Silent Killer in Paradise
Tara A. Spears
Just as every rose has its thorns, every paradise has its undesirables. Especially if you live in a cold climate you’re not used to be thinking about the presence of snakes, let alone that these silent creatures can be dangerous. It won’t spoil your vacation to be alert to the possibility as you take that sunset stroll.
As a serious gardener I have long known that snakes are an important part of the ecosystem. While I respect these silent neighbors, I always treat all snakes as if it is venomous: keeping out of striking range. Snakes are masters of disguise and tend to be reclusive so it’s fairly easy to avoid a confrontation. 
Although there are only four families of poisonous snakes in Nayarit, this nearly a hundred species in our paradise! The venomous snakes are: the rattlesnake (36 types); the red coral snake (18 types); the nauyacas (20 types and includes the boa constrictor); and the coastal viper cantil (8 types). To those readers that are thinking, “That’s no problem for me! I just go from my hotel to the beach and back.” There are venomous serpents in the the ocean and sometimes on the beach.
The warm tropic climate and vast areas of native jungle are conducive to large populations of snakes, especially because there are so few predators to control their numbers. Any domestic cat or dog will come away the loser if their curiosity gets them too close. I had a puppy die from a coral snake bite.
Although there are thousands of snake bites reported each year in Mexico, the mortality rate from bites is less than 1%. The venomous type of snake has a diamond shaped head and elliptical eye shape, but who wants to be close enough to check that out?
The bite of a snake is usually painless and except for the fang punctures, could go unnoticed. Other indicators of a snake bite are bruising, bleeding and local swelling. After one hour, possible symptoms include headache, irritability, light sensitivity, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, confusion and coagulation abnormalities. If left untreated, a snake bite can lead to limb and respiratory muscle paralysis, respiratory failure, peripheral circulatory failure and even death-within 8 to 72 hours. If you are bitten, try to notice the snake’s color and immediately seek medical attention.
I always make noise when going out to garden, such as slamming the screen door twice or clapping my hands before kneeling in the bushes. If you give these critters warning and are looking before you step or stick your hand in bushes, it gives the snake an opportunity to avoid you. The key is to be aware that the tropics are very conducive to a healthy snake population.
While it isn’t necessary to kill any snake you encounter; just be aware of the possibility of our skinny neighbors coexisting here. Heads up and let them go on their silent way.
Vipers I have seen in my yard in Guayabitos:
