Nobody plans on being attacked by a crocodile, right? But if you’re into adventure travel, wildlife viewing and nature, it’s a good idea to prepare yourself.
According to Wikipedia, crocodiles are “large aquatic reptiles that live throughout the tropics in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia.” That’s a wide range of territories, to be sure. And considering that Costa Rica is the Central American nation best known for its ecotourism, eco-friendly ways and emphasis on nature, it’s no surprise that the Costa Rica Tourism Board is a valuable source of information for all types of nature travel and adventure travel. That includes tips on how to respect the natural habitats of these impressive, formidable creatures — and what to do in the unlikely event that you have a face-to-face encounter with one.
••••••
DON’T MISS: 7 Tips for Whitewater Rafting in Costa Rica
••••••
The species that lives in Costa Rica, the American Crocodile, lives in rivers as well as swamps, lakes, lagoons, estuaries, mangroves and in the ocean close to the coastline. The Costa Rica Tourism Board recently put together an interesting brochure with travel safety tips that can apply to any region of the world where crocodiles roam. Among the pointers:
How to Avoid a Crocodile Attack:
• Ask locals or the coast guard where there might be crocodiles, and don’t swim in those areas.
• Don’t go anywhere near alcoves where there are eggs or nests.
• Do not feed crocodiles.
• Keep an eye on your children.
• Always maintain a safe distance from the creature if you come across one.
• Do not attempt to imitate experts who capture and handle crocodiles. They know what they’re doing, and they do it only for investigative purposes.
• Be aware of the crocodile’s reproductive season, which run from September through June; you should be even more aware of their presence during that time period.
• Remember that crocodiles don’t automatically attack humans. They simply react negatively when they feel their territory is being invaded. Respect the protected areas within rivers, lakes and estuaries.
••••••
DON’T MISS: Must-See Historic Architecture in San Jose, Costa Rica (PHOTOS)
••••••
What To Do During a Crocodile Attack
If you follow the travel tips above, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll ever experience an actual attack. But just in case, here’s what you should do:
• Stay calm.
• Do not try to handle or wrestle the crocodile.
• Find the crocodile’s eyes and stick your fingers or thumbs into them.
• If there is a sharp instrument within reach, use it on their eyes.
• Do not put your hands in the jaws of the crocodile.
• When you free yourself from the crocodile, swim as quickly as possible using the current as a way to make your escape as fast as possible.
• Anyone within the vicinity of the attack should assist by using any available instrument, preferably striking the crocodile on the head.
MORE COSTA RICA TRAVEL INFO: Costa Rica Tourism Board