Authorities in Puerto Plata’s Sabaneta de Yásica district are actively searching for an escaped juvenile American crocodile following weekend flooding that enabled the reptile to breach its enclosure. The incident occurred in the Islabón community where heavy rains caused significant flooding throughout the region.
According to Whascar García, Director of Civil Defense, the crocodile originated from a private exotic animal ranch that conducts tourist excursions. Rising floodwaters compromised the animal’s containment facility, allowing it to escape toward coastal areas. Multiple sightings have placed the crocodile in waters adjacent to the popular Cabarete Beach, raising concerns among local authorities.
Emergency services have issued advisories urging both residents and tourists to exercise extreme caution near bodies of water. Officials specifically warn against approaching rivers, lagoons, or ponds in the affected zones and strictly prohibit attempts to capture or feed the animal. Parents have been advised to maintain close supervision of children and pets while the search operation continues.
The coordinated search effort spans Sabaneta de Yásica and surrounding areas near Cabarete, with emergency crews working to safely recover the animal and return it to its designated habitat. Authorities request that any crocodile sightings be immediately reported to local emergency services to facilitate capture operations.