Heavy Rain Due To Badai Beryl And Alberto Cause 200 Crocodiles To Enter Urban Areas In Mexico

Illustration. (Unsplash/Rangarajan Ragunathan)

JAKARTA - Heavy rains linked to Hurricane Beryl and Tropical Storm Alberto previously caused at least 200 crocodiles to enter urban areas in Tamaulipas State, northern Mexico bordering Texas, United States, state and federal authorities said this week.

So far, authorities say they have caught and moved about 200 major reptiles since Hurricane Alberto rained in June. Meanwhile, Beryl swept the same area before landing in south Texas earlier this week.

Authorities said heavy rains raised water levels on coastal lagoons, causing animals to creep into cities such as Tampico and nearby cities Ciudad Madero and Altamira, where at least 165 crocodiles have been caught and moved.

Head of the Tamaulipas State Environment Department Karina Lizeth Sald Marijuvar said in a statement, "the recent rain has raised the water surface in the lagoon system, which has led to an increase in crocodile sightings," as reported by CNN from AP 12 June.

Meanwhile, the Federal Attorney General's Office for Environmental Protection said about 40 more crocodiles had been caught in the area in June and transferred to suitable habitats outside of populated areas.

The problem may continue, the office said, noting "when the water level drops in places such as flooded roads and drainage channels, crocodiles will appear and their appearance will definitely increase."

This problem came to light this week when social media users uploaded a video of several crocodiles tied up in urban areas.

That "corresponding to the uproar on social media," the department said.

It is known that crocodiles are protected species in Mexico. Attacks by them in Mexico are rare but have ever occurred.