Green Palm Viper (Bothriechis lateralis)

Hot! In Danger

by David Rocaberti

Uploaded 16 Apr 2008 — 28 favorites

© David Rocaberti

If you go to Monteverde reserve in Costa Rica, you can meet the Green Palm Viper (Bothriechis lateralis). It is a common arboreal poison snake species in the cloud forests of Central America and spends its time in the thick foliage of trees and shrubbery, waiting for small birds, rodents, lizards and frogs to hunt. It uses its camouflaged coloration to blend in with the vegetation, striking quickly when a mentioned animal gets too close. Therefore rarely poses a danger to people although it could bite only if strongly provoked. However, humans who are bitten can become very sick but rarely die from the venom.

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