Photographing American crocodiles in Mexico…

Photo courtesy of Helen Brierley

When people see my croc images, they often have questions and comments. The words “smart” and “sensible” are usually NOT included in their remarks.

But let me explain…. these crocs live in a swamp located inside three very small islands located 25 miles off the SE tip of Mexico. Mexican fishermen have fishing shacks built on stilts in the clear water outside the swamp. They clean their daily “catch” and throw the fish remnants into the ocean. The crocs have learned that they can get an easy meal by emerging from the murky waters of the swamp, where they are ambush hunters, into CLEAR water of the Caribbean to consume these fish scraps. When the crocs emerge from the swamp, they are NOT in predatory mode . When in clear water, they are inquisitive but NOT aggressive. Photographing the crocs in these clear waters is reasonably safe, but admittedly not risk free.

“If you want a guarantee, buy a toaster” -Clint Eastwood

This fishing shack was our “hotel” for 3 days while photographing crocs in Mexico, 25 miles off the mainland in the Caribbean.

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Photo courtesy Greg Sweeney