salt water crocs!

[sharky60]

have you seen the vids of the croc seen out in front of the Money Bar?

https://www.facebook.com/jasianna.jaxen/videos/591162297690085/

I would love to see one while diving ...

 

[drrich2]

I believe you're referring to American crocodiles. I mention this because while they are brackish dwellers, they are much different from what's usually called a salt water croc.

 

[gopbroek]

Looks about the same size as the one that was living in the Cenote, by the Caleta, several months back. Have not seen that one lately, if it migrated I hope they didn't harm it.

I bet it cleared the snorkelers out of the water in a hurry and back to drinking at the bar, as they are supposed to be.

 

[Sloeber]

I came across one that size on a dive at about 40' years back on Utila in my favorite small critter hunting grounds. Talk about making your heart skip a beat. I had just completed the first tank of my planned 2-tank shore dive and was kickin' it on the shore when several dive boats pulled up off shore. I was a bit annoyed because I enjoyed having the location to myself but what can you do? I had no idea that earlier in the day someone spotted the croc and word spread across the dive centers. I geared up for my second dive and went back in as more boats were showing up. Normally they wouldn't crowd moorings in Utila so I figured something might be up, but I didn't for a second think I'd bounce into a croc on my upcoming dive. Fun times. Thanks for sharing the video.

 

[drrich2]

Since the person on the boat lasso'd its snout, and someone posting asked if they relocated it, this begs a question...

What should our response be to a sizable American crocodile in an area where people swim, snorkel, etc...?

I specify the species because it makes a big difference where crocodiles are concerned.

I ask the question because we'd deem it ridiculous to try to relocate a big bull shark. In the U.S. American crocodiles (which don't co-habitat with man over nearly the range alligators do) haven't racked up a big body count. How dangerous should we regard them to be?

Richard.

 

[KSUDiver]

Holy smokes, we've been snorkeling right in that area a few times this week! I'd be very interested to hear any thoughts on Richard's questions above. My gut reaction based on what I know about alligators is to feel pretty nervous about that size of croc in the water...but I realize that's comparing two very different species.

Sooooo, now the big question is, do we go back there again before we leave? And if so, do I tell the rest of the fam about the croc before or after?

 

[gopbroek]

Holy smokes, we've been snorkeling right in that area a few times this week! I'd be very interested to hear any thoughts on Richard's questions above. My gut reaction based on what I know about alligators is to feel pretty nervous about that size of croc in the water...but I realize that's comparing two very different species.

Sooooo, now the big question is, do we go back there again before we leave? And if so, do I tell the rest of the fam about the croc before or after?

I would not be concerned, the one from the Caleta tried to eat my friends miniature poodle but never was very aggressive towards humans. Nature is not based on matched contests, we are just to large and most creatures look at us as a threat and avoid us, they want to hunt a low threat sure thing. The Croc population is much greater down by the lagoon near Columbia shallows and they do not venture out and bother people. As to telling the family, I would tell them after so they enjoy themselves but have a cool story afterwards

 

[cvchief]

In the U.S. American crocodiles (which don't co-habitat with man over nearly the range alligators do) haven't racked up a big body count. How dangerous should we regard them to be?

Richard.

Hmmm. As long as you can swim faster than the guy next to you, what is the worst that could happen?

From Playa last August:

[youtubehq]-JFKv-qwPFk[/youtubehq]

I have heard of diving with Bull Shark. Heck we even saw one down south once. But I NEVER heard of swim with the crocs.

I would not be concerned, the one from the Caleta tried to eat my friends miniature poodle

Yea, I saw people swimming over there recently. What the farfegnugen??!!??

Speaking of dogs, from Puerta Vallarta. DON"T watch it if you are squeamish and then complain about it. It makes me shiver and I am fearless:

[youtubehq]sdovgKgpf00[/youtubehq]

 

[gwklein]

American croc snorkel trips are regularly done on the Chinchorro Banks off the Yucatan coast. XTC Dive Center in Xcalak was one of the dive shops that offered the croc snorkel trips. Don't know if they still do it.

 

[Lorenzoid]

I believe you're referring to American crocodiles. I mention this because while they are brackish dwellers, they are much different from what's usually called a salt water croc.

I was wondering about this. Thanks. The Australian salties are seriously scary.