Crocodiles in Jamaica, Mexico and Grand Cayman

[fairytalelover]

So been reading the threads about the alligator attack in Orlando and some people were preaching that those of us who were not aware that alligators were a danger in Florida should read up about indigenous wildlife at places we are travelling to. So I did some research and it turns out that there are crocodiles in Mexico, Jamaica and Grand Cayman in addition to other parts of the world and Crocs as opposed to Gators can be in salt and fresh water and are more aggressive towards humans. That being said, we are on the cruise that goes to mexico, Jamaica and grand Cayman in December. So what are the possibilities are coming across one of these bad boys and has anyone seen one at any of these places? After what happened in Orlando, I want to keep my family safe.

 

[summerskye]

Interesting. I sure hope there are no real issues. We are doing the Western in 18 days via the Fantasy.

 

[summerskye]

From A google search:

Cayman Islands - While extirpated in the Cayman Islands in historical times, individual crocodiles occasionally make it to the islands, likely swimming from Cuba or Jamaica, (perhaps assisted by floating debris). Cayman Department of Enviroment

 

[Mr. Drauer]

it's not very likely - you are typically not going to be in the types of areas that they inhabit. sometimes they swim in the open ocean and may go up on a beach but not too often. They prefer the more murky areas such as estuaries and tidal marshes. They are not like the alligators that inhabit every waterbody in Florida. If you want to go on the Black River Crocodile tour in Jamaica, there are plenty to see. Plus, these countries do not have the same types of laws as the US, and people still kill and eat them.

 

[Plaid Princess]

If it says "No Swimming", don't swim there. You'll likely be at more crowded touristy beaches etc, and wildlife generally will avoid crowded areas like that.

 

[Jwhittin]

I think the statistics are on your side with this. I mean, you're probably more likely to get in a car accident on the way to the airport than to get attacked by gators on vacation.

 

[summerskye]

I think the statistics are on your side with this. I mean, you're probably more likely to get in a car accident on the way to the airport than to get attacked by gators on vacation.

Sure am glad I am not going to the airport...

 

[fairytalelover]

I think the statistics are on your side with this. I mean, you're probably more likely to get in a car accident on the way to the airport than to get attacked by gators on vacation.

well that doesnt make me feel better because the statistics were on the side of the family that just had their son taken away. I would rather be more informed and alert from now on. Before I was typically in the disney bubble where I assumed that if it's disney or a disney-organized excursion then we are totally safe. Well my bubble burst and I realized that's not true. We are signing up for the excursion to go on the bobsleds in Jamaica and that seems to be in the middle of some kind of jungle area......so I want to know what to watch out for.....

 

[fairytalelover]

I think the statistics are on your side with this. I mean, you're probably more likely to get in a car accident on the way to the airport than to get attacked by gators on vacation.

yeah, I can't stand the auto-response type quotes like that. The "you are more likelies" dont work because it only takes one time for tragedy to hit and it actually could happen to you. Just like it happened to this very normal family.......so when I hear the "you are more likelies" I roll my eyes.....and continue with my research to be prudent as I can be when travelling.....

 

[fairytalelover]

If it says "No Swimming", don't swim there. You'll likely be at more crowded touristy beaches etc, and wildlife generally will avoid crowded areas like that.

yeah well it said "no swimming" at GF and the child was not swimming. He was wading. it didnt say no wading or even going near the water........

 

[summerskye]

I am thinking your best bet is to research via the internet, specifically official websites (gov, etc.) On the boards, you are going to get opinions and guesses. I gather you are looking for more details from an authority. I understand your concern. That being said, on a forum like this opinions are what you will get. Best of luck.

 

[Mr. Drauer]

If you are looking at the bobsled experience, it is in the mountains in the rainforest, which is not going to present any opportunities for potential crocodile habitat. Also, the crocodiles in Jamaica are found in the more southern locations, along the waters where it is warm. The mountain streams are super cold (if you have ever been to Dunns River falls you know what i mean) and reptiles need external warmth to regulate their body temperature. What to watch out for in Jamaica is the very pushy folks in the markets, the many slum-like villages you pass as you drive through the perilous mountain roads on the left side of the highway nearly colliding with every passing bus, and the tour guides who incessantly push you for tips because that is how they make a living.

 

[fairytalelover]

If you are looking at the bobsled experience, it is in the mountains in the rainforest, which is not going to present any opportunities for potential crocodile habitat. Also, the crocodiles in Jamaica are found in the more southern locations, along the waters where it is warm. The mountain streams are super cold (if you have ever been to Dunns River falls you know what i mean) and reptiles need external warmth to regulate their body temperature. What to watch out for in Jamaica is the very pushy folks in the markets, the many slum-like villages you pass as you drive through the perilous mountain roads on the left side of the highway nearly colliding with every passing bus, and the tour guides who incessantly push you for tips because that is how they make a living.

that's good to know. We have never been to Jamaica. So the I would think with pushy people one would have a potential for pick-pockiters.

 

[Mr. Drauer]

pushy as in persistent to make you buy something similar to Nassau, but yes there is some petty crime but primarily in the cities, not where the excursions go, but the port at Falmouth is fairly new and nice.

 

[fairytalelover]

If you are looking at the bobsled experience, it is in the mountains in the rainforest, which is not going to present any opportunities for potential crocodile habitat. Also, the crocodiles in Jamaica are found in the more southern locations, along the waters where it is warm. The mountain streams are super cold (if you have ever been to Dunns River falls you know what i mean) and reptiles need external warmth to regulate their body temperature. What to watch out for in Jamaica is the very pushy folks in the markets, the many slum-like villages you pass as you drive through the perilous mountain roads on the left side of the highway nearly colliding with every passing bus, and the tour guides who incessantly push you for tips because that is how they make a living.

so if the bobsled excursion is in the rain forest area then what are the dangers there we should be alert to?

 

[Weedy]

In Florida (and the US) alligators are protected and are only allowed to be hunted during a small time period.
No so in Jamaica and other countries.
Growing up in Orlando in the 60's before they were protected you rarely saw an alligator. now they are everywhere. My family owned property just to the north of WDW it was in the country.

https://www.fws.gov/endangered/esa-library/pdf/alligator.pdf

 

[fairytalelover]

In Florida (and the US) alligators are protected and are only allowed to be hunted during a small time period.
No so in Jamaica and other countries.
Growing up in Orlando in the 60's I rarely saw an alligator. My family owned property that was located right near what is now WDW on the Butler Chain of Lakes. It was in the country. Now gators are everywhere.

maybe they should allow hunting again......

 

[Mr. Drauer]

bug bites, possible skin conditions from plants (poison ivy / poisonwood tree), ticks, spiders. there are no venomous snakes in Jamaica. Use sunscreen first, then insect repellent with DEET after. Don't rub up against plants and vines. Don't go exploring off on your own. Oh, yeah, have fun.

 

[Mr. Drauer]

maybe they should allow hunting again......

They do allow hunting - there is a permitted hunt each year. Also, anytime a concerned citizen calls FWC reporting a nuisance alligator, no matter if it is actually being a nuisance, they will send out a trapper to kill it. They no longer relocate alligators, as there are plenty in the wild.

 

[FigmentSpark]

I have to say that it crossed my mind, as Disney was cordoning off all the beaches, to wonder how safe the camping, particularly tent camping over at Fort Wilderness was.