Puerto Rican wild life includes some indigenous bird species, some indigenous coquís or tree-toads, and a host of other creatures. No ferocious animals are native to Puerto Rico. Birds are plentiful in Puerto Rico around the countryside and principally in the marshes around the coastline.
In recent years, caimans were discovered at Tortuguero Lagoon in Vega Baja. Unconfirmed reports claim that caimans may be present at other locations in Puerto Rico.
Considerable importation into Puerto Rico of potentially dangerous wild species took place, principally during the 1960s and 1970s, to be sold as pets. Some such creatures may have been released and thrived in the wild.
Monkeys utilized by the Federal and Local governments in different studies were kept for many years in off-shore islets in the Western part of Puerto Rico. Some of them are said to have reached the mainland. Some colonies are reportedly living in the wild in the Western section of the island, where they become pests to local farmers whose crops they destroy.
A species of mongoose (mangosta) thrives in the countryside.
They
are often referred to incorrectly as ardillas (squirrels).
Some learn to approach humans for food scraps. They should not be
fed and it is advisable to stay away from them. Their bite can
infect a person with rabies. The bite should be treated immediately by a
physician.
A frequent stop for people entertaining visitors is a small oceanside boardwalk at the Caribe Hilton Hotel and Casino. From it you can usually see small sharks growing in their natural environment.
El chupacabras "goatsucker" is either real or mythical, depending on who you believe, but is very much alive in native lore.
Our gallery includes a section for photos of Puerto Rican fauna and flora
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