When you decide to spend time in the Latin Tropics, there are a lot of things that you’ll need to think about. Where you’re going to stay, what you’re going to see while you’re there, what you’re going to pack, and how you’re going to keep yourself safe. When you’re traveling in unfamiliar territories, this last consideration is key. One of the things that many tourists and expats worry about is the threat of snakes.

Snakes are a very common animal. There are over three thousand known species, and they live on almost every continent. Latin America is no exception. The region is home to an abundance of snakes, both venomous and nonvenomous. Some of the more dangerous snakes in this part of the world include the Bushmaster, the Fer de Lance Viper, the Eyelash Viper, and the Coral Snake.

The Good News

• The vast majority of snakes are nonvenomous, and are harmless to humans. Out of the 3,000 plus known species, only 750 are venomous.
• Snakes do not naturally prey on humans. They usually prefer to keep their distance, and documented attacks are rare. Bites generally only happen when snakes are threatened or injured.
• Dangerous snakes tend to avoid heavily populated areas.
• Snakes are most active at night, which makes them easier to avoid.
• If the worst does happen and you do get bitten, modern medicine is up to the challenge. The majority of people who sustain snake bites get the treatment they need to survive.
• In fact, it’s estimated that 90% of people who are bitten by a snake make a full recovery.
• Victims of snake bites usually have a six hour window to seek treatment. This means that, should you need, you would have plenty of time to get to the nearest hospital.

How to Stay Safe

• Be aware of areas where snakes are likely to hide in. Dead foliage, fallen trees and other situations that create dark, shady areas are likely to attract snakes.
• Look around you. Don’t step anywhere or touch anything without looking first. Being aware of your environment in this way will help to protect you.
• Don’t travel into the jungle alone.
• Wear appropriate clothing. If you are visiting an area where there are likely to be snakes, such as the rainforest, make sure that you are wearing sturdy footwear and protective pants. Most smaller snakes won’t be able to bite through them.
• If you do see a snake, don’t panic. Try not to make any sudden startling movements, such as running away, and don’t try to attack the snake.

How Worried Should You Be?

Most visitors to Latin America will have no problem at all with the local wildlife: snakes included. It is very rare to be bitten by a snake, and if you follow the advice above for staying safe it would be very unlikely that it would happen to you. In fact, it’s often cited that you are more likely to be struck by lightning than you are to be bitten by a venomous snake. For this reason, the threat of snakes isn’t something that should put you off your trip!

The Latin Tropics is a beautiful part of the world, and we think that everyone should experience it. The dangers presented by snakes is certainly something to bear in mind and to take precautions against, but don’t let your worries take over.