Page 19 - AHATA

Monday 2 June 2025 LOCAL
A10

Snakes you may encounter on Aruba

(Oranjestad)—If you have your garden, please do not
ever or will ever go off- harm this species.
roading on the island, you
may encounter three types Boa (Boa constrictor)
of snakes that are domi- Boas are Aruba’s largest
nant on the island. The Cas- snakes. The longest Boa
cabel, Santanero and Boa found on the island was
differ from each other in slightly less than 3 m. New-
a couple ways, and local born Boas average 35 cm.
perspective on each one Boas are not venomous but
may help you understand are what is called constric-
what you need to do if you tor snakes; they kill by wrap-
ever were to encounter one ping themselves around
during your touring session a prey and suffocating
on the island. them. The most distinctive
feature of a Boa is its pat-
Cascabel tern of dark brown and tan
(Crotalus unicolor) blotches which become
The small Cascabel or Aru- It is best to leave this snake of the island mostly within than 50 cm long. This snake red toward the tail. The bel-
ba Island Rattlesnake aver- alone. Do not attempt to Arikok National Park. The is recognizable by the large ly in white or cream colored
ages 70 cm in length. The catch or kill it, as it could Arikok National Park was scales on the top of its with numerous black spots.
body color is often uniform not only be dangerous, but designated in the early head and by its pattern of Boas are excellent climbers
gray or light brown. There this snake is also endemic 1980s to include most of the dark brown bands alternat- and may be found in trees
may be a faint pattern of to the island, and its preser- rattlesnake’s population, ing with light brown bands. and cactus. Boas also hide
diamond shaped markings vation has become a legal providing a safe refuge in The belly is plain white or in the leaves under bushes
on the back. This pattern is mandate for all residents which the snake can be cream colored without any waiting to catch prey that
most noticeable on young- and visitors. protected and monitored. markings. Native as well to pass. Boas catch their prey
er snakes. The most distinc- Cascabels hunt by waiting The government has also the island, this snake is shy with their teeth and then
tive feature of this snake is under bushes and fruiting implemented outreach and not aggressive. How- constrict it in their coils. The
the rattle at the end of its trees to catch passing liz- and education initiatives ever, it has enlarged teeth Boa’s diet consists of birds,
tail which makes a buzz- ards, mice, rats, small rab- to change local percep- at the back of its mouth lizards, rats, mice, and rab-
ing sound when the snake bits, and an occasional tion of the snake and high- and mild venom which is bits. Large Boas have been
is alarmed. Cascabels are bird. This is often consid- light its ecological and not dangerous to humans, known to eat small goats
shy and not aggressive, ered to be one of the rarest economic importance – it but can paralyze small liz- and chickens. When threat-
but their venom can be rattlesnakes in the world. is now being promoted as ards and frogs. Santaneros ened, Boas will hiss loudly.
dangerous to humans. In The range of the Cascabel a national symbol. Arikok’s are most active at night Boas are a non-native spe-
fact, it’s the only venomous is restricted to the rugged partnership with the Toledo when they search for food. cies and are invasive to the
snake native to the island. and mountainous areas zoo has safeguarded the During the day, they hide island, risking the popula-
rattlesnake ex-situ and led under rocks or leaves. They tion of native lizards and
to a number of research frequently climb trees and birds. The first Boas were
projects collecting critical cactus. Santaneros eat reported on the island in
data on the Cascabel’s toads, frogs, insects, and 1999. Since that time they
abundance, life history lizards. You may find San- have been found across
and habitat requirement to taneros near dams during the entire island in all types
help guide future conser- periods of rainy weather or of habitats. If you ever en-
vation efforts. crossing roads at night. This counter a Boa, please do
snake is found island wide. not approach it. Instead,
Santanero A Santanero in your garden please call the Arikok Na-
The slender Santanero or will keep away the unwant- tional Park, as they are
Aruban Cat-eyed Snake is ed insects. If you encoun- experienced in handling
a small fella, typically less ter a Santanero around Boas.