Cozumel, Q.R. — A young crocodile that temporarily caused an island beach closure was captured Thursday. The 1.5 meter long reptile was initially seen swimming off Cozumel’s Playa Casitas around 11:00 a.m.
However, the crocodile quickly made his way to land where it was seen resting on a rocky area from where he was eventually caught. Municipal authorities temporarily closed the beach where the croc was seen enjoying a late morning swim before heading for land.
Lifeguards Omar Catzín, Jesús Pérez, Santos Guzmán, David Zapata and César Tec have been credited with the crocs eventual capture. The reptile, reported to be a juvenile, was handed over to the Cozumel Parks and Museums Foundation (FPMC) staff who relocated it Thursday afternoon.
The two staff from the Fundación de Parques y Museos de Cozumel (FPMC) who released the crocodile reported “today, our staff at the Center for Conservation and Environmental Education collaborated with the City Council in the capture and relocation of a crocodile sighted in the vicinity of Playa Casitas.
“Thanks to a coordinated action based on respect for wildlife, the specimen was transferred to an appropriate habitat, guaranteeing its well-being and the safety of the community. Let us remember that we share the environment with various species and it is essential to act with caution and respect.”
Mariano Dzay Aguilar, the Deputy Director of Cozumel Civil Protection, commented that the crocodile is a juvenile and likely came out of the canal that connects Puerto de Abrigo with the land.
