Living Safely with the Spectacled Caiman

The spectacled caiman is largely considered to be a shy creature, only coming out around people when they have been hand fed. While this is largely true, the spectacled caiman still can be a very dangerous reptile. They are large and ill-tempered and if nothing else, are a sure danger to children and domestic pets. With that said, it is important that you educate yourself about them if you live in their range.

There was a time when the spectacled caiman was only found in Central America and the northern part of South America. Then the pet trade grew tired of regular alligators and began to focus on caimans instead. This led to spectacled caimans being released into the wild when they got too big to handle. Now, a solid and growing natural population of spectacled caimans have taken root in Florida. Other areas have reported them in the wild, and now one must consider the possibility of their existence in most places where alligators are found.

The spectacled caiman is found in the stillest waters around. They prefer still water to the rushing waters found in rivers, but can still make due with what is available. Swamps, ditches, ponds, lakes and any other body of water has potential to house caimans. Reservoirs are particularly suited to the caiman simply because the water is so calm. Caimans are able to withstand a modicum of salinity in the water so they can be found in these types of waterways as well.

The spectacled caiman generally eats a steady diet of fish, birds and snakes around the water's edge but will also eat snakes and turtles. When larger mammals wander to the edge of the water, the spectacled caiman will absolutely take advantage and they are particularly fond of wild pig. Humans are not on the food list as a rule, but they can easily take and consume a child or weak individual. Domestic animals are certainly at risk around the water.

The spectacled caiman is easy to recognize and identify. They grow up to nine feet in length and are olive-green in color once mature. They do not have the fourth tooth exposed when their mouth is closed, but they do sport a pair of eyeglasses. Between the eyes, they have a bony ridge that makes the eyes seem connected, giving the caiman their name.

The main thing to remember about caimans is that they are wild. Wild animals will attack without provacation or warning, regardless of how sure you might be of their timidity. The spectacled caiman has the size and power to kill a full grown man if they so choose, so caution is important.

Do not swim in waters that caiman inhabit. Do not ever swim or linger near the edge of the water where alligators, crocodiles or caiman exist. They are ambush predators and can and will attack if the situation is right for them. Nighttime is the worst time to be around the water where they are living, because this is the primary hunting time. Stay away from the water with your pets or small children at all times. This is like a magnet to a large predator.

The main thing is to use common sense. Any time you enter the spectacled caiman's territory you are risking an attack. Respect their space and think about what you are doing and you will be fine. This beautiful reptile is not evil and has no interest in doing anything but trying to survive. When they do attack, it is for survival purposes.