From the founding of Puerto Vallarta until the beginning of the 1980s, it was part of the village landscape to see women washing clothes in the Cuale River by “the little island,” as they called the delta that is formed at the mouth of the river.
In all that time they never recorded the presence of crocodiles, but they did observe the so-called “water dogs” or otters, which are still there.
Today this iconic point of the city has become a must-see for tourists, surrounded by condominiums, markets, restaurants, hotels, and countless stalls selling handicrafts, shirts, typical clothes, and other souvenirs.
But for almost two years, residents have warned of the presence of two crocodiles, which is a danger for mainly local swimmers, some tourists, and fishermen.
Civil Protection relocated one of them, but there is still another one in the north arm of the river.
Restaurateur Eva Sánchez has reported this animal to the authorities, worried that it could affect someone, since it is in the heart of the city.
“There is only one, in a small habitat. It comes out, sunbathes, and is growing. I am concerned because in the river Cuale has always been popular with the Vallarta swimmers,” she said. “By the sea, there are thousands of children swimming every weekend, unaware of this serious danger. So, it is important that they come for this little animal because it is already growing. It is quite strong, and it is necessary to remove it.”
She reiterated the call for Civil Protection and Animal Welfare to take action on the matter, since, so far, they have not had an effective response.
“Well, they say they are going to check, and come for him, but there is no truth to it,” Sánchez complained.
She indicated that the last time she reported it was two months ago, and that the crocodile is already more than one meter, so she urged them to relocate it.