Caimans are Seen Walking on the Sidewalk at Praia do Recreio in Rio

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The climate change in Brazil has not just brought about unusual cold and below-zero temperatures in the southern region. In Rio de Janeiro, a powerful undertow led the waves to crash into beach bars and block streets.

However, what drew attention were the photos posted on social media by Sergio, the owner of one of the bars at Praia do Recreio, western Rio. The animals can be seen on the paved stone walkway and next to water hyacinths (an aquatic plant that has taken over Rio’s beaches).

“And the undertow brought with it small caimans from the Sernambetiba canal into the beach, who got here floating on top of the water hyacinths,” wrote Sergio. “Many must have died on this journey,” he added.

The animal sighted on the waterfront sidewalk was rescued by an environmental patrol from the city government. “If I saw a creature like that on the street, I would run fast, I’d be scared to death!”, remarked one of the Sergio’s followers.

“This is the outcome of opening up the channel again,” said a resident referring to the removal of the containment grids from the canal.