Crocodile Man Tour at the Tarcoles River near Jaco, Costa Rica

Biologists and wildlife experts in Tamarindo Beach are urging visitors and residents of this coastal town to give crocodiles the space they deserve. Over the last few days, anglers casting their lines in the Tamarindo estuary have noticed a significant increase in the number of large reptiles in the area, a situation that conservation officials are currently keeping an eye on.

According to a news report filed by Joselyne Ugarte of online news daily Costa Rica Hoy, biologists from the National Conservation System are aware of the overpopulation of crocodiles in Tamarindo, one of the most popular beach destinations in the province of Guanacaste. Conservation and reforestation efforts in the estuary have resulted in a healthy mangrove forest, which has greatly expanded in the 21^st century; for this reason, more crocodiles are choosing this spot as their habitat.

Jorge Hernandez, wildlife protection coordinator at the Central Volcanic Range Conservation Area, explains that the crocodile population will probably keep growing as the mangrove expands along the estuary, which means that tourists and locals will have to get used to them:

I know about the situation in Tamarindo Beach. I can tell you from what I know that the estuary mangrove is an ideal habitat for crocodiles, and thus humans must take some precautions. First of all, these animals will attack if they feel cornered or threatened; we must give them some space. At a distance of three meters, a crocodile will fear humans and stay away. Once we are within three meters, the crocs get nervous and we may not even see them come at us due to their agility.

Although crocodiles are more commonly seen in Guanacaste, caimans have also been spotted in Tamarindo Beach; these are reptiles that sometimes migrate from the Caribbean due to displacement caused by climate change. In the last couple of years, two crocodiles attacks on surfers have taken place in Tamarindo.

Needless to say, feeding crocodiles is not only against the law in Costa Rica; it is also foolish.