Snakes - What You Need To Know

Venomous Snakes Of South and Central America

Bushmaster: The largest Pit Viper in the world growing to over 14 feet. It has a reputation as an aggressive and very dangerous snake. The Bushmaster lives in very remote, dense, tropical jungle. Avoid this fierce snake, if encountered, carefully leave the area, do not approach. The Bushmaster will attack viciously if startled.

Eye Lash Pit Viper: This snake prefers to spend it's time in low hanging tree limbs, where it hunts birds and frogs. This snake is known to be very unsettled and will bite without provocation. It often strikes from low hanging tree branches or bushes, biting the upper part of the body or on the head. Common in Rain Forests, Plantations and in Palm trees throughout Central America and upper South America.

Tropical Rattlesnake: This Rattlesnake is very dangerous and will strike without any warning of it's rattle. It shares many of the characteristics of other Rattlesnakes. This particular species, like some of the others, prefers dry sandy places. Found South of U.S. border to the tip of South America, in most places. Click to hear a Rattlesnake

Fur-de-lance: This is another very dangerous and irritable snake. It is very common on farms, in fields or buildings. Is known to enter homes. This snakes venom is very toxic and has a high rate of injury and death. The snake has triangle patterns on it's body. Found in southern Mexico and throughout Central and South America.

Coral Snake: Native to some parts of North America, and throughout Central and South America. When the Red and Yellow bands are touching, then it is a venomous Coral snake rather than a look alike. The Coral snake is usually docile, but, it's venom is very dangerous and it will bite. Sometimes enters residential areas.

Jumping Viper: The Jumping Viper is found throughout Central America. This Snake likes to hide under logs or in leaves. Because of it's colors and pattern it is very hard to see. As the name implies, it strikes without warning, jumping out at it's victim, even leaving the ground, to make the bite. Generally active at night, dangerous at any time.

Hints To Avoid A Bite

Don't try to pick up or trap a snake! It sounds strange, but many people are bitten trying to grab or trap a snake they have encountered.
Walk around a snake giving it plenty of room.
Don't try to kill the snake just because you have found it in the wilderness. This often ends in ways that are less than desirable and snakes are very important to the environment.
Don't put your hands or feet in places where you cannot see such as tall grass, holes or crevices in logs, rocks or in the ground. Don't pick anything up without first flipping it over with a small tree branch, hiking pole or other item.
Do not go bare foot or wear sandals when exploring the outdoors. Always wear leather hiking boots or other suitable footwear and clothing.
Watch where you step, especially around trees, brush or tall grass. Be alert to your surroundings. Remember, Snakes often lay motionless and may be unnoticeable.
If sleeping outdoors without a tent, don't lay next to rocks, tall grass, brush or logs. Use mosquito netting to create a barrier around yourself. Tuck mosquito netting well under your sleeping bag and anchor it well away from your body with logs, rocks or other items. Sleeping on a cot is preferable.