SOS Cocodrilo Tampico: First‐responder actions to human–crocodile interactions in Northeastern Mexico

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

Human–crocodile interactions are a global concern and Laguna del Carpintero in Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico, is no exception. This urban lagoon has undergone significant environmental changes due to extensive recreational infrastructure development. These changes have caused habitat loss and consequently increased interactions with Crocodylus moreletii , making this lagoon a priority area of national concern for this issue. The objective of this study was to analyse human–crocodile interactions (HCI) and evaluate the implementation of the Human–Crocodile Contingency Response Protocol (PACH‐C; SEMARNAT, 2018) in the urban context of Tampico during 2021–2022. Based on the operational experience gained through documented HCI events and the identification of gaps in the existing protocol, a critical action path (CAP) was developed and proposed as an adapted emergency response model for urban environments. General data were recorded for each interaction, including location, date, time, type of interaction, type of medical care provided and response time. Victim data included sex, age, occupation, number and type of injuries sustained. When possible, data on the crocodile responsible for the interaction were also recorded, including total length and sex. These data were collected through field documentation during the emergency response, victim interviews and direct observation of the animals involved. We documented 100% (four) of the human–crocodile interactions recorded during the study period, which resulted in two fatal and two non‐fatal injuries. Our findings indicate that homeless people are at greater risk of these interactions. The implementation of coordinated response protocols demonstrated improved outcomes when government institutions, academic researchers, health professionals and crocodile specialists worked collaboratively during emergency situations. Practical implication . Based on these findings, we propose updating the Human–Crocodile Contingency Response Protocol by integrating a critical action pathway for emergency response that establishes clear courses of action and incorporates medical, legal and social service components not previously included in the national protocol. These actions emphasize the importance of rapid inter‐agency coordination and could serve as a model for other urban areas facing similar challenges related to conflicts with wildlife.