Over 60 Wild Animals Rescued in Cancún This Year

Benito Juárez Firefighters Rescue Over 60 Wild Animals in Cancún This Year

The Benito Juárez Fire Department has responded to reports of wildlife that has reached urban areas due to city growth, prioritizing their safe integration into their natural habitat.

During 2023, the Benito Juárez Fire Department has carried out more than 60 interventions to rescue wild animals that inadvertently enter inhabited areas due to urban expansion in Cancún, Quintana Roo. These specimens, primarily reptiles such as boas and crocodiles, as well as mammals like coatis, raccoons, and badgers, are recovered in areas where the boundary between nature and housing has become blurred. The city’s expansion has caused many forest species to seek refuge in residential areas and buildings, generating alerts among the population.

The procedures follow strict protocols designed to guarantee the health and safety of the animal and residents. After conducting health checks in coordination with environmental authorities, animals in favorable conditions are released in green areas away from human contact, to avoid conflicts and favor the recovery of their natural cycles. Additionally, neighbors are recommended to remain calm and not attempt to handle these animals, immediately contacting the corresponding authorities for their proper management.

This phenomenon reflects a global trend: disproportionate urban growth that alters ecosystems and forces many species to seek alternatives in human areas. The presence of wild fauna in urban areas not only implies risks for the species, but also for community safety. Coordination between environmental institutions and rescue forces becomes essential to responsibly manage these situations, diminishing the impact on local biodiversity and promoting more harmonious coexistence between citizens and nature.