BELMOPAN, Belize, Aug 11, CMC – The Belize Forest Department (BFD), in collaboration with ACES Wildlife Rescue and the Crocodile Research Coalition (CRC), Tuesday warned residents, visitors, and businesses to refrain from feeding, approaching, or interacting with crocodiles in their natural habitat.
The advisory follows reports and social media posts involving human-crocodile interactions, including a recent incident in Caye Caulker Village and that while no physical contact or injury was observed in that particular incident, they said it underscores the importance of responsible behaviour in areas where crocodiles are present.
The BDF said that crocodiles are native to Belize and naturally inhabit mangroves, lagoons, wetlands, rivers and coastal areas.
“As human activity and development increasingly overlap with natural crocodile habitat, encounters between people and wildlife may occur. Public awareness and responsible behaviour are therefore important to protecting both people and crocodiles.”
It said that of particular concern are reports of crocodiles being intentionally fed or encouraged to approach people with the Forest Department “strongly” reminding the public that “crocodiles should never be fed, approached, touched, provoked or encouraged to interact with people.
“Feeding crocodiles, whether directly or indirectly, can alter their natural behaviour, cause them to associate people with food and increase the potential for negative human-crocodile interactions.
“Residents, visitors, and businesses are encouraged to support responsible wildlife viewing practices that maintain a safe distance and do not involve feeding, attracting, or attempting to interact with crocodiles in their environment or habitat.”
In addition both the BDF and the CRC are advising the public that they should avoid swimming at night or in mangrove areas and other locations where crocodiles are known to occur as well as keep children and pets at a safe distance from the water’s edge where crocodiles are present.
They are urging people to report concerning crocodile activity rather than attempting to intervene, adding that “persons who encounter a crocodile that may pose a concern should keep a safe distance, avoid interacting with the animal and contact the appropriate authorities or trained wildlife personnel for assistance”.
CMC/ah/ir/2026