Given the most recent reports on crocodile sightings and attacks on pets, officials advise beachgoers to exercise caution when visiting the country's coastal areas.


This week, many videos of crocodiles attacking dogs and allegedly recorded on Costa Rican beaches, have circulated on social media.


According to Mauricio Mendez Venegas, Deputy Director of the Tempisque Conservation Area on the Nicoya Peninsula, the footage of a crocodile attacking a dog "is a warning of something we should never forget: always take care while strolling near rivers or estuaries."


Mendez noted that fast-flowing rivers are common habitats for massive adult crocodiles. "To avoid crocodile attacks, we must not use these areas to play with children or pets," he stated.


The expert advises pet owners to always use leashes and collars on their dogs and cats and to use caution while going near beaches.  "The crocodile might be hidden on the beach, making it simpler for the reptile to attack any animals that approach it," he said.


People should take additional precautions when there are children present. "It is crucial to remember that in areas where rivers flow into the sea, the probability of encountering a crocodile rises. Children should not be allowed to play in such places, " he added.


The National System of Conservation Areas (Sinac) reports two crocodile species: Crocodylus Acutus and Caiman Crocodilus populate the coastal areas of the country.


Sinac’s study "The situation of Costa Rica's crocodile and alligator populations," reveals that the reptiles' natural habitat has been considerably reduced as a result of human settlement growth and expansion.


The survey found that rivers Tárcoles in Puntarenas, Tempisque in Guanacaste, Matina in Limón, Sarapiquí in Heredia, San Carlos in Alajuela, and Bongo and Nosara on the Nicoya Peninsula had the most crocodiles, with an average of 3,000 per river.


Furthermore, crocodile populations may survive in fresh, salt, and brackish water, therefore people should be aware of all ecosystems, including rivers, lagoons, estuaries, river mouths, and beach sides.

Authorities urge the public to exercise utmost caution and avoid all contact with these reptiles. "In recent years, efforts have been made to reinforce and expand campaigns to educate the public on the precautions they should take and to increase awareness about the dangers of interacting with these reptiles," they said.

Experts warn that crocodile breeding begins during the rainy season. This leads the dominant males to get the younger males out of their region. These lonely crocodiles travel to areas where they are not typically sighted.

Those who live near the crocodile sighting should stay onshore to avoid a crocodile attack, according to the organization's statement.

People should never pose an undue risk in crocodile habitat. Some precautions to be safe in crocodile environments include:

• Never swim in water where crocodiles may be present, especially if there are no warning signs.

• Respect all crocodile warning signs; they are there for your safety and protection.

• Always keep alert for crocodiles. They'll notice you before you see them.

• Never provoke, harass, or meddle with crocodiles, including little ones.

• Never feed crocodiles; it is unlawful and hazardous.

• Be extremely cautious around water at night.

• Avoid approaching the water's edge, and do not paddle or wade there.

• Stay well away from any crocodile sliding markings. Crocodiles may be around and may approach humans.

Experts advise reporting any sightings of crocodiles to the nearest police station or by calling 9-1-1.

The National System of Conservation Areas (Sinac), is the state-owned agency in charge of managing all national parks and protected areas in the country.

A.M. Costa Rica urges readers to share this warning with their communities. 

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