There are 135 snake species in Costa Rica and 17 poisonous. There are nine families of snakes. Most species belong to four of these families. The four families are vipers, coral snakes, boas and Colubridae (typical snakes).

Some of the fascinating snakes are listed below:

• Coral snake has a small head, blunt tail and bright band of red, black and yellow or white. It is highly venomous and flattens its body when approached. It is considered aposematic which means it serves a warning through its color. Coral snakes have rear fangs and can bite a large object. Its poison is neurotoxic which causes muscle tissue paralysis and can lead to death.
• There are 12 species of pit vipers in Costa Rica. The bushmaster is a large venomous pit viper found in remote locations. It inhabits forested areas and adjacent clearings and can be up to 2.5m (7- 8 ft) in length. These snakes are capable of multiple bites and are dangerous. It feeds on small mammals.
• Fer-de-lance is a pit viper and is a feared snake for its aggression and lethal venom. It is a brazen snake and legendary for striking. But naturalist with extensive experience say that it's not as aggressive as myth would suggest. It can grow to 3m (10 ft) and is found in overgrown fields and drier lowland regions. They move around at night and rest in loose coils on the forest floor during the day.
• Boa constrictors camouflage very well and are the color of their environment which can be tan, green, red or yellow. It has a cryptic pattern or jagged lines, ovals, diamonds and circles. These are non-poisonous snakes and are excellent swimmers but prefer dry land in hollow logs and abandoned mammal burrows. Boas can grow up to 4m  (13 ft) and weigh more than 45kg (100 lbs). It wraps its muscular body around its victim and squeezes until the victim suffocates.
• Vine snake has a slender body, narrow head and pointed snout. It is about 1.25cm (1.2 inches) in diameter and lies in the branches of forest trees. Its greeny-brown color camouflages it well in the vines. It has rear fangs and mild venom and feeds on young birds and lizards.
• Sea snake is found on the Pacific beaches and are yellow-bellied and black-backed. This snake is closely related to the cobra. It has an oar-like tail and paddles through the ocean. It drifts in flotsam and feeds on small fish.

The likelihood of encountering a snake is Costa Rica is limited. Snakes are more common in the lowlands than in the highlands and are more active at night. If you have the misfortune of being bitten by a snake, kill it and take it with you for identification. Immobilize the victim and keep him calm. The slower the metabolism runs, the slower the spread of the venom. Antivenin is available at most hospitals A snake bite has serious effects after 2-5 hours.

When traveling in the rainforest, wear sturdy well-built boots that are high as it is harder for snakes to bite above the ankle.

Viewing Snakes in Captivity

To view snakes in captivity, visit one of the following serpentarios:

• World of Snakes in Grecia.
• Serpentarium in Monteverde.
• Snake Garden is north of La Virgen.
• Jardin Zoologico de Serpientes de Arenal is in the Arenal Volcano National Park area.
• Neofauna near Jacó has 4.5-hectares (11-acres) of botanical gardens with exhibits of snakes.
• Parque Reptilandia is 10-km (6 mi) from Dominical and has snakes.
• Parque Vibrana near Turrialba has a serpentarium with about 100 snakes.