that it is important to be alert on these points and do not try to disturb these animals and to not provoke an attack.

Crocodiles, like many other species, are territorial, defending a space or territory where they do not feel threatened or need to become aggressive. The crocodiles do not attack because of hunger, as some people believe, but they will become aggressive if assaulted or if someone consciously or unconsciously invades their territory.

He said that in the case of the two crocodiles reported in the Pitillal River, efforts have been made to move them to another zone such as the secure area in the Estero El Salado, but so far this has not been accomplished. The crocodiles are a nocturnal species that usually just sit during the day. For now, the recommendation is not to swim in these waters.

This species should not be demonized, said the municipal official, since it is not bad by nature and plays a role in the cycle of life. It is false that they eat human flesh or that they attack for no  reason. It is advised that you avoid bodies of water where you see the crocodiles and if you see them on the shore, to make a report so officials can capture them and relocate them to other locations away from the urban areas.

Translated and edited by Team Angels

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