Thursday, February 11, 2016

Snakes

As I recently had my first snake encounter here in Bocas, I thought it fitting to learn more about these reptiles and inform the average tourist. My first sighting was a baby Boa who was taking a nap, wrapped around some empty Panama Beer bottles. One of the workers who knew how to handle the boa was able to pinch it below the head where it simply coiled itself around his wrist like a bracelet. Not my idea of the latest fashion trend, but…! That did get me thinking that I should be a little more informed and be able to identify some of the main snakes here on the islands.
 
Before I go into each snake, here are a few basic tips. Here in Bocas most bites occur in the months of September and October during the height of rainy season. Snakes are also nocturnal reptiles so you have a greater chance of spotting one in the evening or night time hours and beware of the babies because their venom is actually much more lethal than the adults. With this said, it's still more likely that someone working in the overgrown fields or dense jungle areas will get bit opposed to your average trail walker. Snakes tend not to like the shorter grassy areas and are much easier to spot in the cleared jungle areas.
 
The Boa Constrictor
 

  • Not a poisonous snake!
  • Mature female adults can grow up to twelve feet long
  • They are brown, grey, or cream colored with reddish- brown patches
  • Found in hollowed out logs or abandoned animal burrows
  • They are excellent swimmers so don't rule out surrounding water areas
 
The Bushmaster
 

  • One of the most dangerous snakes in the area
  • Classified as a pit viper
  • This aspect of the snakes is what they use to smell their prey
  • They will stay coiled in one spot for several days waiting for their prey
  • Will coil near fallen limbs, the butt of trees, or even trails
  • Can grow up to twelve feet long
  • Can survive on fewer than ten large meals per year
  • Venom is poisonous!
 
The Fer de Lance
 
  • Member of the pit viper family
  • An aggressive reptile
  • They will attack anything that is warm blooded
  • Will lie in wait for its prey
  • They have a crossing pattern on their back
  • Can grow to approximately six feet long
  • Prey includes frogs, rodents, and lizards
  • Many bites happen from people stepping on them
 
The Eyelash Viper
 
  • Member of the pit viper family
  • Poisonous venom
  • Fairly docile in nature
  • To identify, look for scales that almost look like eyelashes over the eyes
  • Tend to be green, red, and white or bright yellow
  • Usually only two to three feet in length
  • Will usually be a couple meters off the ground in the vegetation or mossy, leafy areas

The Coral Snake

  • Highly poisonous
  • Simply leave it alone!
  • Usually feed on other species of snakes
  • They have rings of black, red, and yellow along their bodies
  • Approximately two feet long
 
**A couple more!**
 
The Cat Eyed Snake
 
  • Mildly dangerous due to slight poisonous nature of its' venom
  • Pupils are vertically slit (like a cat which gives them their name)
  • They are usually two to three feet long
  • Brown or yellow in color with brownish/black spots that go along the back

The Tiger Rat Snake

  • Mainly seen near rivers or agricultural areas
  • Can grow over seven feet long
  • Prey on birds, small mammals, reptiles, and frogs
  • They swallow their prey alive
  • Can be very fast and aggressive
  • Yellow/orange in color with slight black in patterning
  • They can rattle their tails and flair their necks to look twice their normal size
  • Their venom is not poisonous to humans
 
While there are many other species and sub-species throughout Bocas and the rest of Panama, these seemed to be the main reptiles to speak of. When doing any sort of jungle trekking please go with a trained guide who knows what they’re looking for and in the worst case scenario, who will know where to go if you are bitten. Also, ask your guide before heading out what type of attire should be worn. When we went trekking in the high jungle in the Amazon of Colombia we were in knee high boots, long pants, and a long sleeve shirt. While this attire may not be the most comfortable in a hot and humid climate, it may save your life!
 
Happy trailing and be careful!!
 
In the comment section below I'd love to hear other people’s snake experiences in the Bocas islands and any other additional information that may be helpful!



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