# Fer De Lance Snake Safety Guide

> Costa Rica's most dangerous snake: bite risks and survival tips.
- Title: Fer De Lance Snake Safety Guide · The Rio Times | Shortify
- Summary: Costa Rica's most dangerous snake: bite risks and survival tips. US visitors to Costa Rica should wear boots, avoid snake contact, and call 911 after a fer…
- Keywords: fer de lance, costa rica, snakebite, antivenom, safety tips, hiking, central america, snake species, venom, first aid, news, world
- Source: The Rio Times — https://riotimesonline.com/fer-de-lance-snake-facts
- Author: Contributing Reporter
- Published: 2026-10-12T17:23:30+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: fer de lance, costa rica, snakebite, antivenom, safety tips, hiking, central america, snake species, venom, first aid, news, world
## What the Fer De Lance Snake Is
The fer de lance snake is Bothrops asper, a large pit viper Costa Ricans call terciopelo.
## How to Recognize It
Adult males measure 1.4 to 1.8 meters, with triangular heads and X-shaped markings on their back.
## Where It Lives in Costa Rica
It lives in wet lowlands on both the Pacific and Caribbean slopes, up to 1,500 meters high.
## How Dangerous a Bite Is
Lancehead venom causes tissue damage, bleeding and kidney injury; untreated bites can lead to death.
## Costa Rica's Antivenom System
The Instituto Clodomiro Picado has made polyvalent antivenom since 1967, producing 110,000 vials in 2016.
## Safety Tips for Hikers
Wear boots and long trousers, avoid tall grass, and never touch snakes.
## What to Do If Bitten
Call 911, immobilize the limb, and get to a hospital without driving yourself.
## What It Means for US Readers
US visitors should check travel insurance and save 911 in their phone for snake emergencies.
## What Is Not Known
No confirmed national count of 2026 snakebites or deaths has been published by health authorities.
## Frequently Asked Questions
Fer de lance bites require immediate medical attention; do not use folk remedies or tourniquets.
## Key takeaway

US visitors to Costa Rica should wear boots, avoid snake contact, and call 911 after a fer de lance bite to prevent death.