I wrote a blog post Nov. 2024 about Panchito the “friendly” crocodile who resides in Casa Cenote which is located between Akumal and Tulum.  Up to this time, Panchito has been pretty chill about allowing visitors into his home and habitat…but no more.

According to the Tulum Times, Panchito had as much as he could take with visitors throwing rocks at him in an attempt to get his attention.  Well, it looks like that attempt was 100% successful in that he decided enough was enough and bit a cenote visitor in the arm.

While there is no further update as to the attack in terms of the recipient of the bite or Panchito’s future (euthanasia or relocation), I think it’s safe to say that a crocodile remains a wild animal despite it being around humans for years.  Millions of years of hardwired survival instincts do not erase a life of experience being around humans.

Please respect the wildlife when you vacation; don’t feed them or get too close to try and get a good video or pic.  I have been on many vacations to the Riviera Maya and have seen way too many vacationers ignore signs about using caution around on-site animals and continue to feed or even try and pet wild animals that may make resort grounds their home. Don’t do it, this is their home and we are just visitors, sometimes unwelcome visitors and they may respond by merely finding ways to respect their space or home.

Stay safe everyone!