92% of the Snakes in Costa Rica exist between sea level and 4,900 feet (1,500 meters) in altitude, primarily in the Tropical and Subtropical Forests. Victims of a bushmaster bite have just hours to receive medical attention before risking severe tissue damage, muscle loss, or death. My Costa Rica (CostaRica.Org) is a Travel Agency that offers Custom Costa Rica Vacations & Packages Including Hotels, All-Inclusive Resorts and Tours. Thus, I’ve included possible lookalikes for some. Also venomous is the Hognosed Pit Viper or Tamaga Comun. Coral Snake or Coral Costarricense are also very well known. Its purpose is to know the characteristics and composition of their venom, which will help develop antiophidic or antivenom … The longest on record was 120 centimeters. While much less common than the previously mentioned vipers, the large Central American bushmaster poses a substantial threat to humans due to its extremely potent venom. Some have reached up top 5 meters long in captivity, although in the wild they rarely get bigger than 3 meters. Smaller quakes and tremors happen quite often (one area that sees particularly frequent seismic activity is the Península de Nicoya), cracking roads … This country is world-renowned for its abundant and diverse exotic Costa Rica wildlife. Genus Lepidoblepharis (Costa Rica scaly-eyed gecko) Genus Sphaerodactylus (yellow-tailed dwarf gecko, spotted dwarf gecko) Genus Lepidodactylus (mourning gecko) Family Iguanidae. Common name: Boa constrictor Type: Snake Family: Boidae Range: The range of boa constrictor would be varied depending on the subspecies. The part that makes them unique, is the Scalley protrusions above their eyes that resemble eyelashes. During the wet season, you are more likely to encounter snakes in Costa Rica. Snake sightings do tend to be rare and being bitten is even more so, but you can never be too safe. Below is a list of some of the most dangerous and common snakes in Costa Rica. But don’t be mistaken, they can still be dangerous and can reach size up to 3 meters in length. The frog that most people associate with Costa Rica is the Red-eyed Tree Frog. The snake is called Terciopelo in Costa Rica and mostly feeds on mammals like birds or opossums. The Serpent S240 '21 is a 1/24 scale electric 2wd pan-car. By using the App, you are also offered discounted prices. Genus Ctenosaura (black spiny-tailed iguana) Genus Iguana (green iguana) Family Phyllodactylidae. It is found in the mountainous areas of Costa Rica but also spans out to other countries like Nicaragua and Panama. They are truly the king of snakes in Costa Rica as they will eat other snakes, even the venomous ones. With all those danger-noodles potentially lurking in the shadows, how can we possibly feel at ease in the rainforest? Explore local attractions, places to eat, drink, shop, and real estate options organized by proximity to your current location in Costa Rica. There are several throughout the country. But there is a threat lurking in the rainforest that many, especially those not from the tropics, might forget. Everyone knows this snake. Another of Costa Rica's most deadly snakes is the tropical rattlesnake. The nocturnal hunter is also capable of swimming and lives on a diet of small and medium sized birds, reptiles and mammals. The boa first strikes at the prey with its teeth, then constricts the prey until death before consuming it … It is a very large but docile snake and likes to come out at night. Coral snakes’ vibrant coloration is a communication tactic. Some snakes live in tree tops, while others prefer rocks or ground cover, but they usually blend in amazingly well to their environment. However, the venom of the rattlesnake is second in potency only to the species listed below. Providing such a staggering assortment of life, Costa Rica does home species of all sorts that humans can find hard to live with. Snakes in the boa family are constrictors and have no venom; thus, they pose little threat to humans. Also known as ophidians, they are a family of carnivorous reptiles that have inhabited the Earth for several million years. The Central American rattlesnake is found in drier areas, typically in the Guanacaste or northern Puntarenas provinces. It is available in the southwestern Guatemala and … Actually, those of us who spend time in the jungles of Costa Rica wish we could see more snakes because we hardly see them at all. And, always abide by the simple rule to give any form of wildlife a safe observation distance. Also, known as the Mano de piedra Costarricense in Spanish. Their bite is non-venomous and they love to eat small lizards and insects. According to the Clodomiro Picado Institute founded in 1970, a leader in snakebite research, the country has at least 2 deadly snakes per 2½ acres. There are 22 Venomous Species in Costa Rica, mostly from the Viper family with a few Coral Snakes and the Sea Snake from the Elapid family. It is best to avoid all snakes that bear the distinctive triangular head and vertical pupils of the