Overcoming my fear: Snakes!!

Before I came to work in the interior of Kabalebo, I was afraid of snakes. I knew back then that I 'froze' only by hearing the word: snake or by looking at a picture. I thought that all snakes were poisonous and dangerous. So working (and living) in the interior helped me get rid of this huge misunderstanding. 


Over the past few years I learned that there are different kind of snakes:
- diurnal and nocturnal 
- poisonous and non-poisonous


With the help of some knowledgeable friends and by reading a lot of snake articles/books I started to 'study':
- their patterns and shape of their head
- the way they are lying on the ground or on a log (straight or coiled)


Some examples that I experienced:
- The Slender tree boa (Corallus enydris): is often seen/mistaken for a Lancehead (Botrox atrox). Because of its almost lance head shaped head and its patterns. 
- The Machete savana (Chironius carinatus): I've seen these type of snakes looking at us with its head raised, almost 25 cm, from the ground. This behavior is often mistaken with that of a cobra, meaning that it will attack you. But they do this just out of curiosity, because after staring at us for some minutes it continues its path without bothering us.


I am still learning about snakes, but knowing now a bit more about these beautiful creatures made me help to overcome my fear for them. It also let me respect them even more. 'Cause looking at them from another perspective shows me that they too are vulnerable creatures. 

Here are some pictures of snakes that I've taken over the past few years. Venomous and nonvenomous snakes ... I am intrigued by all kinds. Enjoy!!


These are snakes that I respect a lot .... they are so fascinating:

Anaconda (Eunectes murinus) on a fallen log. They can reach a length of at least 9 meters. This one was a 'small' one - between 4 and 6 meters. Powerful and impressive.

Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus Caninus) - great color, makes the snake adapt well with its surroundings. Found this one hanging on a thin vine, 4 meters from the ground.

Red-tailed Boa (Boa constrictor) - this one was willingly posing in front of the camera.

Yellow-tailed Cribo (Drymarchon corais) - very agile snake. Its skin felt very smooth and soft at the same time.

And these are snakes that are being mistaken for either venomous or dangerous:

Slender tree boa (Corallus enydris) - this was a small one. Rather curious then dangerous. The Slender tree Boa is sometimes mistaken for a Fer-de-lance (Botrox atrox)

Machete Savane (Chironius carinatus) - often being mistaken as a 'dangerous' snake: ready to strike. Because of its raised head.

Coral pipe snake (Anilius Scytale) - often mistaken for a real coral snake (venomous).

And finally .... snakes that are venomous. I was extremely cautious while taking pictures of them. A lot of respect for them.

South American Lancehead or Fer-de-lance (Botrox atrox) - this was very interesting to see: the snake was 'drinking' the raindrops from its skin. Amazing!!

Velvety lancehead (Bothrops brazili) - I met this one while climbing the mountain.

Orange-ringed coral snake (Micrurus hemprichii) - So far I've seen this snake only twice.