Massive Crocodile Caught Sunbathing on a Popular Tourist Beach in the Mexican Riviera

Continue reading...

What could be more relaxing than basking on a beach in the Mexican Riviera? Well, it turns out it’s not just humans who enjoy a slice of paradise — crocodiles do too! It may be hard to imagine sharing your beachside vacation with a crocodile, but in this video, you’ll see how one visitor witnessed just such a sight along the beach at Playa del Carmen.

Crocodiles in the Yucatán Peninsula

Playa del Carmen is a popular tourist destination in the Mexican Riviera. Located on the Caribbean Sea, it’s one of the largest cities in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. People from all over the world flock to this trendy resort town to enjoy its white sand beaches, beautiful blue water, and various activities like snorkeling and diving.

This beautiful setting is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including two crocodile species: the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) and Morelet’s crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii). The American crocodile is the larger of the two, growing 10 to 15 feet long and weighing up to 1,000 pounds. Although certainly on the larger side for crocodiles, American crocodiles tend to be less aggressive than Nile and saltwater crocodiles and shy away from humans and populated areas. They can live in freshwater habitats but prefer brackish and saltwater when possible. Morelet’s crocodile, in contrast, is smaller, typically growing up to 10 feet long with a shorter snout. Also known as the Belize or Mexican crocodile, it prefers freshwater areas like lakes and swamps.

Is It Common to See Crocodiles on the Beach?

Areas of the Mexican Riviera, like Playa del Carmen, are natural crocodile habitats. In fact, visitors can take boat tours to see these impressive reptiles, which are common in swamps, mangroves, and lagoons. Feeding crocodiles is reported in some areas, but it is generally discouraged due to safety concerns and potential legal issues.

Crocodiles mostly hunt at night, and night-time snorkeling tours offer a chance to observe them in their natural habitats. Some even visit coastal restaurants on occasion, looking for handouts from evening dinner guests. However, crocodiles are rarely seen on tourist beaches or in areas with substantial human activity. And the few reported crocodile attacks in the area have always involved humans taunting or baiting the crocodiles.

Why Is the Crocodile Flashing Its Teeth?

The crocodile in the video above looks terrifying, especially when it opens its wide maw and flashes its many sharp teeth. While certainly intimidating, it isn’t being aggressive. Crocodiles do this to regulate their body temperature. As ectothermic animals, they rely on external sources to control their temperature. Crocodiles often bask in the sun to warm up and move to the shade or water to cool down. They also hold their enormous mouths open to release heat from their bodies, similar to how humans sweat.

What Should You Do If You See a Crocodile on the Beach?

While incredibly rare, seeing a crocodile on a Mexican beach isn’t unheard of, as the video above illustrates. So, what should you do if you encounter one on your next Riviera vacation? As with any wild animal, remain calm. Crocodiles may be more common during hotter months like September, but they generally do not pose a threat to humans. If you do encounter one, report it ASAP so it can be captured and relocated to a safer area. Remember, you’re vacationing in their home, so respect the locals!