On December 6th, a crocodile was captured in the San Pablo Area, San Pedro Town. It is estimated to be over 10 feet long and weigh around 1,500 pounds. The crocodile was caught after it snatched a roaming dog in the area. This incident raised concerns among residents about their safety and the safety of their pets.
The crocodile was identified as a “problem croc,” having reportedly lost its fear of humans—a behavior often linked to being fed by locals. Such conditioning can lead to dangerous encounters, as crocodiles may associate humans with food rather than view them as threats. The crocodile had been frequently spotted in the area, alarming the community about the potential for future attacks on both pets and people.
Following reports of concern, ACES Wildlife Rescue was alerted to the incident. ACES is well-known for responding to human-crocodile conflict and educating the public about the importance of these reptiles to the environment and what safety measures should be practiced around the animal. In response, ACES personnel set traps to capture the crocodile. Ben Sept from ACES stated, “It took over two hours to successfully capture the crocodile due to the deep waters it was in. Passersby stopped and helped us pull the crocodile out.” He added, “As you may know, our vehicle is currently out of service, and we are fundraising to repair it. Therefore, we had the San Pedro police provide transport to assist us.” The police helped transport the crocodile to a lagoon area further north. Capturing this animal was essential for public safety, assessing its behavior, and determining its future.
Large crocodiles in populated areas are common in Belize, especially in regions like San Pedro, where interactions between humans and crocodiles are increasing due to habitat encroachment and feeding practices. Local authorities have stressed that while crocodiles are generally not aggressive towards humans, incidents like this underline the risks associated with wildlife that has become habituated to human presence. Residents have been advised to refrain from feeding crocodiles in the future and to report any aggressive behavior immediately.
The recent crocodile incident in San Pedro reminds us of the delicate balance between human activity and wildlife conservation. As communities expand into natural habitats, promoting understanding and respect for local wildlife is increasingly vital while ensuring public safety.
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