By Wendy Anders

The recent rainy conditions that are typical at this time of year in Costa Rica are propitious for crocodiles to enter into the sea from swollen river mouths, reported Teletica, Costa Rica’s Channel 7 TV.

Rainy conditions encourage the animals to mate, said Adrian Arce, ranger at the Central Pacific Conservation Area, to Teletica.

During mating, larger male crocodiles displace smaller males in the fight for a mate, explained Arce. These smaller crocs wind up seeking refuge in areas adjacent to river mouths, and often swim out into ocean waters or estuaries near rivers, and can also come up onto beaches.

Therefore, Arce warned, that there may be an increased presence in crocodiles in the country’s Central Pacific beaches near rivers in the area of Parrita and Tarcoles. He cautioned beach vacationers to ask about crocodile sitings before entering the water, and to take note of warning signs.

The beaches susceptible to crocodile displacements include, but are not limited to, Bajamar, Tivives, Guacalillo, Doña Ana, Puntarenas, Punta Leona, Jacó, Hermosa and Esterillos, said Arce to Teletica.

Once the dry season begins, Arce said, the displaced crocodiles return upriver and there is much less threat of encountering them near beaches.

One beachgoer last weekend found a decomposed crocodile carcass on the beach at Bajamar, a sign that the reptiles are indeed migrating out of nearby rivers, reported Teletica.