Coast guard officers saved a crocodile that was tangled in a fishing net in Costa Rica.

Footage shows one of the uniformed men covered in thick, grey mud as he used a pocket knife to cut the strings from around the reptile's body at the Cipanci Wildlife Refuge in Guanacaste province on March 13.

The officer carefully and skillfully freed the crocodile from the net, ensuring its safety and well-being.

The Ministry of Public Security emphasised the importance of protecting the natural environment and preventing illegal fishing activities that can harm ecosystems in protected areas near the Tempisque River.

It said that the Coast Guards stationed at Puerto Nispero are dedicated to upholding environmental laws and safeguarding wildlife in the region.

Costa Rica's crocodile population has increased in recent years. They were previously threatened due to hunting, habitat loss, and pollution, but conservation efforts have led to a repopulation.