Costa Rica crocodile charmer

During a tour of Costa Rica, Jose Eduardo Chaves Salas showed no fear as he walked in close proximity to a deadly 5-meter-long crocodile.

This brave tour guide makes us rethink the expression "looking danger in the face." For most of us, hand-feeding a crocodile means a one-way ticket to a watery grave. But for Jose Eduardo Chavez Salas, 32, being in close proximity to a razor-toothed predator is just part of his day job.

(Total 7 photos)

1. Jose Eduardo Chavez Salas feeds a crocodile on the banks of the Tarcoles River in Costa Rica. Photo: Barcroft Media

Eduardo runs the José River Tours program on the Tarcoles River in Costa Rica. As part of this program, tourists can watch him feed crocodiles up to 5 meters long.

2. Jose Eduardo Chavez Salas riding a crocodile on the banks of the Tarcoles River in Costa Rica.

“At first, being close to these huge creatures in their natural habitat is very scary, but with time and practice, the nerves calm down and you get used to them,” says José. “When you have an experience comparable to mine, you find a way to reduce the risk.”

3. José and his team members are careful and consistent in their dealings with crocodiles. If crocodiles are protective of their young or very hungry, it is best to stay away from them as they can be more aggressive in such situations.

“I have never been in a sticky position or made a serious mistake - and henceforth I will try to behave the same way,” José added.

4. Before leaving the boat, Jose and his team throw pieces of meat into the water to attract the attention of crocodiles. After that, they go ashore and feed them from the shore.

Unique photographs show how close José and his assistants come to aquatic predators, waving pieces of chicken meat over their gaping mouths.

In one of the shots, crew member José even gives a thumbs up while posing astride a live crocodile.

5. This hereditary Costa Rican is doing his best to dispel the myth that crocodiles are aggressive and uncontrollable - despite their creepy reputation.

6. “Crocodile Charmers” are based in the city of Tarcoles in central Pacific Costa Rica, about an hour from the capital city of San Jose, where Jose was born.

7. “They are not so cruel and dangerous if you have studied their habits well and know how to handle them,” says José.