One of the most common concerns of our visitors is about snakes in Costa Rica and in the rainforest. And well, yes. They can be a common sighting. especially some species, which we intend to discuss in this post.
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Reptiles are a very diverse group; in Costa Rica, snakes represent about two-thirds of this group. Eleven families of snakes have been identified, among which only two are considered “possibly lethal” to humans. Thus, of the 140 species found in Costa Rica, only 23 are considered venomous. (https://icp.ucr.ac.cr/en/information-and-materials/venomous-snakes-costa-rica)
About the Costa Rican Boa Constrictor
The green vine snake
They feed primarily on lizards and small mammals. They are not considered dangerous to humans and are non-venomous. They are considered a common species in Costa Rica, but their population is declining due to habitat destruction and hunting.
The parrot snake in Costa Rica
The Fer de Lance
The fer-de-lance snake (Bothrops asper) is a species of venomous pit viper found in Central and South America, including Costa Rica. They are also known as “terciopelo” in Costa Rica. They can grow up to 6 feet in length and are typically brown or gray in color, with a pattern of darker diamond or rectangular shapes on their back.
They are known to be aggressive and fast-moving and are considered to be one of the most dangerous snakes in Costa Rica. They are responsible for a significant number of snakebite incidents in the country. They are found in various habitats, including rainforests, dry forests, and wetlands, and feed on small mammals, lizards, and birds.
Coral snake
Eyelash viper snake in Costa Rica
They are typically arboreal and can be found in trees and bushes. They are venomous, and the venom can cause severe pain, swelling, and tissue damage. They are considered to be dangerous to humans, and bites from eyelash vipers can be fatal if left untreated.
To wrap it up
In Costa Rica, you can find several species of snakes and it is important to know them and know what to do if you find them. In our next article, we talk a bit about the dos and don’ts around the snakes of Costa Rica.
References
Garg, A. (2023, January 14). Snake Encounters in Costa Rica: The DOs and DON’Ts of Snake Safety. The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate. https://ticotimes.net/2023/01/14/snake-encounters-in-costa-rica-the-dos-and-donts-of-snake-safety
https://icp.ucr.ac.cr/en/information-and-materials/venomous-snakes-costa-rica
