We could say "Risks" or "Things to Watch Out For..." but I like to say Danger because it's just more fun!
I couldn't wait to get started on this section, I love snakes and have one as a pet... ours is a male Ball Python, his name is "Snake". He is about 4 ft long and isn't dangerous at all.
 |
| He likes to hang out around my neck... |
 |
| Ball pythons are restrictors and squeeze tight! |
So as you can imagine, one of my favorite dangers in Belize are the snakes. This guy has neurotoxic venom.there are also snakes that have hemotoxic venom like the Mexican moccasin snake.
 |
| Mexican moccasin snake |
The difference between hemotoxic and neurotoxic is the way the poison affects the victim. Hemotoxic venom affects blood and organs and is really painful. neurotoxic venom affects the nervous system and is the most deadly.
This is one of the most aggressive snakes in Belize.
This is one of the most aggressive snakes in Belize.
 |
| Fer de lance (aka yellowjaw or tommy goff) |
There are 8 dangerous snakes to watch out for in Belize:
- Central American Coral Snake
- Maya Coral Snake
- Eyelash Viper
- Fer de Lance (Tommy Goff)
- Hognose Viper
- Jumping Viper
- Mexican Moccasin
- Neotropical rattlesnake
What To Do If You See a Snake
If it is far enough away to avoid it, then you should. If it's too late for that, like if you've stepped on it accidentally, it probably has already bitten you. Snakes don't follow people around trying to bite them like in the movies, they are usually afraid and feel threatened so they bite to protect themselves.
If A Snake Bites You
If you are ever bitten by a venomous snake, you should wash the bite with soap and water, try to restrict blood flow to the area but don't cut it off completely and get to a hospital right away! It's best to make sure the bite stays lower than your heart and keep still to slow down the venom while you're waiting for help.
Don't panic, most snake bites are not deadly and some bites are called "dry bites" meaning the snake did not release any venom into your skin. The key to surviving a snake bite is getting quick medical attention.
