Authorities captured a 300-kg crocodile that had wandered into a bathing area in the popular Oaxaca beach destination of Puerto Escondido, known for its laid-back vibe and good surfing.

Tourists reported the presence of the giant 3-meter-long reptile on Monday morning on Bacocho Beach in Puerto Escondido. According to authorities, the animal posed a real threat to humans if it remained in the crowded area.

🐊⚠️ #PlanetaOnce | ¿Te encontraste un cocodrilo en la playa? Un ejemplar de más de tres metros es capturado en Playa Bacocho, en Puerto Escondido, #Oaxaca, tras el reporte de turistas.

Autoridades indican que pudo desplazarse por el mar de fondo y lo reubican en la laguna de… pic.twitter.com/tpy4Sr655t

— Once Noticias (@OnceNoticiasTV) April 7, 2026

In a video shared on social media, Civil Protection’s personnel are seen capturing the animal and transporting it on an ATV to another location. 

After it was confirmed that the animal had no injuries, it was taken to the Lagunita de Punta Colorada, a coastal body of water that authorities considered suitable within the crocodile’s habitat in the coastal area of ​​San Pedro Mixtepec.

Authorities said that the reptile may be one of the crocodiles that emerged from the small lagoon at Playa Marinero after a recent swell event in the region.

In another part of the state, in the municipality of San Juan Bautista Tuxtepec, two crocodiles were also seen in the area known as Rodeo Arroyo Pepesca. They were captured and turned over to the Municipal Civil Protection agency.

Civil Protection authorities urge residents and visitors to avoid approaching crocodiles, not to attempt to handle them, and to report any sightings to authorities immediately. They also reassured beachgoers that surveillance and inter-agency coordination are ongoing in the areas where these animals have been detected, in order to prevent risks.

With reports from La Jornada and López Dóriga