The Night the Coquí Went Silent: How a Tourist’s Spray Bottle Became a Symbol of Puerto Rico’s Struggle

The Sound of the Island

When the sun sets in Puerto Rico, the island transforms. The air fills with a chorus that has echoed for millions of years: “co-kee, co-kee.” This is the song of the coquí, a tiny frog whose call is as much a part of Puerto Rico as its beaches, mountains, and people. For generations, Puerto Ricans have fallen asleep to this lullaby, a sound that connects them to their land, their ancestors, and their identity.

But in May 2025, a new sound—or rather, the absence of one—sent shockwaves across the island. A tourist’s post on Reddit, seeking advice on how to silence the coquí frogs at their Airbnb, ignited a firestorm of outrage. The post, since deleted, described overhearing a couple discussing a spray they used to keep the frogs quiet. The internet erupted. Puerto Ricans, celebrities, and conservationists united in defense of their beloved frog, and the incident revealed much more than just a misunderstanding between travelers and locals. It became a flashpoint for Puerto Rico’s ongoing struggle with over-tourism, gentrification, and the legacy of colonialism.

The Coquí: More Than Just a Frog

The coquí is not just an animal; it is a cultural icon. Its name comes from its distinctive two-note call, “co-kee,” which is heard across the island at night. There are 17 species of coquí frogs (genus Eleutherodactylus) endemic to Puerto Rico, each with its own unique call and habitat. Of these, three are already extinct, and several others are critically endangered or vulnerable due to habitat loss, climate change, and disease.

The coquí’s significance stretches back thousands of years. The indigenous Taíno people believed the frog was created by a goddess to call out for her lost love, Coquí. Today, the coquí appears in art, music, and even commercial branding. Puerto Ricans often say, “Soy de aquí como el coquí”—“I am from here, like the coquí”—to express their deep connection to their homeland.

The Tourist and the Spray Bottle

The controversy began when a tourist posted on Reddit’s Puerto Rico Travel subreddit, asking for advice on a spray that would silence the coquí frogs. The user wrote:

“I overheard a couple at a restaurant in Condado (in San Juan, the capital) talking about spraying at their Airbnb to keep the frogs from croaking all night long as they are extremely loud, and they said it worked. I didn’t catch what type of product it was and they left before I got a chance to ask them, and I haven’t found anything online or in stores. Anyone know what they might be using? I definitely would like to get some, I love nature, but my God, those things are so loud at night and a little annoying.”

The post quickly went viral. Puerto Ricans, both on the island and in the diaspora, responded with outrage. Social media was flooded with comments like, “If you don’t like the sound of the coquí, get out of Puerto Rico,” and “Educate yourself and respect our home.” Even global superstar Bad Bunny weighed in, posting an extended version of his song featuring the coquí’s call on his Instagram story.

Why This Matters: The Bigger Picture

The coquí controversy is not just about frogs. It is about respect, identity, and the right of a people to exist on their own terms. Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, and its residents are U.S. citizens, but they cannot vote for president and have no voting representation in Congress. The island has long been subject to external control, from Spanish colonization to American rule, and now to the pressures of over-tourism and gentrification.

In recent years, tax incentives for American investors and tourists have driven up housing prices and displaced local residents. The island’s unique culture and environment are increasingly commodified for the benefit of outsiders, while Puerto Ricans struggle to hold onto their homes and heritage. The desire to silence the coquí is symbolic of a broader pattern: the imposition of outside expectations and the erasure of local identity.

The Threats to the Coquí

The coquí is already under threat. Climate change is altering the island’s ecosystems, making it harder for some species to survive. Rising temperatures, longer droughts, and more intense storms are pushing coquí populations to higher elevations, where suitable habitat is limited. Some species, like the Mountain Coquí, have seen dramatic declines and are now endangered.

Human activity is also a major factor. Habitat destruction, pollution, and disease have all taken their toll. The recent attempt to silence the frogs with chemicals is just the latest in a long line of threats. As biologist Arturo Massol Deyá put it, the desire to spray the coquí is “very symbolic of what an invasive species represents.” In this case, the invasive species is not the frog, but the tourist who refuses to respect the island’s natural rhythms.

The Response: Resistance and Resilience

Puerto Ricans have responded to the coquí controversy with a mix of anger, humor, and determination. Social media campaigns have sprung up to educate visitors about the frog’s importance and to call for greater respect for the island’s culture and environment. Bad Bunny’s viral post was just one example of this resistance, but it resonated deeply with a community that has long fought to preserve its identity in the face of outside pressure.

Conservationists are also sounding the alarm. The coquí is not just a symbol; it is a vital part of the island’s ecosystem. Its decline would have ripple effects throughout Puerto Rico’s forests, affecting everything from insect populations to plant pollination. Protecting the coquí is not just about preserving a sound; it is about safeguarding the island’s future.

A Call to Action

The coquí controversy is a wake-up call. It reminds us that tourism, when done without respect, can be just as destructive as any other form of colonialism. Puerto Rico is not a playground for outsiders; it is a living, breathing community with its own history, culture, and natural wonders.

Visitors to Puerto Rico have a responsibility to learn about and respect the island’s traditions and environment. The coquí’s song is not an inconvenience; it is a gift, a reminder of the island’s resilience and beauty. As one Puerto Rican put it, “If you don’t like the sound of the coquí, maybe Puerto Rico isn’t the place for you.”

Conclusion

The night the coquí went silent—or at least, the night someone tried to silence it—was a night Puerto Ricans will not soon forget. It was a reminder of what is at stake: not just the survival of a beloved frog, but the survival of a people and a culture. The coquí’s song is the sound of resistance, of pride, and of hope. It is the sound of Puerto Rico, and it will not be silenced.

“Soy de aquí como el coquí.”
“I am from here, like the coquí.”