Crocodile Captured in Tulum Home by Residents

TULUM — Residents of the La Veleta neighborhood experienced the fright of their lives when a one-and-a-half-meter-long crocodile appeared inside a home, causing surprise and moments of tension among the inhabitants.

The unexpected visitor forced the residents to act in an improvised manner, managing to contain the reptile and transport it to the offices of the Tulum Directorate General of Civil Protection and Firefighters.

According to testimonies, the reptile was suddenly seen inside the property, which generated screams and nervousness in the area. Despite the fear, one of the residents with experience in handling wildlife stepped in to intervene, preventing the crocodile from causing any harm.

The Director General of Civil Protection and Firefighters, Sergio Canto, confirmed the incident and emphasized that while it is not common for these animals to reach homes, the neighborhood's proximity to jungle areas makes this type of encounter possible. He did not rule out that the specimen may have escaped from captivity, and the area is being reviewed to determine its origin.

"This type of wildlife should only be handled by specialized personnel. Fortunately, nothing more serious happened, but we insist that the correct thing to do is to immediately notify 911 so that the corresponding protocol is activated," he stated.

Recommendations Following the Scare

Canto reiterated that in the presence of crocodiles, snakes, or other wild species, the first step is to remain calm and not attempt to capture them. The official recommendation is to call emergency numbers, where there are trained brigades for capture and relocation, in addition to coordination with environmental authorities such as Profepa, Semarnat, or the municipal Directorate of Ecology.

The official warned that acting without adequate knowledge exposes both people and the animals themselves to danger, and that there are sanctions for the improper handling of protected species.

Finally, he called on residents of La Veleta and other areas with jungle characteristics to maintain constant communication with the authorities. He reiterated that citizen security and the preservation of Tulum's ecosystem must be shared priorities.