Are There Alligators in Puerto Rico?

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You won’t find an alligator in Puerto Rico, but you will see many caimans.

Puerto Rico is an island in the Caribbean that is also a US territory.

The caiman, which is a close cousin to the alligator by way of the crocodilian family, has lived on the island since the 1950s.

This is when the species was introduced to the island.

Find out what the caimans mean in terms of the potential for alligators to be in Puerto Rico.

So… Are There Alligators in Puerto Rico? 

It is true, you will not see a single alligator when you are in Puerto Rico.

But you will certainly be fooled as there are about 1,000 known caiman crocodiles to have made their home on the island.

This is because of human propagation of the species, as the caiman and other crocodiles and alligators do not have any connection to Puerto Rico.

Even though Puerto Rico is an island, and reptiles live in the water, that does not mean alligators live in Puerto Rico. 

The biggest reason why they do not is that no one has tried to breed gators there commercially or legally.

Additionally, there is a lack of food available for larger reptiles.

As we will cover in a moment, the diet habits of alligators involve much more bulk compared to the needs of much smaller caiman.

Therefore, even though the weather and waters are well suited for alligators to take up a residence on this Caribbean island, Puerto Rico is alligator-free.

Alligator Species in Puerto Rico

There are no known alligator species in Puerto Rico.

However, there are known crocodile species on the island.

These include:

• Spectacled caiman 
• Common caiman
• White caiman
• Speckled caiman

The most common caiman is, ironically, called the common caiman.

But more exotic kinds like the caiman may also be found on the island.

For any other lesser-known types of this crocodilian, these would come from personal pet owners who have, for some reason, released the caimans into the wild.

Is that an Alligator or a Caiman?

If you are in Puerto Rico and think you have spotted a caiman crocodile, here is what you want to look for in the identifying marks.

A caiman has a similar body shape and structure to that of an alligator.

But an alligator will have smoother textured skin in comparison to the rough-nosed caiman.

Additionally, a caiman has a very thin nose.

The nose of a caiman is more like a saw-nosed shark than the broad nose of a saltwater crocodile.

If you see an alligator, the nose will be wide and shaped like a U at the end.

Is it Safe to Swim in Puerto Rico? 

Swimming in Puerto Rico is more than safe–it is part of the allure.

For starters, the island is a US territory that offers American travelers somewhere domestic to visit.

Puerto Rico is also in the middle of the Caribbean islands, which are famous for their tropical paradise vibe.

The Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea are equally exciting for surfing, scuba diving, and swimming when on the island. 

As a result, you can anticipate having beaches and areas for tourists and locals to safely swim free of alligators.

The freshwater rivers and ponds are also safe for swimming, and there should not be a fear that you will find an alligator in your backyard pool.

However, there is always the slim chance that a caiman has climbed over the fence and is visiting instead.

So stay alert when entering outdoor watering holes and swimming beaches.

The biggest threats to swimming safely in Puerto Rico are the rip currents and tides.

Swimmers who are not sure about swimming in saltwater or ocean currents will be at the greatest risk.

Caution must be made for swimming at high tide or with strong rip currents.

Drowning from getting pulled under a super strong and unseen current is the most common threat to public safety when swimming in Puerto Rico. 

Interesting Alligator Facts in Puerto Rico

The Caiman crocodile, a relative of the alligator, has become a full-time reptile on this island.

Even though caimans are not native to Puerto Rico, they fit right in.

Caimans are smaller than alligators, making them the right choice for dinosaur-like reptiles to have on the island. 

If you tried to breed alligators or saltwater crocodiles in Puerto Rico, you would have trouble finding them something to eat.

That is because Puerto Rico is a small island with no large mammals, such as cows or horses. 

Alligators and crocodiles would be forced to eat any of the 200 species of birds, along with beetles, crabs, and mice–like the caiman has been found to eat.

This would be too harsh for any crocodilian larger than a caiman to stomach.

A lack of food sources bigger than a mouse or bird means alligators have been starved out by natural selection. 

Alligators vs. Crocodiles

In Puerto Rico, there are no alligators, but you will find a small type of crocodile.

This is the caiman, which was introduced to the natural habitats of the island in the 1950s.

Since then, due to breeding, pets, and animals released into the wild, there are multiple types of caimans in Puerto Rico.

These include the spectacled caiman and llamo caiman. 

The difference between alligators and caiman crocodiles is that the caiman is in direct relation to the crocodile.

These both belong to the Crocodylidae family of animal species.

Alligators are a different type of reptile that is close but not within the same kind as the caiman.

Therefore, when you spot smaller-looking alligators in Puerto Rico, you are actually seeing caimans.

The differences between alligators and caiman crocodiles are that alligators are about six to 12 feet in length. 

Caimans are much smaller at four to five feet long.

Also, the caiman can live in saltwater, as do some species of crocodiles, unlike the freshwater habits of alligators.

You will also see that the snout of the caiman is different from both alligators and crocodiles.

In Puerto Rico, the caiman has a snout that is small, narrow, and thin–more like a swordfish nose than the A-line snout of a crocodile.

An alligator has a broader snout in comparison to either of the two crocodile types.

3 Safety Tips for Swimming in Alligator-infested Waters 

Find out what you need to do to stay safe when swimming in the waters in and around Puerto Rico. 

Stay Out of Freshwater

The Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea are saltwater territories that could not possibly be home to alligators.

That is because alligators need fresh water to live and breed in.

In order to swim in alligator-infested waters in Puerto Rico, you would have to be in a pond, lake, or river.

Therefore, if you stick to the ocean, you will not have to deal with alligators at all.

Now, saltwater crocodiles, on the other hand, that’s a different tale, as these much-larger reptiles can easily navigate the seas.

2. Be Alert at All Times

Do not let down your guard when swimming in Puerto Rico.

Even though you are less likely to encounter an alligator, there are caimans.

Caimans are a smaller but similar version of the alligator.

You could be swimming with caimans instead of alligators, which can lead to the same disastrous results if you are attacked.

3. Run if Attacked

Alligators are territorial, and the water is their backyard.

Get too close and like anyone with “property rights,” alligators will start snapping at you.

If this happens, and you are accidentally in the swimming pool of a gator, get out of there as fast as possible.

Speed is the only thing that will save you in this case. 

Summary

The Caribbean island of Puerto Rico, between the Dominican Republic and the US Virgin Islands, is home to many types of crocodiles, including caimans.

However, you will not spy a single alligator in the freshwaters of this island.

If you were to see an alligator, though, it would have to be inland in a water source without saline, as alligators cannot live in the oceans and seas around Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Puerto Rico Safety Review

Safety Index:

34

• OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
• MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
• TERRORISM RISK: LOW
• SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW