Story By: Jonathan Macias, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash

These images shows how crocodiles, jaguars and sea turtles are ‘taking back control’ of two Mexican resorts as tourist activities are suspended and residents remains indoors during the COVID-19 lockdown.

The incidents were filmed in the coastal resorts of Cancun and Riviera Maya in the south-eastern Mexican state of Quintana Roo.

In one clip, viewed 120,000 times on Facebook, a crocodile is seen swimming along a canal outside people’s balconies.

The cameraman says: “It is gigantic!”

Another video shows a jaguar walking a city street at night.

According to local media, the jaguar was also spotted inside the complex of the Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort & Spa in Tulum.

Meanwhile, the absence of tourists and residents in public spaces led to a leatherback sea turtle laying its eggs on the beach in front of a luxury hotel in Cancun.

Regional environment secretary Alfredo Arellano told local media: “On average, we only see one leatherback sea turtle a year and the nesting season starts in May, it was something unusual.”

Video Credit: Newsflash/@infolliteras

According to reports, the turtle laid 112 eggs in front of the Grand Oasis Cancun hotel.

Arellano said: “These species lost their habitats when the cities expanded and their living spaces became smaller and smaller.”

The Mexican authorities have ordered a lockdown that will last until at least 30th April to curb the spread of COVID-19.

As of 31st March, Mexico has reported 1,094 cases of COVID-19 and 28 related deaths, according to the latest data from the Johns Hopkins University.

Meanwhile, 35 people have made full recoveries.

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