viper family. Though it’s important to note that this rhyme does NOT apply to all coral snake look-alikes across the globe, and it is always best to avoid any snakes that bear similarity to venomous species. The Terciopelo Viper: Costa Rica’s Baddest Snakes For many people, no creature causes as much disgust and terror as snakes. Thus, terciopelo accounts for more life-threatening bites in Costa Rica than any other snake. Costa Rica does have poisonoous snakes, theres no getting around that. Solicite información a un Agente de Serpento de Costa Rica. Because only 15 percent of snakes in Costa Rica are venomous, it’s crucial to be able to tell these species from their more benign cousins. Among them are some of Costa Rica's most notorious snakes: Bushmaster, pit viper, fer-de-lance and the tropical rattlesnake. Serpents slither and flick their tongues testing the air behind the glass of their habitats at the Snake Garden near Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui. Find the best sightseeing spots, hidden beaches, free tours, local celebrations, community events and more. While most of the dangerous species in Costa Rica are members of the viper family, there are also some elapid snakes -- the family that includes coral snakes as well as cobras and mambas -- that pose a significant threat. Also, known as Serpiente de leche negra in Spanish. However, boas have a distinct blocky-head shape that bears little resemblance to a viper’s triangular head. The two most commonly encountered members of this family are Allen’s coral snake and the Central American coral snake. The side-striped Pit Viper or Lora venenosa is a master of camouflage with a brilliant leaf green color and are found mainly in the mountainous rainforests of Costa Rica. The Costa Rican Coral Snake has yellow rings around the inner black ring. Bushmasters, coral snakes, and the REALLY dangerous fer-de-lance are famous. That sounds like a lot—even too many—but death by snakebite is extremely rare. Snakes are commonly found on the ground and in elevated vegetation such as tree branches. There are a wide variety of snakes in Costa Rica with over 130 or more species found here. I figured I could just get all the snakes over with at once. Visiting an animal reserve is the best way to quietly observe a snake while avoiding a possible nasty situation. While it’s good to have a healthy dose of respect and regard for snakes, dangerous or not, but, there is no reason to view Costa Rica’s venomous species as grounds for staying indoors. The tree-loving eyelash pit viper is another commonly encountered member of the viper family. Check out our friend James’s blog post on frog photography in Costa Rica – he spent days photographing frogs and these pictures will show you how beautiful these creatures are! First, let’s familiarize ourselves with our potential assailants. Snakes InCostaRica is a collection of popular & off the-beaten-path recommendations from savvy residents in 50 communities throughout Costa Rica. They can be difficult to find if you don’t have experience and knowledge about their specific habitats. Snakes may be feared by most people but without them, the animals kingdom wouldn’t be complete. Other common frogs to see are Glass frogs, Hourglass tree frog and Lemur Leaf Frog. Named for its aesthetic similarity to the fer-de-lance, the false terciopelo bears a similar brown pattern. Home » The Costa Rica Animals » Snakes in Costa Rica. Bothrops asper accounts for more than 50% of the snakebites and the majority of deaths. Learn more about the wildlife in Costa Rica by downloading our free Nature Guide. They lead a terrestrial life, but can sometimes be found on trees when they are young. Either you have seen one in person or on your favorite nature show. Unlike ankle-high hikers, thick rubber or leather boots ensure maximum protection for the entire strike region of your leg. Being smaller ,it eats mainly small animals like mice. The exhibition puts you face to face with such famous snakes as the Bushmaster, Terciopelo, Green Vinesnake, and Golden Eyelash Viper to name just a few. Eye-lash Viper Snake. They range in all sorts of colors and don’t get much bigger than a meter. There are 140 snake species in Costa Rica, and of those, 23 species are venomous, such as the eyelash pit viper (Bothriechis schlegelii) shown below. Lots of snakes, some of the most poisonous in the world live in Costa Rica. The Green Vine Snake or Bejuquilla verde is very slender and reaches lengths of up to two meters. But don’t laugh for too long as it does carry an unwanted present for you if bitten. © Copyright 2004-2021 all rights reserved. However, you will also have the opportunity to relax on beautiful beaches, observe nesting sea … Despite this, following some simple guidelines and maintaining vigilance means it’s possible to live with deadly snakes in relative harmony. Below are some of the snakes you will find in our Serpentarium: The Salmon Bellied Racer or Corredora panza salmon is very distinguishable by