Snakes Present in St Lucia
St. Lucia, a Caribbean island nation, is home to snakes. However, encountering them is not a major concern for most visitors or residents. Snakes in St. Lucia are often reclusive, making sightings rare, especially in popular tourist destinations and urban areas. Many species are active at night, further reducing the likelihood of daytime encounters. The overall risk of negative interactions is low, particularly for those who remain on marked paths and within developed zones.
Identifying St Lucia’s Snake Species
St. Lucia is home to four known indigenous snake species. Only one of these is venomous, while the others are generally considered harmless to humans.
The most notable venomous snake is the St. Lucia Lancehead, also known as the St. Lucia Fer-de-Lance or St. Lucia Pit Viper (Bothrops caribbaeus). This endemic pit viper can reach up to 6 feet in length and typically have an olive, olive-gray, or olive-brown coloration with darker, often indistinct, blotches. Their bellies are usually whitish or yellowish. They prefer remote, dry scrubland and coastal regions. While its venom can cause severe symptoms like pain, swelling, and tissue damage.
Among the non-venomous species is the St. Lucia Boa Constrictor (Boa orophias), locally known as “Tet Chyenn” or “Dog’s Head”. These boas are quite large, ranging from 20 inches to 14 feet in length, and are more slender than other boa species. They exhibit pale to medium brown backs with gray flanks and prominent dark brown saddle patches. A dark line often extends through their eye and down their cheek. These constrictors are found in various habitats, including forests, cultivated fields, and ravines, and are sometimes seen in trees.
Another unique species is the St. Lucia Racer (Erythrolamprus ornatus), which is critically endangered. This non-venomous snake is relatively small, typically measuring between 40-60 cm (about 16-24 inches) in length, and has a pale gray or light brown body with darker markings. Historically found across the island, its population was severely impacted by introduced mongooses. Today, it is primarily confined to a tiny, uninhabited islet called Maria Major, located off the main island’s coast.
Lastly, the St. Lucia Threadsnake (Tetracheilostoma breuili) is a very small, non-venomous snake, often mistaken for an earthworm. It is one of the smallest snakes globally, reaching a maximum length of about 4 inches (10.2 cm). This secretive species spends most of its life underground in moist soil, under logs, and beneath stones, feeding mainly on ant and termite larvae.
Staying Safe Around Snakes
Minimizing the risk of snake encounters in St. Lucia involves being aware of your surroundings, particularly when exploring natural areas. When hiking or walking in vegetated zones, it is advisable to stay on well-maintained and marked trails. Wearing appropriate footwear, such as closed-toe shoes or boots, can also provide a layer of protection. Snakes, including the St. Lucia Lancehead, often camouflage well with dry leaves and their environment, so paying attention to where you step is always beneficial.
If you encounter a snake, the most important action is to remain calm and avoid provoking it. Snakes generally prefer to avoid humans and will only strike if they feel threatened or cornered. Maintain a safe distance and slowly back away, allowing the snake ample space to move away. Avoid attempting to handle or capture any snake, even if it appears harmless.
In the rare event of a snakebite, seek immediate medical attention; St. Lucia has medical facilities equipped to handle snakebites, with antivenom available at major hospitals like Victoria Hospital in Castries and Owen King EU Hospital. It is important to stay calm after a bite, as agitation can increase the spread of venom. Do not attempt traditional remedies like cutting the wound, sucking out venom, or applying a tourniquet, as these can cause more harm than good. Transport the bitten individual to a medical facility as quickly as possible, avoiding walking if the bite is on a limb to prevent accelerated venom circulation.