Oh my word, I went crocodile hunting!! There is this amazing program on the island called American Crocodile Education Sanctuary (ACES). The goal of the group is to create a safe area to relocate crocodiles and help educate the public. Our guide, Chris, told us some horrible stories about crocodiles being tortured on the island because people don't have the proper education to understand the importance of such a species. It was such an honor to be on the boat with them as they went around searching for crocodiles. They are doing specific research on the parasites often found on the crocodiles. Apparently the water around San Pedro is to heavily polluted with mercury that they are not finding any parasites on the crocs. This is a serious issue because if parasites aren't living here then you know the water pollution levels are severe. One of the researchers said they were finding levels of mercury as high as 30% which is unfathomable.
The croc hunting was a great success. They caught a 4 ft. one and it was very impressive. We cruised around the canals which often back up to residential areas. A lot of people fish here and then clean there fish, so the crocodiles have learned to adapt to the easier feeding method. When they are searching for one they use a big flashlight and trail it over the water. If there is a croc in the water their eyes will glow almost like fire coals. Then one of the guides slowly climbs into the pitch black water and swims towards the croc- but they have very little clue as to the actual size!! Our friend Mariam is working with ACES and it was terrifying to see her just slither into the water. The one we caught actually gave Chris a hard time so I cannot imagine what it's like trying to wrestle with anything larger.
Overall, the most important thing was the emphasis on environment. It is not enough to try and protect species in their natural habitat, we must also educate the public. I love what ACES is doing because the croc hunting allows us to get out there and learn more than any book could teach.
The croc hunting was a great success. They caught a 4 ft. one and it was very impressive. We cruised around the canals which often back up to residential areas. A lot of people fish here and then clean there fish, so the crocodiles have learned to adapt to the easier feeding method. When they are searching for one they use a big flashlight and trail it over the water. If there is a croc in the water their eyes will glow almost like fire coals. Then one of the guides slowly climbs into the pitch black water and swims towards the croc- but they have very little clue as to the actual size!! Our friend Mariam is working with ACES and it was terrifying to see her just slither into the water. The one we caught actually gave Chris a hard time so I cannot imagine what it's like trying to wrestle with anything larger.
Overall, the most important thing was the emphasis on environment. It is not enough to try and protect species in their natural habitat, we must also educate the public. I love what ACES is doing because the croc hunting allows us to get out there and learn more than any book could teach.