Massive Crocodile Captured After Wandering Onto Road In Limón Province

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Published on Wednesday, August 19, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

A massive American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) was found wandering along the main road of a rural community in Limón Province on Tuesday, the Fire Department reported.

According to rescuers, an emergency call came in at about 8 a.m. after residents of Las Vegas, in the Sixaola District, reported seeing the large adult crocodile walking along the main road.

Animal rescue experts from the Fire Department, with help from several local residents, managed to immobilize the reptile, secure its snout and wrap it in a blanket so they could lift it onto the back of a pickup truck.

The crocodile was then transported far from the town to a wilderness area along the banks of the Sixaola River, where it was released unharmed, authorities said.

Fire Department officials said sightings of crocodiles living in freshwater rivers throughout Costa Rica are more common during the rainy season. They urged people to avoid approaching the reptiles and to immediately report any sighting by calling 9-1-1.

Crocodile populations in Costa Rica are closely monitored by the National System of Conservation Areas, known by its Spanish acronym SINAC.

Two crocodilian species inhabit the country's coastal regions: the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) and the spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus).

A SINAC study, Current Report of the Crocodiles and Caimans Population, found that human expansion has significantly reduced the reptiles' natural habitats.

The study identified several rivers with the highest crocodile populations, including the Tárcoles River in Puntarenas, the Tempisque River in Guanacaste, the Matina River in Limón, the Sarapiquí River in Heredia, the San Carlos River in Alajuela, and the Bongo and Nosara rivers on the Nicoya Peninsula. Each of these rivers hosts an average of 3,000 crocodiles.

Crocodiles can thrive in fresh, salt and brackish water, allowing them to inhabit a variety of ecosystems, including rivers, lagoons, estuaries, river mouths and coastal areas.

Experts emphasize the importance of exercising caution in areas where crocodiles may be present. Over the years, public awareness campaigns have been reinforced to educate residents and visitors about the risks of encounters with these reptiles.

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To stay safe in crocodile habitats, experts recommend the following precautions:

Never swim in waters where crocodiles may be present, especially where no warning signs are posted.

Always respect crocodile warning signs. They are there for your safety.

Remain vigilant near the water. Crocodiles will likely see you before you see them.

Never provoke, harass or approach crocodiles, including juveniles.

Never feed crocodiles. It is illegal and dangerous.

Be extra cautious near the water at night.

Avoid standing, wading or paddling at the water's edge.

Stay away from areas with visible crocodile slide marks, as reptiles may be nearby.

Residents and visitors are urged to report any crocodile sightings to the nearest police station or by calling 9-1-1.

SINAC, the government agency responsible for managing Costa Rica's national parks and protected areas, continues to monitor crocodile populations and promote public safety initiatives.

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