# Mexico crocodile incidents – safety, deaths, and festivals > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mexico-crocodile-attacks > Updated: 2026-09-03T03:54:37.000Z. Sources: 46. Developments: 13. Following the fatal attack on Irving Mauricio in June 2026 and subsequent beach closures in August, authorities in Jalisco are investigating the deaths of 11 adult American crocodiles in the Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas regions. The Secretariat of Environment and Territorial Development (Semadet) suspects these deaths may be the result of “intentional killings.” Semadet clarified that the recent rise in sightings is not due to overpopulation, but is a consequence of the rainy season, which drives reptiles to move between rivers, estuaries, and the sea. Experts estimate the local population at between 300 and 350 crocodiles. In response, officials are increasing patrols, installing preventive signage, and training tourism providers. To promote conservation and responsible coexistence, Puerto Vallarta scheduled an inaugural Crocodile Festival at Estero El Salado State Park for August 22, coinciding with National Crocodile Day. The event includes educational exhibitions and safety workshops. On 3 September, a crocodile was spotted swimming in the sea near the Puerto Vallarta Malecón, between the Los Arcos Open Air Theater and the lighthouse. Local Civil Protection, firefighters, and lifeguards monitored the area to ensure public safety while determining if the animal would return to its natural habitat. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-03: Crocodile spotted swimming near Puerto Vallarta Malecón A crocodile was sighted swimming near the Malecón in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, prompting safety concerns for tourists and residents in the busy coastal area. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/crocodile-spotted-swimming-near-puerto-vallarta-malecn ### 2026-08-20: Puerto Vallarta to host inaugural Crocodile Festival Puerto Vallarta will host its inaugural Crocodile Festival on August 22 at Estero El Salado State Park to promote conservation and responsible coexistence with the Crocodylus acutus species. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/puerto-vallarta-to-host-inaugural-crocodile-festival ### 2026-08-12: Puerto Vallarta authorities investigate deaths of 11 crocodiles Eleven adult American crocodiles have died in Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas, prompting Jalisco authorities to call for increased wildlife protection and surveillance. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/puerto-vallarta-authorities-investigate-deaths-of-11-crocodiles ### 2026-08-04: Crocodile Sightings Prompt Beach Closures in Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta Crocodile sightings in Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta led authorities to close beaches, raise flags, and advise tourists to stay away while plans are made to capture and relocate the reptiles. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/crocodile-sightings-prompt-beach-closures-in-mazatln-and-puerto-vallarta ### 2026-07-24: Puerto Vallarta crocodile sightings spark safety warnings and legal penalties Jalisco authorities warn against approaching crocodiles on Puerto Vallarta beaches, citing federal penalties of up to nine years imprisonment. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/puerto-vallarta-crocodile-sightings-spark-safety-warnings-and-legal-penalties ### 2026-07-20: Dead crocodiles in Puerto Vallarta; fish kill from sargassum in Quintana Roo Six crocodiles died in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, prompting investigations, while hundreds of fish washed ashore in Quintana Roo due to sargassum‑induced anoxia, sparking calls for urgent response. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dead-crocodiles-in-puerto-vallarta-fish-kill-from-sargassum-in-quintana-roo ### 2026-07-16: Crocodile Fatal Attack at Puerto Vallarta Resort Beach A crocodile killed 28‑year‑old Irving Mauricio at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta beach; authorities warn tourists after earlier video shows another crocodile near popular sites. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/crocodile-fatal-attack-at-puerto-vallarta-resort-beach ### 2026-07-01: Crocodile kills tourist on beach in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico A 28‑year‑old tourist was killed by a crocodile on Marina Vallarta Beach near the Marriott resort; the body was retrieved offshore and the animal captured, prompting heightened safety measures. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/crocodile-kills-tourist-on-beach-in-puerto-vallarta-mexico ### 2026-06-30: Crocodile Attack Kills Tourist in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 28‑year‑old Mexican tourist Irving Mauricio was dragged into the sea and killed by a 12‑ft crocodile near the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort; his body was found the next day, and officials captured a similar 3 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/crocodile-attack-kills-tourist-in-puerto-vallarta-mexico ### 2026-06-28: Crocodile kills tourist at Puerto Vallarta beach A 28‑year‑old Mexican tourist was dragged into the sea and killed by a crocodile at Marina Vallarta Beach near the Marriott resort on June 26, 2026; witnesses tried to rescue him, the animal was later captured, 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/crocodile-kills-tourist-at-marina-vallarta-beach-in-puerto-vallarta ### 2026-06-28: Crocodile kills 28-year-old on Puerto Vallarta beach A crocodile attacked and killed a 28‑year‑old man on Puerto Vallarta’s Marina Vallarta beach; two American tourists tried to rescue him, and warning signs were reportedly unclear. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/crocodile-kills-28-year-old-on-puerto-vallarta-beach ### 2026-06-26: Crocodile incidents in Mexico trigger safety alerts A tourist was killed by a crocodile in Puerto Vallarta and the “Mali” crocodile resurfaced in Veracruz, prompting authorities to issue safety warnings and focus on public education. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/crocodile-incidents-in-mexico-trigger-safety-alerts ### 2026-06-24: Veracruz farmer killed by crocodile while rescuing his horse A 69‑year‑old farmer in Veracruz, Mexico, was killed by a crocodile while rescuing his trapped horse; the reptile was later captured. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/veracruz-farmer-killed-by-crocodile-while-rescuing-his-horse --- Cite as: Mexico crocodile incidents – safety, deaths, and festivals. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mexico-crocodile-attacks