When seen in the wild, crocodiles inspire a bit of fear, respect and yet, curiosity. In Costa Rica, two species of crocodiles can be found, caimans and American Crocodile, where the caiman is possible much for easier to spot. Caimans are easier to spot

   Humans have become the crocodile most dangerous predator. The crocodile is a coastal species that was formerly very common in mangrove swamps and coastal rivers. When adults, crocodiles have practically no other predator than humans. Skin hunters severely decimated their populations in the past decades.

   Nowadays, one of the largest populations of crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) inhabits the Tárcoles River; this may be due to the fact of the creation of the Carara Biological Reserve that protects the inhabited area. The last inventory along the River within the areas of Carara Biological Reserve gave a result of 80 to 240 individuals per mile of river, making this area the largest protected site for crocodiles in the Central Pacific coast and noticeably higher than crocodile densities in other areas. The Tárcoles River is one of the most important feeding sites for resident and migratory birds and a very important mating & refuge site for mammals and reptiles.

   The Crocodulys acutus is one of the largest of the American crocodiles; it is a large animal that unlike humans continues to grow throughout its life. Hatchlings measure less than 30 cm, but at 10 years of age, the females measure about 2.40 meters (8 feet) while males are nearly 2.60 meters (9 feet). At 20, males can reach 3.50 meters (12 feet) and more. Males are territorial animals, especially during the mating season.

   The mating season happens during the dry season (December to April) when the level of the water is low and there will be more sandy areas for nesting. Usually, the crocodile digs a hole in sandy soil and deposits the eggs. Then the nest is covered and the sand packed down much like the sea turtle nest. The female parent often tends the nest and helps the young emerge. During the nesting period, many nests are destroyed by raccoons and coatis that will eat the eggs, same as many dogs.

   When young, the mortality of the crocodile is higher. Their main predators are the birds of prey as Ospreys, Gray Hawk, Common Black Hawk, herons and egrets. When in the water, the youngsters are protected from almost all predators, but strong currents to the river mouth can carry neonates away where sharks and other large fish can catch them. On the other hand, adult crocodiles can visit salt-water areas and sometimes go out into the ocean, near turtle nesting sites, where they probably eat the turtle's neonates.

   There have been very few records of attacks to humans by crocodiles, there are no registered cases of death from a crocodile attack in Costa Rica, and usually they have been very afraid of humans. Yet, it is important to remember that these are territorial animals that will protect their land. Also, visitors and tourists shall not feed the animals. This changes their behavior and makes them come closer to human sites, searching for food, turning them into dangerous animals.

   Although crocodiles can live more than 100 years, their future is very uncertain & insecure, because of their human predator. Unfortunately, humans then to be afraid of these animals and see them as their enemies.