Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Terciopelo (Bothrops Asper)

Locale: Pacific coast lowlands, Osa Peninsula

Eyelash Viper (Bothriechis Schlegelli)

Locale: Rio Tigre highlands, Osa Peninsula

Neat Picture Joe...cool snake.

I must say I don't agree with everyones foot wear selection but that's just me. When collecting in Australia the local herpers I went collecting with also wore sandals or were barefoot in some cases. This is not to say a nice size Asper could not bite through my hiking boot or bite above it. I just like my risk factors to be as low as possible.

Al
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Law of Logical Argument: Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.

...Al, you fell right into his trap!!

We always wear sandals around the lodge. I've yet to have an asper so much as try to bite feet after we've caught it and were taking pics. In fact, I've yet to have any larger aspers even strike at us while bagging them. I don't let anyone wear sandals while walking the trails or hiking, that is a no-no, but once we're hanging out around the lodge, sandals are the norm. This asper was no different than any other we've caught over 4'....calm as a church mouse. THey run like banshees, but never once struck. Again, unless you step on them, they're reputation of being absolute nightmares is somewhat overrated. Yeah, they have their moments, but they're generally very easy going.

BTW....that would be my flip-flops on the left.

MH

Oh wait. That would be me. At least I didn't have a beer in my hand at the time. Oh wait. Yes I did.

"What happens in Costa Rica, stays in Costa Rica"
Necessita Imperial!

Hey or at least someone didn't........ah nevermind!!! HAAHAA!

A couple of years ago when I was down there, I thought I had an asper. It was about a five footer, on the edge of the road. I barely got a hook under it & it virtually flew into the underbrush off the road. This dummy figured it would act like a North American pit viper..not like a Masticophis.

~~Greg~~

Oh they do explode Greg, but USUALLY in the opposite direction. The slightest disturbance and they run like nuts, BUT its typically away from the disturbance. Unlike bushmasters, which will stand their ground and face whatever is near them, aspers are a flighty snake that want to avoid larger animals as much as possible.