There are just over forty species of snakes found in Trinidad and Tobago. Only four species of them are considered venomous, two Corals and two Pit vipers - none of these occur in Tobago. They are not the “evil” creatures that they are portrayed to be. I have encountered all four and I am still around. In fact, you should consider yourself extremely lucky if you were to ever cross paths with one of these secretive creatures, for they are seldom seen.
Our Pit vipers are mainly brown in color, with some variation of yellow, gray, green or black depending on the species. They have distinctive triangular shaped heads. Along their body are diagonal stripes forming a unique diamond pattern. The Pit vipers that I have seen ranged from one foot, all the way up to eight feet in length! Their poison contain Hemotoxins, which affects the circulatory system destroying red blood cells, causing organ degeneration and tissue damage, if left untreated it can be fatal. The Fer-de-lance and the Bushmaster are the two Pit vipers recorded for Trinidad.
Next week, I'll cover the Corals.
Be good!
© Denise Etienne
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