VIDEO: men ‘play’ with alligators at Recreio; in Santa Cruz, man is bitten while trying to capture reptile

A large alligator was spotted on a sidewalk in Recreio dos Bandeirantes, in the Southwest Zone of Rio, on Thursday night (5). The size of the animal caught our attention, but some people approached and even touched the reptile and touched its tail, as shown in images taken at the scene.

Despite the proximity, no one was injured. According to residents, this would have been the fourth alligator seen on the streets of the neighborhood this Thursday alone. One of the animals was spotted walking along Avenida Gilka Machado.

The suspicion is that heavy rains and rising water levels have made it easier for the animals to leave the areas where they usually remain.

A man was bitten by an alligator when trying to capture the animal with a rope in Santa Cruz, in the West Zone of Rio. The case happened last Sunday (1st) and was recorded on video, which went viral on social media.

The images show the alligator walking along a residential street while residents watch the movement. Children on bicycles and dogs appear nearby.

At one point, a man approaches and tries to catch the animal by the neck using a rope. The alligator reacts, bites the man, who quickly retreats. The man was rescued and taken to Pedro II Municipal Hospital, also in Santa Cruz.

According to biologist Ricardo Freitas Filho, from the Jacaré Institute, trying to capture it without specialized assistance represents a risk for both people and the animal. He states that, given the size of the alligator, the episode could have ended with more serious injuries.

"The biggest mistake is trying to capture the animal on your own. Due to the size of the animal, for example, it could have mutilated a finger, a part of the hand. The ideal is not to interact with the animal, keeping it under surveillance until someone arrives, a specific authority qualified to carry out the rescue."

The expert also explains that the alligator is a very strong animal and that, although it does not intend to attack a person, it can react to defend itself.

"He is very strong and is a top predator. He has no intention of attacking, but he will definitely defend himself, as was the case with you."

According to Ricardo, the state of Rio is going through the reproduction period for yellow-snouted caimans. The advancement of urban occupation also contributes to animals being found in inhabited areas.

The management of Pedro II Municipal Hospital reported that it treated a victim of an alligator bite on Sunday. According to the unit, the patient received the indicated care and was discharged with medical advice.

The Municipal Secretariat for the Environment and Climate (SMAC) stated that the Environmental Patrol was called, was on site and rescued the alligator. The animal was later returned to its natural habitat.

The secretariat reinforced that the capture and handling of wild animals must only be carried out by authorized and trained teams. According to the city hall, in addition to putting people at risk, an inadequate capture attempt can cause stress, injuries and even death to the animal.

The ministry warned that, in situations where a wild animal poses a risk or is in danger, the recommendation is to call the Environmental Patrol via Central 1746 of Rio City Hall.