Crocodile Attack at Chiquilá Beach Sparks Safety Fears

Río Lagartos, Yucatán — A new crocodile attack was reported at the Chiquilá beach in this coastal town, where a dog narrowly escaped being seized by the reptile while in the water. Thanks to the quick reaction of its owner, the pet survived, but the incident has heightened concerns over safety risks at the freshwater swimming spot, which is a popular tourist destination.

Close Call at Chiquilá Beach

José Ramón Flores Marrufo, a local resident and licensed fisherman, shared the harrowing experience on his Facebook account. He recounted that while taking photographs at the beach, his dog, "Popote," entered the water unnoticed. Suddenly, a crocodile emerged from the mangroves and lunged at the animal.

“It grazed Popote’s body with its jaws… I threw a bottle, and with the dog’s movement, the crocodile submerged before attempting another attack. But by then, Popote was already on the rocks, and we were there to grab him. It was a desperate moment,” Flores Marrufo wrote in his post.

The incident has reignited calls from residents for authorities to take stronger safety measures at the beach.

Previous Incidents and Lack of Warnings

This marks the second recent crocodile encounter in the area. Just one month ago, a fisherman was attacked while cleaning his boat at the Río Lagartos pier, though he also avoided serious injury.

Despite these incidents, no warning signs or official measures have been implemented to alert swimmers, many of whom enter the water unaware of the danger.

Chiquilá Beach is located within a protected core zone managed by Mexico’s National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp), meaning it is a high-biodiversity area where conservation of ecosystems and wildlife—including crocodiles—is prioritized.

Calls for Action

Local residents continue to urge authorities to establish safety protocols to prevent future attacks, emphasizing the need for clear warnings and protective measures for both residents and visitors.

The repeated incidents highlight the growing tension between wildlife conservation and public safety in the region.