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A game warden officer at the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is urging Jamaicans to desist from harming wild animals especially around this time of year when the animals would be dominant.

"They are natural inhabitants of the land just as we are," said Dwayne Smith. "You will be seeing the Jamaican yellow snake and crocodile more now because March to June, sometimes to July, is the breeding season so they will be searching for mates."

He added, "While doing so they will pass through a lot of residential areas, but these animals don't want anything to do with you, they are just following a natural pattern."

Smith, who hails from Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, said his aim is to educate persons, especially those in 'hotspots', about the rights of the animals.

"The Jamaican yellow snake is found throughout the entire island but the hotspots are usually in the hilly areas especially south western like the Negril area, and the Cockpit Country which is the most bio-diverse area on the island. And the crocodile (is found) in the wet, swamp areas," he said.

He said that most times, it's humans who take over the animals' natural habitat.

"These animals are actually from Jamaica. They weren't brought here, but they naturally occurred here. You are actually the trespassers and not them. These are animals that existed on the land before even us," Smith told THE STAR.

Numerous research projects

Smith, who has been studying wildlife for more than 25 years, said the animals mean no harm.

"I have worked on numerous research projects about wildlife in Jamaica and persons should know that the yellow snake is totally harmless. It doesn't carry a venom, it doesn't have the capability to cause death. In fact, they usually stay away from persons," he said. "With the crocodile, persons are actually going out into the wild to feed them and they are not doing any good to the animal or people. If they leave the crocodile in the wild to feed on its prey, when they see persons, they will just run away because that's their nature."

Under the Wildlife Protection Act 2000, if violators are caught with "all or part of protected animal or bird", the fine is $100,000 or one year in jail.

Having an innate love for animals, Smith feels rather disheartened by the hostile treatment they have been receiving.

"I started with animals from in the 90s and it has been a thing for me until now, so I know what these animals are capable of and it is heartless when people abuse them," he said

Smith's plea is for persons to give the animals a chance because they have a right to exist.

"I ask persons not to interfere with them especially if they are not authorised. What I want persons to do is call the police and they will get in contact with NEPA," he said. "The most persons can do is just to keep an eye on them so they don't go out of sight before we get there."