Wildlife on the Wildside

It was such a treat to see wildlife on the wild side of the island!  It's so nice, that after many years of coming here, there are still new adventures!

On Monday, a cool ish windy day, we took our first ride on the East side of the island.  The "wild side".  We had a good plan, start at Mescalito's, at the most Northern end of the wild side.  Bike with the wind in our backs to Rastas, at the most southern end of the wild side. About 19 km.  Then turn back to our pickup spot, Playa San Martin, about midway.  About 10 km with the wind in our faces.  Which wasn't too bad after all.  And all around delightful!

Of course, we saw several birds and iguanas along the way.  Both are pleasantly plentiful. But then....!

At Chen Rio beach, Toby spotted crocodiles!! Off the side of the road, on the shore of a lagoon. Far enough from the bike path to be...So Cool!!  A little later on I saw something move in the bushes right next to the bike path.  We turned around to see.  A javelina!!  The poor thing got scared and ran away into the bush.  And later. Running very quickly across the bike path.  An armadillo??  Or a coati??  Either way,  a first for us and fun!! 

Pictures

1)  Picture thanks to google.  The javelina!  A type of wild pig that lives in groups. Aka skunk pig because of it uses a pungent scent to mark its territory and friends.  They're diurnal (active evenings and early mornings). And grow up to 4 feet long and 88 lbs.

2) Google says there are 2 types of crocs on the island, American crocs and Morelet's crocs (aka Mexican crocs).  Over the years, they've cross bred and are difficult to tell apart. They can reach up to 20 feet long and 2,000 lbs.  Both can swim about 20 miles per hour and run for a short time at 10 miles per hour. Apparently, there are about 500 crocs on the island.  They are protected and mostly are not a threat to humans.

3) Coati picture thanks to google.  The coati is a member of the raccoon family.  It's an omnivore like a raccoon. Unfortunately, it's now endangered here in Cozumel.

4 & 5) Toby enjoying the wild side