Wildlife: A Fer-de-lance Bothrops asper is seen in a trail in Peten, Guatemala

A Fer-de-lance is seen in a trail in El Zotz La Palotada Natural Park in Peten, Guatemala. Bothrops asper is a highly venomous pit viper species, the range of which extends from southern Mexico to northern South America. They are found in a wide range of lowland habitats, often near human habitations. Because of its proximity to human habitations and its defensive temperament, it is more dangerous to people than many other snakes. This species is the main cause of snakebite incidents within its range. No subspecies are currently recognized. Some of the common names applied to this snake are terciopelo `velvet` in Spanish, barba amarilla Guatemala, Honduras; `yellow beard`, equis Ecuador and Panama, nauyaca México; from Nahuatl nahui, four, and yacatl, nose; `four noses`. The name fer-de-lance is commonly used in English to refer to this species, as well as to B. atrox, although B. atrox is more commonly referred to as the `lancehead` in North America. The name fer-de-lance is not used in the countries inhabited by this species. It is considered one of the most dangerous snakes species in Latin America. This species is irritable and fast-moving. It is also regarded as being more excitable and unpredictable than B. atrox. Its large size and habit of raising its head high off the ground can result in bites above the knee. It has also been observed to eject venom over a distance of at least 6ft 1.8m in fine jets from the tips of its fangs.

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