04/29/2026
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Our prayers go out to Nicole Robinson for a speedy recovery.
Vincent Rose and I, who are published crocodile research biologists/behaviorists and the founders of GiveaCroc in Florida, are the original 2026 founders of ACES (American Crocodile Education Sanctuary)—Belize's first crocodile conservation organization. Both the late Chris Summers, founder of ACES Wildlife Refuge, and Marisa Tellez, founder of the Crocodile Research Coalition, began their careers as our students. While we are exceptionally proud of their legacy and work, we have all grown and now differ on certain crocodilian issues. I would like to add to recent statements about the crocodile attack in Caye Caulker.
Although it is currently American crocodile nesting season in Belize, we find it highly unlikely the incident was related to a mother protecting her young. First, the attack occurred in the water, and second, the crocodile's s*x remains unknown. Claiming the crocodile was protecting “her” nest is an assumption.
As noted, the attack occurred during the crocodile's peak feeding time. Although American crocodiles are technically crepuscular feeders (most active at dawn and dusk), they are also highly opportunistic and significantly more active at night.
While American crocodiles are typically shy, timid species that feed primarily on fish—hence their slender snouts—the situation on Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye is more complex. For years, crocodiles in these areas have been fed both directly and indirectly. This occurs through illegal tourist attractions, fishers tossing scraps into the water, or locals disposing of food waste in the canals. This habituation alters their natural behavior and reduces their fear of humans.
It is a chilling reality in wildlife biology: once a crocodilian loses its natural wariness, the dynamic shifts from coexistence to a “predator-prey” relationship. This means that once a crocodilian in the wild is fed by humans—regardless of the method—it begins to lose its innate fear of people and starts to associate human presence with food. This "conditioning" is often the catalyst for tragic encounters. This can not be restated enough.
In this specific case, we are leaning away from the theory of a defensive bite for several reasons:
The Element of Surprise: The crocodile was not caught off guard, as it might have been if someone had suddenly fallen into the water beside it.
The Pursuit: The victim was swimming and actively pursued, which suggests a calculated, predatory approach rather than a reactive one.
Strike Pattern: In a typical defensive strike, a crocodile will bite and immediately release or turn away to create distance. In this instance, the victim was forced to fight the animal off to survive.
Thankfully, Nicole was able to do exactly that and escape with her life.
Finally, we would like to note that we have seen numerous Caye Caulker residents in the news and on social media express concern about the growing boldness of certain crocodiles in their area—yet there has been no response to their pleas for assistance.
The responsible crocodile must be captured and identified. During our operations in Belize, ACES tagged every captured crocodile using a microchip, scute clipping, or both. These records allow us to provide definitive data on whether a specific animal has a history of nuisance behavior.
We strictly adhered to a "three-strike rule" for management:
First Offense: Capture and relocation.
Second Offense: Permanent placement in captivity.
Third Incident: Disposition determined by the Belize Forest Department (BFD).
While relocation is not always a permanent solution, it serves as both a deterrent and a consequence for the animal. As Steve Irwin demonstrated, the "harassment" inherent in the capture and relocation process can significantly reduce the likelihood that the animal will attack again. Conversely, if an animal is permitted to continue such behavior without intervention, a repeat offense is almost certain.
Cherie Chenot-Rose and Vincent Rose
GiveaCroc.com ~ Chenot-Rose.com ~ AmericanCrocodileSanctuary.com
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