Do’s and Don’ts of Dealing with Snakes
Did you know that there are almost 140 species of snakes in Costa Rica? However, only about 22 of these are venomous snakes. The rest of the snakes you might encounter are harmless, but they still will bite if they feel threatened.
How do you avoid snake encounters? Be extra cautious. I’ve been around many snakes while in Costa Rica, and some were extremely dangerous snakes.
Here are some of my best tips for avoiding aggressive species of snakes in Costa Rica and giving you the chance to significantly reduce the chance of a bite.
Costa Rica Snakes – What You Need to Know
It is not uncommon to come across a poisonous snake if you are in Costa Rica, but remember, there are many more non-venomous snakes.
Even if you try your best, you still might run into a Neotropical Rattlesnake or a pit viper, so if you do, I’ll tell you that you should keep your distance and realize that every Central American rattlesnake or Eyelash Pit Viper you encounter plays a role in the delicate ecosystem here. Killing them or trying to move them will only disrupt the food chain of this beautiful place, and it could cause irreparable damage. …plus, it’s totally illegal.
Understanding Snakes
To avoid snakes, you need to understand them. It is totally possible that we can happily coexist with them. They do their best to avoid humans, and they don’t want to have an encounter.
Snakes are mostly nocturnal, and they like to hide. However, you might find them basking in the sun during the day. Oftentimes, they hide in trees, inside hollow logs, under rocks, or in piles of debris.
Here’s a fun fact that I didn’t know — snakes cannot hear. They use their jawbones to feel vibrations. So, if it feels a lot of vibrations, it will feel threatened and attack. Also, keep in mind that even a dead snake can still hurt you and force the need for medical attention as there is still venom in the snake.
Avoiding Snakes When Outdoors
I’ve been all over Costa Rica and explored many of the National Parks both here and in other parts of Central America. Do not wear sandals. Unless you are on the beach or in a city, always cover your feet and ankles with good quality shoes or wear high boots.
You should also try not to venture into natural areas at night, and even if you are near a populated area, there could still be snakes, so carry a flashlight and never put your hands or feet into a place that is dark. Always follow designated hiking trails, use a hiking stick to tap ahead, and never walk through dense brush.
Some areas of Costa Rica are known for snakes. These include La Fortuna, Limon, Atenas, Guanacaste, and the South Pacific zone.
If You Get Bitten, Do This:
Remember, there are many more non-venomous snakes than deadly ones, but all snake bites should be handled the same.
The Fer de Lance snake (Bothrops asper) is one dangerous snake, and it’s responsible for the most bites when compared to other species. It can definitely cause death but does not have very neurotoxic venom (it doesn’t affect the nervous system). Other snakes to watch out for include the Coral Snake and King Snakes.
If you do get bitten, call 911. My first encounter with a snake in Costa Rica led to someone getting bitten, and it was very scary, so don’t take chances. Here are some other tips on what to do if you get bitten:
- Restrict your movement
- Stay hydrated
- Remain calm
- Clean the bite with soap and water
- Remove items that can become restricting, like rings
When you get to the nearest hospital, try to describe the snake as well as possible. The medical facility will need to know what type of antivenom serum to give you.
Don’t Panic, and Do This:
Try to keep the victim calm, but don’t do the following:
- Don’t put anything on the bite like ointment or medicine
- Don’t use any type of cold compress or ice
- Don’t try to suck the venom out
- Don’t apply a tourniquet to the affected limb
- Don’t cut around the bitten area
The best way to avoid getting bitten is to avoid snakes.