Are There Really Crocs in Lake Arenal?

MORE than a dozen residents nearthe Northern Zone’s Lake Arenal toldThe Tico Times in January that they haveseen crocodiles in Lake Arenal in thepast four years.Although the animals are not nativeto the area, rumor has it someone fromthe neighboring town of Tilarán put amale and a female crocodile in the lakeseveral years ago.The reported sightings sparked fearamong local fishermen and swimmers,and threatened the lake’s reputation as afamous windsurfing destination.Other residents and officials, however,denied there are crocodiles in the lake.