Crocodiles In The Urban Area Of ​​Puerto Vallarta.

This Wednesday, February 26, environmental authorities and elements of Civil Protection captured a crocodile in the Canal de Los Tules, located in the North Hotel Zone of Puerto Vallarta. This fact has caused concern among residents and tourists, who wonder why the presence of these reptiles in urbanized areas is increasingly common. However, what many do not consider is that, in reality, the city has invaded the natural habitat of crocodiles, not the other way around.

Crocodiles of the species Crocodylus acutus, commonly known as river crocodiles or American crocodiles, have historically inhabited the estuaries, mangroves and canals of Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay. These ecosystems provided them with shelter, food and ideal conditions for reproduction. However, with the accelerated growth of the city and the expansion of the tourist infrastructure, many of these areas have been destroyed or altered.

Puerto Vallarta has experienced rapid urban development in recent decades, especially in the North Hotel Zone and Marina Vallarta, where mangroves and bodies of water connected to the El Salado estuary and the Ameca River once predominated. With the construction of hotels, shopping centers and subdivisions, crocodiles have lost part of their territory and have been forced to adapt, finding refuge in drainage channels, artificial bodies of water and even on beaches.

The capture of a 3.33 meter crocodile, like the one captured today, must be carried out under strict safety and animal welfare protocols, in compliance with wildlife conservation and management regulations in Mexico. Below, I detail the general procedure that environmental and civil protection authorities usually follow:

          1. Immediate Evaluation and Response

The report of the crocodile sighting is received through citizens or local authorities.

The location is verified and the situation is analyzed to determine if it represents a risk to the population.

Wildlife specialists such as biologists, PROFEPA (Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection) personnel, the UMA of Estero El Salado or Civil Protection are contacted.

            2. Capture Planning

The size, behavior and health status of the crocodile are evaluated.

The best strategy to capture it without causing harm or endangering the people involved is determined.

Security perimeters are delimited to prevent access by curious onlookers or tourists.

           3. Capture Techniques

For a crocodile of more than 3 meters, the techniques must be executed by experts with specialized equipment:

Use of capture loops: A loop of strong rope is placed around the snout and another at the base of the neck to immobilize it.

Manual Restraint: Several rescuers, wearing protective gear, hold the crocodile to prevent sudden movements.

Taping the Snout: To prevent bites, the snout is secured with strong adhesive tape.

Eye Covering: The eyes are covered with a towel or bandage to reduce stress.

Controlled Transfer: The crocodile is placed on a stretcher, cage, or special vehicle for transport.

          4.  Veterinary Assessment

The crocodile's health status is checked to rule out injuries or illnesses.

The crocodile is measured, weighed, and recorded in a database for follow-up.

          5. Relocation or Rehabilitation

Depending on the case, the crocodile may be released in a protected area such as the El Salado Estuary, the mouth of the Ameca River, or mangrove areas.

If it is injured or disoriented, it may be taken to an Environmental Management Unit (UMA) for recovery. This crocodile was moved to the Ameca River where it will be released.

         6. Monitoring and Prevention

Patrols are carried out in the area where the crocodile was captured to prevent new encounters.

Awareness campaigns are reinforced for the population on the importance of not feeding the crocodiles or invading their habitat.

This protocol seeks to guarantee the safety of both the community and the crocodile, protecting the ecological balance of Puerto Vallarta

Why do they appear in the city?

There are several reasons why crocodiles are seen more frequently in the urban area:

Urbanization has reduced their natural spaces, which forces them to move in search of new territories. In some cases, people give them food, which accustoms them to human presence and causes them to constantly return. During this time, the water level rises and crocodiles can be dragged to areas where they would not normally be.

Thanks to conservation efforts, the population of these reptiles has increased, so it is more common to find them in different parts of the city. Authorities have insisted that crocodiles are not aggressive if they do not feel threatened. To avoid incidents, it is recommended:

❖ Do not feed the crocodiles or approach them.
❖ Do not throw garbage or food scraps into canals and lagoons.
❖ Respect the warning signs in sighting areas.
❖ Report any sighting to Civil Protection or the Wildlife Conservation Management Unit (UMA) of Estero El Salado.

A reality that is here to stay

The increase in crocodile sightings in the urban area of ​​Puerto Vallarta is not a coincidence, but a consequence of human development in its territory. Instead of seeing them as invaders, it is important to recognize that they are part of the region's ecosystem and that it is everyone's responsibility to learn to live with them in a safe and respectful manner. Human beings are imperatively called to live with nature, preserve it and protect it.