Cozumel Rescues 120+ Animals in 10 Months

Cozumel, Mexico — The Cozumel Subdirectorate of Ecology has reported conducting more than 120 wildlife rescues over a recent ten-month period. From October 2024 to August 2025, officials responded to 124 reports involving animals such as boa constrictors, dwarf raccoons, coatis, and crocodiles.

Rescues Focus on Urban and Coastal Areas

According to Noel Rivas Camo, the operational subdirector of ecology, the most frequent rescues within the island's urban areas involve wildlife such as the boa constrictor—an invasive species—the dwarf raccoon—an endemic species—and coatis. In coastal zones and beach clubs, crocodiles are the animals most commonly requiring relocation.

Rivas Camo stated that reports have been continuous. To better address them, personnel from the subdirectorate recently undertook a training course on the knowledge and use of basic tools for handling these reports, particularly those related to wild animals. The training was provided by staff from the Instituto de Biodiversidad y Áreas Naturales Protegidas de Quintana Roo (IBANQROO) and other private organizations.

Habitat Fragmentation Drives Human-Wildlife Conflict

Once animals are reported, teams go to the location to capture the at-risk fauna, which is subsequently relocated to an area far from urban development.

“We must remember that we fragment habitats,” Rivas Camo said. “Generally, when there is a vacant lot or undeveloped land, it is an ecosystem. Even though it is a fragment, some wild animals live there, like iguanas, sometimes boas, coatis, and raccoons, where they find a place to live close to a food source, which is why they are present.”

Regarding crocodiles, sightings have occurred in hotels or beach areas because their habitat has been invaded and they are displaced. However, they return to their former home, either by instinct or because they detect a nearby source of food and water, leading them to remain in the area.

Public Urged to Report Sightings to 911

The official finally noted that citizens should make their reports to the 911 emergency number when they find a wild species at risk, inside their home, or simply outside its habitat in an area far from its capture site. In the case of boas, as they are an invasive exotic wildlife species, they are transferred to a sanctuary on the mainland.