Beachgoers Urged to Stay Alert During Crocodile Nesting Season

St. Thomas, Jamaica – Visitors to Jamaica’s beaches are being urged to remain vigilant as the crocodile nesting season, which lasts from November to June, is now in full swing.

Founder and Administrator of the Holland Bay Crocodile Sanctuary in St. Thomas, Lawrence Henriques, is warning that female crocodiles become highly protective of their nests during this time. He explained that the nesting period involves reproduction, gestation, egg-laying, and a three-month incubation phase, with hatchlings emerging between May and June.

Speaking during a recent media tour of the sanctuary organized by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), Mr. Henriques emphasized the importance of understanding crocodile behavior.

“If you happen to be walking along the beach, especially near mangroves or areas with water sources, always be vigilant,” he advised. “Female crocodiles typically nest close to water, so be on the lookout for potential nesting sites.”

He noted that this is a common occurrence along Jamaica’s southern coastline, particularly in St. Elizabeth. Signs of a nest may include disturbed ground or track marks in the sand.

“If you see a mound or an area that looks recently disturbed, give it a wide berth,” Mr. Henriques cautioned. “The female may be nearby, and while some won’t react, others may approach you. In that case, the best thing to do is to calmly turn around and walk away.”

Authorities and environmental experts continue to educate the public on safely coexisting with these native reptiles, urging people to respect their habitat and exercise caution when visiting coastal areas.