Environmental authorities in Jalisco and Nayarit have issued a stern warning following the discovery of 11 dead adult American crocodiles in beaches, estuaries, and coastal areas around Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas over recent weeks.
Several of the recovered reptiles displayed visible signs of violent trauma, including gunshot wounds, harpoon punctures, and severe mutilations such as decapitation. The unusual surge in mortalities has triggered intensive investigations by federal and state agencies, including the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA), to determine the exact causes of death through veterinary necropsies.
Key Context and Underlying Pressures
Human-Wildlife Conflict: The discoveries follow heightened tensions in the region after a fatal crocodile attack in late June at Marina Vallarta. While authorities have emphasized that the attacks and subsequent animal deaths are separate events, local tensions and fear have escalated interactions between humans and wildlife.
Habitat Loss and Rains: Experts point out that the growing presence of crocodiles in public areas is largely driven by urban expansion encroaching on natural wetlands, compounded by the current rainy season, which causes estuaries and canals to overflow.
Legal Protections: PROFEPA and state environmental agencies reminded the public that American crocodiles are a protected native species under Mexican law. Attacking, harming, capturing, or killing these animals constitutes a serious federal crime punishable under Article 420 of the Mexican Penal Code, with penalties significantly increased if committed within protected natural areas.
In response to the incidents, local governments and civil protection units are stepping up coastal patrols, installing preventative signage, and urging residents and tourists to exercise caution near bodies of water and avoid any direct interaction or feeding of the wildlife.
Source: https://www.elfinanciero.com
