Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco – The presidents of the Neighborhood Councils of some of Puerto Vallarta’s most traditional colonies have raised alarm over the increasing presence and movement of crocodiles in the Cuale River. This concern has grown steadily over the past three years, with sightings of the reptiles becoming more frequent and widespread, from the river’s mouth between the boardwalk and Olas Altas Beach to upstream areas.
Graciela Ortiz Cervantes, president of the Emiliano Zapata Colony Neighborhood Board, was the first to bring attention to the issue. Responding to numerous calls and complaints from local residents, Ortiz highlighted the growing fear and concern among the community about the crocodile infestation. “The Cuale River, once a safe place for families to cool off and enjoy, is now a source of fear. Seeing these animals in such numbers is unprecedented,” she said.
Ortiz’s concerns are shared by other local leaders, including Adriana Palacios Peña from the Center, Victor Manuel Pulido from Buenos Aires, Mathy Rodriguez from Remance, and Benito Juarez and Jorge Godinez from Altavista. Together, they have reached out to the president of Caloso to address the widespread concern. Ortiz emphasized the urgency, stating, “We have received videos, reports, and photographs from citizens showing crocodiles near Remance, even on the bridge of Buenos Aires. This issue affects all of Puerto Vallarta, not just a few colonies.”
Despite numerous reports and complaints filed with the Civil Protection and Fire Department of Puerto Vallarta, residents feel that their concerns have been met with indifference. The authorities have reportedly set traps, but these have proven ineffective. “We don’t see the traps, and they haven’t worked. It’s a matter of public safety, yet there’s no visible action,” Ortiz lamented.
Residents have also noted a lack of warning signs for tourists and merchants. With crocodiles making their habitat in downtown Vallarta, there is a palpable sense of fear and unease among both locals and visitors. Ortiz expressed this sentiment, saying, “Tourists and merchants are unaware of the danger. There should be signs warning them about the presence of these animals in the river and on the beach.”
Historically, the Cuale River has been a serene part of Puerto Vallarta’s landscape. Since the town’s founding and until the early 1980s, it was common to see women washing clothes along the river and families enjoying the waters. The area, particularly around “the little island” at the river’s delta, was a popular spot for locals. Ortiz reminisced about this past, noting that there were never any crocodiles then. “This is a new and alarming development,” she said.
Chela Ortiz, president of the neighborhood committee, reiterated the urgent need for action from Civil Protection, Environment, and Animal Welfare authorities. “The crocodile population in the park and river has grown uncontrollably. There has been no effective response. It is critical that these animals are captured and relocated,” Ortiz stated.
Ortiz also expressed frustration with the authorities’ lack of responsiveness to the community’s reports. “I’ve been sending reports continuously. It feels like I’ve even angered them… and yet, there’s no response. They want us to accept this as a natural habitat for crocodiles, but it has never been so, especially not in a tourist area,” she added.
The call for action is clear and urgent. The safety of residents, tourists, and the integrity of Puerto Vallarta’s environment are at stake. The community leaders are unified in their demand for effective and immediate measures to address the crocodile problem in the Cuale River. As the issue continues to grow, the pressure on local authorities to act will only intensify.
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco - The presidents of the Neighborhood Councils of some of Puerto Vallarta's most traditional colonies have raised alarm over the increasing presence and movement of crocodiles in the Cuale River. This concern has grown steadily over the past three years, with sightings of the reptiles becoming more frequent and widespread, from the river's mouth between the boardwalk and Olas Altas Beach to upstream areas.
