RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser says that he had wanted to see a Central American Rattlesnake (Crotalus simus) since he started getting interested in herpetology. Fortunately for him he knew they were in the area of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula where he has worked for five avian wintering seasons. After all those thousands of hours spent in the field keeping an eye out for the species, and eventually wondering if they were a mythical and magical creature that once existed in the area, they finally found one this week!
Sean says it was a very poetic finding as it came on their very last day while they were rushing to make the last ferry off the peninsula. The rattlesnake was this beautiful juvenile which also gave them hope that there is still a successful breeding population nearby that can hopefully lead to increased numbers in the area. Please do keep an eye out on our website and social media for more detailed stories and other phenomenal photos from Costa Rica that Sean will be sharing with us soon.
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
