The deaths of 11 crocodiles in Puerto Vallarta over the past several weeks have prompted Jalisco state environmental officials to issue a plea for greater respect for wildlife.

At the same time, authorities are publicizing cautionary strategies to prevent encounters with the reptiles that could be dangerous, even lethal, to humans. The concern has grown since a Mexico City tourist was killed by a crocodile on a Puerto Vallarta beach in late June.

28-year-old man killed by a crocodile on Puerto Vallarta beach

The American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) is listed under special protection according to federal environmental laws due to its key role in the ecological balance of estuaries, wetlands and rivers.

Officials acknowledge that there has been a marked recent increase in sightings and interactions between people and crocodiles. But the state Ministry of Environment and Territorial Development (Semadet) insists that it is not due to overpopulation of the species. 

The total population of crocodiles in the Banderas Bay area (which straddles Jalisco and the state of Nayarit to the north and includes Puerto Vallarta) is estimated at between 300 and 350.

Instead, Semadet said that during the rainy season crocodiles typically increase their movements between estuaries, rivers and the sea, resulting in greater visibility as well as the likelihood of increased interruption of human activities.

Semadet will continue the installation and standardization of preventive signage in areas considered to have greater possibilities of interaction, particularly at deltas and estuaries.

The Puerto Vallarta government has reinforced surveillance operations in these areas, placing warning flags and providing escorts for large crocodiles, in order to prevent risks to tourists and residents.

What to do if you encounter a crocodile

Semadet, which last year introduced a bilingual strategy for responsible coexistence between humans and crocodiles, issued a reminder that if you encounter a crocodile, the most important thing is to remain calm and immediately increase the distance to at least 25 meters: 

• Walk away slowly, without sudden movements and avoid making noise that might attract the animal’s attention.
• If the animal starts to approach or displays aggressive behavior, quickly move away, remembering to run in a straight line and away from the water.
• Never try to approach, touch, feed, or scare it away on your own. As soon as you are in a safe place, warn others and report the sighting to Civil Protection or emergency services.
• Obey all warning signs and do not approach bodies of water where so advised. Keep in mind that you should not allow dogs or other animals near bodies of water where a crocodile may be found.

With reports from Informador, N+ and Quadratín Jalisco