Residents of the DFC Area are worried about the constant sightings of crocodiles looming in the neighborhood and are afraid that these animals will one day attack a person. DFC resident, Francis Eiley submitted these pictures to Ambergris Today after he and his neighbors managed to capture one that attempted to cross the street. They properly secured the animal and returned it to the wild away from the neighborhood.
"They keep coming back," commented Francis Eiley. "The same crocodile was spotted in the are not to long ago after we put it in the mangrove."
Francis says that he has spotted more crocodiles underneath his neighbor's house and is very concerned that they will become problematic for the area residents. He mentioned that one crocodile has eaten a neighborhood dog and maybe others that he is not aware of.
"Neighbors are constantly afraid of an attack at any time and we are hoping the proper authorities can do something about this and come to help us."
If anyone is having problems with crocodiles, the correct authorities to contact are:
ReplyDeleteBelize Forest Department 822-1524 Rasheda Sampson, Wildlife Officer 607-2177 ACES 666-3817
ACES is now located on Ambergris Caye and can be called at anytime at 666-3871 or 631-6366. We are aware of the DFC problem and have rescued and relocated three crocs from there since the arson of ACES in PG Town this past Sept. With no where to take them now, like the natural containment area at ACES in PG,they will return. ACES has been trying to get an appointment with the the Minister of Tourism since the fire to discuss ACES building a containment facility here on the island that would house the problematic crocodiles, educate the public and schools, and add to tourism. ACES would train eligible locals as well.
ReplyDeleteACES did successfully rescue and relocate two problem crocs from up north this morning that ate some pets up there. The important things is that ACES gets to tag these problem crocs before they are re-released to be able to get a population survey and to keep track of the problem crocs and their movement. This survey will help authorities to be able to institute a proper crocodile conservation action plan and to better handle croc-human conflicts. If you have a problem croc or see someone with a croc, please call ACES. Thank you for your help and support. Only by working together can we properly make a safer place for us and the wildlife.