On Friday, November 29th, video footage of a crocodile caused alarm among residents living near the Ambergris Stadium in San Pablo, south of San Pedro Town. This incident highlighted the ongoing challenges of human-wildlife interactions in the area, particularly concerning crocodiles that have become habituated to human presence.
Residents reported that a crocodile had snatched a free-roaming dog over the weekend, raising concerns about the safety of both pets and people in the vicinity. Such incidents are not uncommon in Ambergris Caye, where crocodiles have increasingly lost their natural fear of humans, often due to being fed or attracted by improperly disposed waste.
In response to the public’s concern, ACES Wildlife Rescue surveyed the area and set traps to relocate the animal. A post on their Facebook page stated, “Please keep away from the croc; do not try to capture, bait it, or harass it. The location and grounds make it a tough capture, but we are working on a solution. With the rains and collection of water, it’s natural to find crocs in the flooded areas like this. They have been going to these spots year after year; it’s just more often seen now that most of the edges of these waterways are houses instead of mangroves. As a community, everyone has a responsibility.”
ACES has been actively addressing issues related to crocodile safety for many years. They have focused on educating the community about safe practices and the importance of not feeding crocodiles, which can lead to dangerous habituation. “Our crocs in Belize are shy and avoid people, unlike other more aggressive species in the world. They Do Not naturally view humans as prey. The Aces volunteers are here to assist and support our neighbors and the wildlife we find in our community. When you have questions or concerns about wildlife, please call or message us directly so we can assess and assist. Parents and community members, please take the time to educate your children to be mindful of their environment and respectful of the wildlife that still exists around us— harassing a crocodile by throwing rocks, etc., can injure an animal and will make our job more difficult in trying to secure the croc safely,” says ACES.
The situation highlights the ongoing conflict between urban development and wildlife conservation in tourist areas like Ambergris Caye. As tourism continues to grow, there is an increasing need for effective management strategies that protect residents and wildlife. This incident reminds us of the complexities of cohabiting with wildlife in these environments.
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