Yes, there are snakes on the Galápagos Islands, and they are a unique part of the archipelago’s famous endemic wildlife. These reptiles are known for their slender bodies, quick movement, and are collectively referred to as Galápagos Racers. They have evolved in isolation, meaning the snakes found here are native and found nowhere else in the world. The snakes are generally non-aggressive and prefer to avoid contact with humans, presenting virtually no threat to visitors.
The Presence of Snakes
All of the native snakes in the Galápagos belong to the genus Pseudalsophis, commonly called the Galápagos Racers. While once thought to be a single species with a few subspecies, recent research suggests there may be as many as nine distinct species across the islands, all within this single genus. The most recognized populations include the Fernandina Racer (Pseudalsophis occidentalis), which is found on Fernandina and Isabela Islands, and the Española Racer (Pseudalsophis hoodensis) located on Española Island and its surrounding islets. Other distinct species, such as the Santa Cruz Racer and the Banded Racer, inhabit specific, isolated islands, demonstrating the power of geographic separation in evolution. These racers are the only native snake species in the entire archipelago, having colonized the islands long ago, likely arriving on floating vegetation rafts.
Are Galápagos Snakes Dangerous?
Galápagos Racers are not considered dangerous to humans. They are technically venomous, but they are rear-fanged snakes, meaning the fangs are located toward the back of the upper jaw. This anatomical feature makes it difficult for them to effectively deliver venom to anything larger than their small, natural prey. The venom itself is considered extremely mild and poses virtually no health threat to a person. The venom is primarily used to quickly subdue the small reptiles and rodents that make up their diet, and it assists in the digestive process. A bite from a Galápagos Racer is an exceedingly rare event, and if it were to occur, it would typically result in no more than minor swelling or irritation, requiring no specific medical intervention.
Unique Characteristics and Diet
Galápagos Racers are active foragers, often seen swiftly moving across the dry scrubland and volcanic lava fields that characterize their terrestrial habitats. Their diet is varied, including smaller native reptiles such as lava lizards and geckos, bird eggs, and hatchlings, and they have also readily incorporated introduced species like mice and rats into their feeding habits where available. The racers’ hunting behavior gained global attention due to a widely-shared nature documentary sequence showing them aggregating to pursue marine iguana hatchlings on Fernandina Island. One unique adaptation is seen in some populations, like the Fernandina Racer, which has been observed hunting for marine fish in shallow rock pools, a highly unusual behavior for a terrestrial snake. As endemic species, these racers represent a fascinating, isolated evolutionary branch, demonstrating how a single lineage can diversify to fill ecological niches across different islands.