Cozumel Tightens Crocodile Response Protocols After Sightings

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — Officials from all three levels of government and local organizations agreed to tighten coordination on crocodile reports across Cozumel, responding to growing concern among residents after a series of recent sightings.

The meeting was convened by the island’s Ecology Subdirectorate and included representatives from the Quintana Roo Institute of Biodiversity and Protected Natural Areas (IBANQROO), the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (PROFEPA), the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP), the State Environmental Protection Agency (PPA), the Integral Port Administration of Quintana Roo (APIQROO), the Mexican Navy (SEMAR), the Port Captaincy, the Hotel Association, Civil Protection, the Federal Maritime-Terrestrial Zone (ZOFEMAT) and the Cozumel Parks and Museums Foundation (FPMC), among other institutions.

Participants reviewed the protocols for handling incidents involving crocodiles, along with the monitoring, rescue and wildlife management work currently carried out on the island.

IBANQROO director Javier Carballar presented the agency’s procedures for human-crocodile emergencies and stressed the need for clear steps among the institutions that respond to such situations.

Noel Rivas Camo, of the Ecology Subdirectorate, outlined the actions taken to manage and rescue wildlife, as well as the measures adopted in response to reports from the public.

The authorities agreed to step up monitoring, train the personnel involved and expand public outreach on preventive measures, particularly in coastal areas and other sites where contact between people and wildlife may increase.

What to Do If You See a Crocodile

Officials urged the public to keep a safe distance from any crocodile, avoid approaching, feeding, chasing or trying to capture the animal, and immediately report its presence by calling 911 so that trained personnel can respond.

The participating institutions also agreed to maintain ongoing communication to improve their response to future reports and to promote safe coexistence with wildlife among residents and visitors.

Officials noted that crocodiles are part of Cozumel’s biodiversity and said timely information and responsible behavior are key to reducing risk.