Crocodiles: Friend or Foe?

Crocodiles: Friend or Foe?

Tara A. Spears

  This exotic reptile may not be a maneater but if threatened, wild crocodiles will attack people. Crocodiles are opportunistic predators and are known for their stealth and patience while hunting. They often wait in the water for their prey to come close enough before launching an attack. Their hunting techniques involve quick and powerful strikes, which they use to capture their prey. Because crocodilians are top predators, they occupy an important ecological role in their ecosystem. Culturally, they have been used for their meat and hides and are an important symbol in the religions of the ancient Mexican ethnic groups.

Crocodiles prefer freshwater habitats, which is why you can find them in the Mexican Marshes. But what’s different about crocs in Mexico is they also thrive in saltwater, specifically around the coastal areas of the Pacific Ocean. In Jalisco, the rut/mating season is typically April-May and in Nayarit, the rut season is May-June which explains why there have been so many crocodile sightings in the last couple of weeks. Now it is important to be extra vigilant if walking thru or near a mangrove/estuary where crocodiles live. Crocodiles bellow to convey health and size information to surrounding crocs for breeding, social, and territorial reasons- which gives the hiker a chance to avoid the wild animal. Crocs bellow year-round but with much more frequency in the breeding season.

Crocodiles take nearly all their prey in the water. Their usual method is to remain still, or approach stealthily, and engulf or seize prey with a single swift lunge and snap. Larger prey are most commonly pulled beneath the water and drowned and then dismembered by the famed “death roll”. The crocodile seizes a portion of the prey and rotates rapidly around its long axis, tearing a piece from the prey. Crocodiles feed and may attack at any time of the day or night, but are more active at night. erican crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), is a large species of crocodilian, with males attaining maximum lengths of 5-6 m, although some individuals may reach 7 meters. The adult females generally measure no more than 3-3.5 m in total length but individuals up to 4.4 m have been reported. It is the largest that are dangerous.

Although crocodilian jaws are capable of enormous power, they are also capable of delicate and gentle action. Large adults can pick up and roll unhatched eggs between their jaws, gently squeezing them until they hatch. Most species of crocodilian carry newly hatched young down to the water in their mouths.

Three crocodilian species are present in Mexico (Instituto Nacional de Ecología) out of the 25 found in the world but Chiapas is the only Mexican state where all three species appear. The crocodile species that resides in Jaltemba Bay is the American crocodile. Most of the time American crocodiles are solitary creatures. In their wild habitat, they prefer to be alone, retreating from most disturbances. However, if they feel threatened, individuals may become quite aggressive. When social interactions do occur, they often take place around dawn before their body temperatures have warmed. During the dry season they become lethargic, burying themselves in the mud and neglecting to eat. Crocodiles are more active at night and during the breeding season. Note that adult crocodiles are territorial, and it is only during the breeding season that crocodiles will share small spaces.

The crocodile’s teeth are conical and designed to penetrate and hold, rather than cut and chew. The teeth of the upper and lower jaws intermesh perfectly when the jaws are closed, giving yet another means of holding firmly whatever they grasp. The number of croc teeth vary by species but it is always more than 24 teeth. Teeth are often lost, but beneath each one is a replacement ready to fill the vacancy. Replacement of teeth occurs roughly every 20 months, throughout life, but slows down as the animal gets older, and may stop altogether with the oldest and largest individuals.

 

All Am. Crocodile females within a population are ready to mate and lay eggs at the same time. According to Crocodile Specialist Group, crocodile mating is the culmination of a series of behavioral interactions between individuals, in which there are many submissive displays, including snout-rubbing. Mating has been observed and always takes place in the water. The male lies over the back of the female and wraps his hind legs and tail under her, so that their vents come into contact. During mating, the male and female, entwined together, may frequently submerge and resurface. Mating between a pair may occur once, or many times.                           

A fertilized female crocodile will often build or dig “trial” nest. The American croc makes a series of holes which are abandoned after being dug. The females appear to be looking for a particular environment in which to lay their eggs. Egg-laying usually occurs at night and takes around 30-40 minutes. As the female is laying her eggs, she goes into a trance-like state and will usually not attempt to bite anyone disturbing her.  Female American crocodiles lay 30 to 60 eggs in a hole or mound that takes approximately 9 to 10 weeks to hatch.

When egg-laying is complete, the female covers the nest and usually becomes highly protective for 2-3 months. With American Alligators, nest defense is associated with a range of behavioral displays such as hissing, growling and body inflation. The sex of all living crocodilians is determined by the incubation conditions, particularly temperature. Slow development (30°C or less) gives exclusively females. Incubation at around 31°C gives both sexes, whereas incubation between 32 and 33°C gives mostly males.

 There are several Crocodile Sanctuaries near JB that you can visit to learn more about crocodiles. If you go south towards Bucerias, there is a very organized venue with a great guided tour:  Cora Crocodile Sanctuary, offers tours that last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. During the tour you’ll have the chance to learn more about the coastal environment, crocodiles, and the rescue and protection of wild flora and fauna.

Another crocodile venue is north of JB, just outside of San Blas, La Tovara National Park, a protected natural area that is home to an important reserve of crocodiles. The closest crocodile sanctuary, Cocodrilario Del Nayar, is an easy taxi/drive off of highway 200 north towards Las Varas. All sanctuaries have an admission fee. A map and details are available online if you google the name. Each one is a great activity to do with grandkids- and adults enjoy it, too.                           

The ancient people revered the crocodile. Cipactli was the Goddess of Alligators to the Maya; In Aztec cosmology, the crocodile symbolized the earth floating in the primeval waters. According to one Aztec tradition, Teocipactli “Divine Crocodile”. The crocodile is often seen as a guardian spirit, representing the connection between the physical world and the spiritual realm. In some Native American folklore, the alligator is considered a keeper of ancient wisdom and a protector of secrets.

Vacationing in the tropics with its exotic animals and flowers is a unique and memorable experience. Just remember to keep a safe distance if you see a crocodile. Be aware that crocodiles often will bask with an open mouth to regulate their body temperature, and there’s no cause for concern if you see this behavior. Swim only in designated swimming areas and only during daylight hours. Crocodiles are most active between dusk and dawn. Remember that the crocodile can go from zero to 25 in a matter of seconds:  they are quick sprinters on land and in the water. Be alert, observant and appropriately cautious-take photos from a distance.