These snakes are sensibly feared throughout Central America, because they are venomous, common, hard to see, and willing to strike if perturbed. Many people are killed each year by the bite of Bothrops asper.

This young one was captured by herpetologist Alejandro Solorzano of the Costa Rica National Serpentarium while those of us who prefer not to handle venomous snakes watched. After being kept overnight, we brought it out to photograph. Herpetologist Bill Lamar of GreenTracks wrangled it into position while those of us who prefer not to handle venomous snakes watched. Do you detect a recurring theme here? I am perfectly willing to let any non-venomous snake slither around on me to its hearts content; I will let lizards sit on my head; but I leave the venomous snakes to the experts.

Here is a complete list of the species we found on this GreenTracks trip.