What
makes Fer-de-lance (terciopelo) the most dangerous snake of Costa Rica?
By Alex
Zúñiga V.
These
snakes are the most prolific of all species in Costa Rica, and because of its
association with human habitation, many bites occur. Unlike most other snakes they
are not shy to human presence.
Fer-de-lance
will use sudden reverse direction to defend themselves. As they can camouflage
well under forest cover and dead leaves almost perfectly, this species can be
extremely aggressive when threatened.
Adult
Fer-de-lance are large (up to two meters) with long fangs which may inject from
1 to 6 cc of poison.
Their
natural enemy ¨Clelia clelia¨ (black snake). Most people will see snake,
regardless of color, panic, and kill the snake. They don’t realize that when
they kill the black snake that they are killing the snake which keeps the
Fer-de-lance population small.
Here are some
prevention tips:
·
Always wear
shoes.
·
Watch where
you step.
·
Many snakes
live in caves or under logs, rocks etc. If you cannot see what´s in there,
don’t stick your hand in there.
·
Pay close
attention to branches when you try to collect fruit as some snakes like trees.
·
If you are
going to be walking where you might see one of these snakes take a friend with
you.
·
If you see a
snake, LEAVE IT ALONE, do not try to
touch it or grab it.
·
Keep the
surroundings of your house or cabin clear of weeds or anything under which a snake could hide.
What do I do if a snake bites me?
After the initial panic…calm down, reduce
physical activity as much as possible, then find the closest phone and call 911
or find someone to do it for you. As soon as possible go
to the closest hospital. Do not medicate yourself or try anything like sucking
out the poison.
For
further questions you might send an e-mail here: midnightanimal@live.com