Don’t fear the crocodiles – NEPA rep

Treya Picking, an environmental officer at the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), is advising residents of Montego Bay not to be alarmed by crocodiles living in the western city's lagoon near the Bogue community.

This follows reports that a crocodile was spotted in that area on Tuesday. A video surfaced on social media showing the reptile as it slipped into one of the sewage ponds near the National Water Commission's (NWC) offices in Bogue.

"We have actually received those reports and it is not the first time that the crocodile is being sighted in the sewage pond. To be honest, it is nothing new... sewage ponds provide large habitats for crocodiles and it provides a safe haven from illegal hunting and harassment. Plus, where the sewage ponds are in the Bogue Lagoon area is actually adjacent to the wetlands of the Bogue Lagoon," said Picking. He said that contrary to common misconceptions, crocodiles are quite shy and docile.

"So if you keep a safe distance and are cautious around the area, then you can safely co-exist with the crocodiles being in the pond."

Hugh Shim, manager of the Montego Bay Marine Park, noted that crocodiles have been in the lagoons for some time and they may only appear outside of their natural habitat if their food sources are dwindling.

"Then they will come on land, and if people are wandering over there, they might attack them, especially if the people go near their eggs," he said.

Crocodiles are a protected species in Jamaica and it is forbidden to hunt them under Section 6 of Jamaica's Wildlife Protection Act. Under Section 20 of the Act, any person found guilty of any offence covered under the Act, including the hunting of protected species, may be fined up to $100,000 or spend 12 months in prison.

NEPA is currently conducting a population survey of crocodiles in their natural habitats, which also includes Salt Marsh in Trelawny and most sections of Jamaica's south coast. According to the organisation, one recurring problem is the practice of hunting crocodiles for their meat, which threatens the safety of the crocodile population.

Concerning the Bogue sighting, Picking said that it would not be practical to relocate the reptile, particularly if there is no adequate fencing between the sewage pond and the wetlands. The approach is to work with the NWC to monitor the crocodile populations and to sensitise the staff on the presence of crocodiles in these ponds.