its belly being a bright salmon or pink color. They have 3 different types of teeth including recurved fronts smaller middle ones and of course the fangs. In Costa Rica, a country with a great variety of venomous snakes nearly 700 people are bitten by snakes every year, with 10 to 15 deaths. The Central American jumping pit viper is another terrestrial species that may be found in fallen leaves, between tree roots and in the dens of other animals. A variety of snakes preserved at the Instituto Clodomiro Picado, in Costa Rica, a world leader in venom antidote production. While not uncommon, it prefers the edges of undisturbed forests and is not as likely to be seen as the fer-de-lance or other vipers. The growth rate is exponential with up to 90 snakes being produced per litter and the snake is known for its aggression. Costa Rica’s most dangerous snake by far is the fer-de-lance (Bothrops asper), known as a terciopelo in Spanish. The Bird Snake or Pajareraor, also sometimes known as the twig snake, has surprising strong venom. Photos Costa Rica. It says to would-be attackers, “stay away!” But, some non-venomous species mimic coral snake patterns to benefit from their danger-warding properties without supplying any of the firepowers. It has a broad body and head reminiscent of some North American rattlesnakes. This color helps to protect it from predators that may be confused by its coloring. Staying on well-maintained trails, using a wildlife guide, and wearing proper footwear are all ways to avoid dangerous snakes easily. Because of this, it is the most lethal snake in Costa Rica. Snakes in Costa Rica. It isn’t affected by venom and will kill its prey by strangulation. Snakes like the hognose and terciopelo give a good reason for hikers to only use cleared and maintained trails, and to stick to the width of those trails at all times. Recent major quakes occurred in 1990 (7.1 on the Richter scale), 1991 (7.4) and 2012 (7.6). Genus Thecadactylus (turnip-tailed gecko) Habitat: Tropical forest, low … There are about 140 species of snakes in Costa Rica, but only 23 of those are venomous. The Tropical Milk Snake also resembling the Coral. While this snake is not Costa Rica’s most venomous, its aggression, breeding patterns, and rapid venom production mean it is accountable for nearly all serious snake bites in the country. Because of this, it is the most lethal snake in Costa Rica. You have a good chance not to see a single one, unless you are looking for them. Black-Throated Trogon. Costa Rica has a large variety of snake species, some of which are active during the night and others in daytime hours. It is only found in the humid tropical forest of the Atlantic side of Costa Rica up to an elevation of 1,500 meters. However, in both cases, the familiar rhyme to differentiate the species holds true: Red touches yellow, kill a fellow—red touches black, safe for Jack. http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S0104 … The Rat Snake or Ratonera centroamericana contains such a small size of venom that it isn’t worth being classified as venomous. Luckily, these snakes are nocturnal and seldom encountered. Allen’s coral snake may be found in the marshy jungle, though mostly at night. Boa constrictors are giant snakes with brown patterns that could be mistaken for any of the above species. In most cases, just the commotion of hikers will be enough to send dangerous snakes packing. Motos Serpento de venta en Costa Rica. You will notice the hognose that this snake has resembling that of a pig. They have over twice as much constriction strength as other snakes. They come in many different colors and are a favorite among pet owners. Also, known as the Cascabel neotropical in Spanish. The famed Boa Constrictor. Before you go off into the deep rainforest, it is good to educate yourself a little bit on wildlife behavior. You can find them from northern Mexico through Nicaragua, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Belize, EI Salvador and Panama of Central America to South America north of 35 degree S. It … First, let’s familiarize ourselves with our potential assailants. While there are quite a few species of snakes that occur in Costa Rica, most are hidden at all times or only come out night. They do this to hide from others and they do it well. The king snake or Coral falsa not to be mistaken for the coral snake. It resides in most parts of Central America and reaches up to 1.5 meters in length. The most distinct part is the warnings it gives you with a rattle of its tale. Boas should still be treated with respect, however, as their toothy bites can still cause damage. Contrary to what the name implies, jumping pit vipers cannot jettison themselves at invaders, but instead attack as any viper would: with a quick strike most commonly at ankle or calf height. 92% of the Snakes in Costa Rica exist between sea level and 4,900 feet (1,500 meters) in altitude, primarily in the … Moreover, most snakes do not bite at all unless stepped on or otherwise threatened.