Tourists Mistake Crocodile for Decoration in Tulum

Mexico City — A video shared on TikTok by user Blanca Arellano has sparked controversy on social media after it showed two young tourists, while kayaking in a Tulum mangrove, encountering a crocodile resting between the water and the sand. The encounter, which could have ended in tragedy, went viral due to the recklessness with which the young women interacted with the animal.

Crocodile Mistaken for Decoration and Provoked

In the video, which has already amassed over half a million views, the young women are seen approaching the reptile believing it was stuffed. Amid laughter and incredulous comments, they begin to splash water at it with their hands and hit it lightly with a kayak paddle.

“Is that real? It’s stuffed, dude, isn’t it?” one of them is heard saying while recording the moment.

The situation becomes tense when the crocodile, visibly uncomfortable from the stimuli, begins to move slowly. Fortunately, the animal moved away in a straight line without attacking, allowing the young women to emerge from the encounter unharmed.

Divided Reactions on Social Media

The clip generated a wave of divided comments. While some users celebrated that the young women were safe, others harshly criticized their behavior, calling it irresponsible and dangerous.

“That’s infuriating; if something had happened to them, they would have sacrificed the crocodile that is in its own habitat,” wrote one user.

Other comments included: “Did you seriously think it was decoration?”, “It’s like when a child bothers a dog and then complains because it bites,” and “How about respecting nature instead? I don’t know, just think about it.”

For her part, Blanca Arellano defended herself by stating that they respected nature during their tour: “Yes, 100%!! The crocodile is fine, it has been there for years and we are still alive, win-win.”

However, the criticism did not cease, and many users questioned the maturity and judgment of the protagonists.

Encounters with Wildlife

Conservation experts have reiterated that the mangroves of Quintana Roo are natural habitats for crocodiles and other protected species, so a prudent distance should be maintained and any type of provocation should be avoided. Although these encounters are common in the region, irresponsible human interaction can put both people and animals at risk.