Crocodiles inhabit mangroves and lagoons along the coast of Oaxaca in southwestern Mexico.
They’re not typically a threat to surfers, but a massive crocodile was captured this week near a famous surf spot referred to as the “Mexican Pipeline.”
The 10-foot-long reptile is believed to have been swept into the Puerto Escondido surf during a large swell.
Giant crocodile after its capture.
The accompanying footage shows part of the capture and transport of the crocodile across the beach via ATV. (The crocodile was later released into appropriate habitat.)
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From the news site Central Q Noticas: “The specimen, measuring approximately three meters in length, was secured on the afternoon of April 6 under strict safety protocols.
“Authorities emphasized that their primary objective was to safeguard the well-being of both tourists and residents, as well as to ensure the welfare of the animal during its capture.”
Surfer reported on the timing of the dramatic capture: “As summertime looms, and the south swell season is incoming, the famed big-wave beach break of Puerto Escondido (aka the ‘Mexican Pipeline’) is roaring to life.
“But recently, authorities captured a curious visitor at a beach nearby Puerto Escondido – a whopping 10-foot-long, 727 crocodile cruising in the shoreline.”
The “Mexican Pipeline” is at Playa Zicatela in Puerto Escondido. It’s compared to the world-famous Banzai Pipeline in Hawaii because its dangerous waves are similar in shape and ferocity.
The capture of the crocodile occurred just up the coast at Playa Bacocho.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Massive crocodile caught near popular Mexican surfing destination