QCOSTARICA — Visitors to Costa Rica’s Central and South Pacific coastal destinations often make a stop at the Tárcoles river to take in the well-known tourist attraction of observing crocodiles from a bridge.
A video circulating on social media has sparked outrage and alarm by showing a man handling a large crocodile in the Tárcoles river. The reckless action, as described by authorities, allegedly is carried out as part of a tour for tourists, exposes not only the life of the individual, but also the safety of visitors who witness the scene at a short distance from the reptiles.
In addition, some tour operators have been accused of taking visitors to areas close to these animals in order to offer more impressive experiences, a practice that experts consider highly risky and irresponsible.
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The Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) and the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) have repeatedly warned about the danger of interacting with crocodiles.
According to Mauricio Méndez, technical director of the Tempisque Conservation Area, “a crocodile of that size could easily enter a stranded boat and capture any visitor without anyone being able to prevent it.”
Méndez described the action as “a great irresponsibility” and emphasized that these animals remain wild and unpredictable, even if they are known by tour guides.
SINAC has repeatedly denounced these improper practices and announced the carrying out of inspection tours in the area to sanction those who promote this type of illegal activities.
MINAE called on national and foreign tourists to reject any activity that involves direct contact with wild animals
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