Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) – A female resident of Puerto Vallarta sustained serious injuries during a crocodile encounter by the Ameca River.
The incident occurred when the reptile emerged from the river, apparently pursuing a child and his dog. The 30-year-old woman intervened, attempting to safeguard the boy. Unfortunately, the crocodile bit her on the right leg.
Fortunately, nearby heavy machinery operators managed to deter the crocodile.
Emergency response units, including Red Cross firefighters and paramedics, were quick to arrive at the scene. They promptly transported the woman to the hospital for medical attention, treating wounds on her knee and leg. The escalating number of crocodile sightings in the area is believed to correlate with tourism-focused construction projects encroaching on the mangroves.
Long before Puerto Vallarta was a bustling tourist destination, crocodiles had called this place home for thousands of years. This perspective is shared by Armando Rubio Delgado, a crocodile specialist, and Jaime Torres Guerrero, the director of the El Saldo estuary.
Social media platforms might paint an exaggerated picture of crocodile overpopulation, but in reality, the area hosts no more than a few hundred crocodiles. Of the approximate 250 specimens, only about 30 are mature, measuring over 2.5 meters in length, with the majority being younger. The more pressing concern seems to be the overpopulation of humans within crocodile habitats.
The recent capture and relocation of a three-meter long crocodile from a Puerto Vallarta beach stirred up a social media frenzy this past weekend. This incident, along with others, have led to the demonization of crocodiles, claiming they are aggressive towards humans. This is most evident in an event last month, where two tourists were bitten by a crocodile after disrespecting warning signs and venturing into the bay at night – an action strongly discouraged.
Rubio Delgado noted that, since 2018, there have been five reported encounters between humans and crocodiles. A common thread in these incidents involves foreign tourists, frequently under the influence of alcohol, disregarding warning signs and swimming at night, which is not recommended.
He emphasized that there isn’t an overpopulation of crocodiles. It’s false to suggest that crocodiles are encroaching upon “new” areas or that they are naturally aggressive. Instead, they bite only when they feel threatened. Crocodiles, being nocturnal creatures, are more active during the night. Hence, the persistent advice against swimming in the Bay after dark.
Thus, the following measures are advised for the public’s safety:
- Adhere to warning signs (purple flag) indicating the presence of crocodiles.
- Refrain from swimming in zones marked as dangerous.
- Avoid swimming after dark.
- Maintain a minimum distance of 15 meters if a crocodile is spotted.
- Retrace your steps to exit the area safely.
- If a crocodile is spotted, report it via 911.
Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) - A female resident of Puerto Vallarta sustained serious injuries during a crocodile encounter by the Ameca River.
The incident . . .
