The ethics of animal tourism. Most of the travelers who stopped to see the crocs in Costa Rica were taking photos from far away and doing their best not to interact with the reptiles. Currently, there are no signs advising visitors on how to behave around the crocodiles.
But that may not last forever. While it's not unusual for people to travel the world in hope of viewing exotic animals -- zoos, anyone? In , the Australian state of Tasmania had to post warnings in a nature park reminding visitors that despite their cuteness, fuzzy wombats are still wild animals who shouldn't be hugged for Instagram.
In the United States, a woman visiting a zoo in Arizona was attacked by a jaguar she was taking a picture of. This totally illegal practice is called baiting. When they start associating people with food, animals in general, lose their natural instinct of being scared around humans and can become very aggressive. As all crocodiles are carnivorous, they are potentially dangerous to people.
Costa Rican beaches are among the favorites of surfers from all around the world. On many of those beaches, crocs and surfers have had many nasty encounters. A couple years ago, a surfer lost part of his leg on Tamarindo. The attack was widely reported and tourism, a huge job generator in Costa Rica, has been affected for that reason. Not only because of the huge reptiles, but because of pollution. Contaminants, like agrochemicals, raw sewage, and fecal matter, come from the commercial activities in the urban area as well as from the farms and industries along its course.
Apparently, there is none in sight yet. Meanwhile, several measures are being taken to face the croc issue. A serious mistake, especially when you mess around with powerful animals like these, could easily cost your life and limb.
Andrea Diaz, who began an initiative among surfers to create their own signs using old surfboards, told GrindTV that the government is not doing enough. She said at least four large crocodiles are currently utilizing the river mouth, including the crocodile believed to have attacked Becker. Another plan being discussed, according to the Tamarindo Development Association, involves the placement of surveillance cameras near the estuary to keep a eye on tour operators who might be feeding crocodiles.
Piedra, the Las Baulas National Park administer, told the Tico Times that killing or removing crocodiles, for now, is not an option.
But if one crocodile is going to continue attacking, we need to take that into account. Why the Zeal Optics Idyllwilds are your new favorite adventure sunnies.
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