Warning signs along the Tarcoles River near the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica will soon advice residents and tourists about the presence of potentially dangerous caimans. The warning signs specifically prohibit feeding the reptiles, which many people see as an act of good faith, but is in fact a danger to humans. In a recent interview with Radio Columbia, 98.7 FM, a spokesperson for the Directorate of Conservation in the Central Pacific Area explained that they are seeking to raise awareness among individuals about the dangers of feeding crocodiles in the Tarcoles River. These signs will warn… Continue reading →
Warning signs along the Tarcoles River near the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica will soon advice residents and tourists about the presence of potentially dangerous caimans.
The warning signs specifically prohibit feeding the reptiles, which many people see as an act of good faith, but is in fact a danger to humans. In a recent interview with Radio Columbia, 98.7 FM, a spokesperson for the Directorate of Conservation in the Central Pacific Area explained that they are seeking to raise awareness among individuals about the dangers of feeding crocodiles in the Tarcoles River.
These signs will warn about the civil consequences and sanctions that may arise when feeding alligators and other wildlife. In recent months, the areas where tourists park to observe the numerous spectacled caimans (Caiman sclerops) have become very dangerous due to the reptiles losing their innate fear of humans. Transit Police may be assigned to intervene and order vehicles and tourists to leave the areas where the new signs will be posted.
The announcement about the upcoming posting of warning signs comes in the wake of two incidents that called for the expert removal of caimans from areas where they would normally shy away from. Just a couple of weeks ago, a large caiman was trapped in Jaco Beach, one of the most popular beach communities in Costa Rica. That caiman was relocated to a wildlife refuge in the Caribbean region.
Over the last few years, conservation officials in Costa Rica have noticed a sharp increase in caimans along the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. This migration from the Caribbean to the Pacific is facilitated by the numerous rivers that crisscross the country, and it mostly consisted of males that enjoy feeding in the surf but rarely approached the beach. Climate change, however, has changed this migration patterns: Whereas in the past caimans returned to the Caribbean for mating, the absence of rains in the early green season is making them confused, thus delaying their return.