Should There be a Crocodile Hunt in Costa Rica?

Tico Times ^ | December 22, 2024 | Vincent Losasso

[nickcarraway]

Recently crocodiles have been in the news in Costa Rica. There has been an increase in crocodile sightings and within the last year or so folks are starting to wonder if there’s a problem with the country’s crocodile population. I’ll be forthright with my feelings on the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus). For me, they are the perfect blend of awesome and slightly terrifying. Personally, an increase in crocodile sightings would directly increase the happiness level of my life.

I already have an informal scale between my wife and I for how awesome my day was based on the number of crocodiles I’d seen. For example, a ‘three crocodile day’ is a great day. That being said, I understand there are people on the opposite end of the spectrum who prefer to never lay their eyes upon these scaly predators.

Being a crocodile fan, I follow what’s being said about the reptiles in Costa Rica. Some of the top talking points are: the notion that there is an overpopulation of crocodiles currently happening in the country, crocodiles lack natural predators to keep their population in check, and the increase in crocodile sightings will be dangerous for people and pets. Based on one or a few of these ideas, the idea of a crocodile hunt has been considered.

Hunting has been illegal in Costa Rica for decades, so a condoned crocodile hunt would be a significant change. I believe the hunting ban has been a very good idea for Costa Rica. That doesn’t mean that hunting is always at odds with conservation. I come from Pennsylvania in the United States. That state sees hundreds of thousands of white-tailed deer legally hunted every year, and I have absolutely no problem with that. Hunting is a necessary part of the ecological balance there. Is crocodile hunting a necessary part of the balance in Costa Rica?

Being a crocodile enthusiast doesn’t make me a crocodile expert. So what are the experts saying about Ticolandia’s crocodile population? Every article I can find that interviews crocodile experts in Costa Rica has those experts saying that there is no overpopulation of crocodiles in the country. The population is rebounding from low levels in the past caused by hunting, and for that reason people are starting to see crocs more frequently, especially during their reproductive season, but there is no overpopulation.

I’ve also seen claims that crocodiles lack predators, so it’s up to humans to keep the population in check. I can see this idea making sense while thinking of a several meter long, decades old crocodile that sits at the top of the food chain, but those are the few individuals who made it through the predation gauntlet. The fact is juvenile crocodiles have a list of predators that could fill a full page in a notebook. In the few opportunities I’ve had to film crocodiles, I’ve documented them being eaten by herons, ocelots, and hawks.

Another concern is that people are seeing crocodiles in areas where humans and pets like to spend time, and the danger level is unacceptable. I empathize with this concern. As I said part of my fascination with crocodiles is based on fear, and I recognize that crocodiles are top predators.

Plus, I have personal experience in this area. The other day my son attended a birthday party on a popular beach and while the kids frolicked in the sand, a crocodile cruised through the surf. I’ve had cameras in estuaries where I recorded somebody’s dog just barely escaping being eaten by a crocodile. Spending time in areas where predators live definitely comes with an increased level of responsibility.

With all of that being said, I do not see the need for a crocodile hunt in Costa Rica. Hunting is an effective tool in conservation, and it may be necessary at some point in the future, but right now, Costa Rica’s crocodile experts aren’t calling for that. I believe education and signage are a must. Relocations of some individual crocodiles may be necessary, but I would leave the necessity of that to the experts. That’s where I’ve landed. What do you think?

[pingman]

“cocodrillos”

[Georgia Girl 2]

I’m from Florida originally. Crocs and Gators are big dangerous lizards whose only positive traits are fried gator (or croc) tail and boots and handbags. 😏

[Equine1952]

I didn’t mean they shoot pool and hang out. Just that they live in the same neighborhoods. 🙂

[Equine1952]

Jaguar. There some significant differences.

[fidelis]

See you later alligator
After while crocodile.
See You Later Alligator - Bill Haley and his Comets

The Purist

I give you now Professor Twist,
A conscientious scientist,
Trustees exclaimed, "He never bungles!"
And sent him off to distant jungles.

Camped on a tropic riverside,
One day he missed his loving bride.

She had, the guide informed him later,
Been eaten by an alligator.

Professor Twist could not but smile.

"You mean," he said, "a crocodile."

Ogden Nash

[telescope115]

Ah. Ok, I can’t tell them apart, lol.

[Equine1952]

True in the clip you can’t. In reality, Jaguars are heavier, stronger, and take to water like a duck. In their area they are an apex predator. You never hear about jaguars going crazy and eating humans like you hear about leopards? Seems odd, jaguars are as equipped as leopards. Some cats can hold a grudge. Tigers are famous for it. House cats can go on the prod toward some people. If a house cat weighed 60 pounds, humans would be extinct. IMO and I love both of my cats. 🙂

[TigersEye]

Another difference is that leopards are African animals and Jaguars live in the Americas. North, Central and South. That distinction is what makes the clip relevant to this story about Costa Rica.

You're right about Jaguars loving the water. I didn't know how much so until I ran across the following gifs looking for the first one.

I think I'll pass on scuba diving in the Amazon.

[Equine1952]

I saw an article that says there may be up to eight jaguars living in southern Arizona. Jaguars in the south Grizzly’s in the mid and northern US and maybe Siberian tigers in Alaska. It’s getting to be an adventure to go pee on a tree. Lions, tigers, and bears. Oh My. Adds some meaning to a pump shotgun full of slugs and 00. Oh and”Don’t leave home, without it”. 😊. Merry Christmas. Everyone.

[TigersEye]

Don’t forget mountain lions and, thanks to the libs, wolves!

Merry Christmas!!! :)