Asking where the Eyelash Viper lives in the wild is an excellent question if you want to keep one as a pet. Here’s the answer!
Eyelash Vipers are venomous, and while some people like a wildcard, others prefer to keep non-venomous snakes as a pet. Whether you’re interested in knowing where the Eyelash Viper lives because you want one, or you just find them fascinating, I’ve got you covered!
In this article, I share some interesting things you need to know about the Eyelash Viper, explain where you can find them in the wild, and list some tips for keeping venomous snakes as pets.
The Eyelash Viper: 5 Interesting Facts!
- The Eyelash Viper is polygynous. This means that the male viper mates with many female vipers. The female viper, in turn, only mates with one chosen male viper.
- The Eyelash Viper strikes faster than almost any snake species in the world. This makes them one of the fastest and most dangerous snakes because they’re also very poisonous.
- The Eyelash Viper’s green and yellow color caused many instances where they were mistaken for bananas and exported to other countries in error.
- The Eyelash Viper has no mating season. They mate whenever they want, and females can carry their eggs for 6 months. Female vipers give birth to live snakes after their eggs hatch internally.
- Baby Eyelash Vipers are called snakelets, and they’re very independent. They can leave the nest as soon as their first day of life.
Where Does The Eyelash Viper Live?
The Eyelash Viper comes from areas in South and Central America. They live in very humid and tropical climates. They also prefer lower altitudes and mountain slopes.
Eyelash Vipers are arboreal, which means they live high up in trees. You’ll always find a water source near them because they need to stay hydrated.
What Does An Eyelash Viper Eat?
Eyelash Vipers are good at hiding themselves from predators. They travel to places where birds migrate yearly to ensure they enjoy a full menu.
This species are ambush hunters. They wait patiently for their prey to come by and then strike. Eyelash Vipers eat lizards, small birds, frogs, and rodents.
How to Care For An Eyelash Viper in Captivity
Feeding Eyelash Vipers
If you’re keeping an Eyelash Viper as a pet, you should know that they strike real fast and immediately snatch prey whenever they see it. When you’re serving food to your captive Eyelash Viper, be quick. Also, ensure that you don’t overfeed your snake since they’ll continue eating as long as you feed them.
Baby Eyelash Vipers may need to be tease-fed, and they eat much smaller portions than adult vipers. It would be best to offer them tiny frogs until they can handle bigger meals.
Remember that the birds and lizards these snakes eat in the wild have less fat content than rats and mice. Eyelash Vipers are naturally skinny, and if they become overweight, they’re most probably overfed.
Eyelash Viper Hydration
Eyelash Vipers always need lots of water in a bowl, but they prefer misting or water coming down like rain. They should have very humid enclosures with a high temperature of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Eyelash Viper Lifestyle
Eyelash Vipers enjoy branches to drape from, and their enclosure should always be kept closed since they like escaping. They tend to drink much more from water bowls if they are raised to the level of the branches for easy reach.
How Long Can An Eyelash Viper Live?
The lifespan of an Eyelash Viper can be up to 10 years in the wild and can stretch to 16 years in captivity!
Tips For Caring For Venomous Snakes
If you’d like to keep a venomous snake as a pet, ensure that your state allows this. Some areas require permits.
You should properly research the snake type you’re interested in and ensure you can provide all their needs. Research their feeding schedule and diet before feeding them anything they shouldn’t eat.
You should know how venomous the snake species is and what you’ll need to do if they bite you. Don’t try to handle your venomous snake if you aren’t skilled or trained. If you need to handle them, approach cautiously and be gentle. You should also have the proper equipment for this.
A venomous snake’s enclosure should always be secure and locked. You should create a comfortable environment for your snake and keep it clean.
Don’t ever tease your snake and then attempt to put your hand into its cage to feed them or clean it.
To Conclude
I don’t recommend keeping an Eyelash Viper as a pet, especially when you haven’t owned a snake before. Venomous snake keeping requires skill that little reptile owners have, and you could severely injure yourself if you have these snakes near without any experience.
It’s unlikely that you’ll find an Eyelash Viper in your backyard, but if you do, you should steer clear. These snakes can strike fast when they feel threatened, and you’ll have to act quickly to stand a chance against their venom.
I hope you liked this article about where Eyelash Vipers live and that it provided all the information you were looking for! If you have any other questions about this species or something to add, pop it in the comments.
FAQs
Do eyelash vipers live in Australia?
No.
Eyelash Vipers live in southern Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Ecuador, and western Venezuela.
Where are vipers native to?
Vipers are found worldwide except in Australia, Antarctica, Madagascar, the Arctic Circle, New Zealand, and Hawaii.
Do pit vipers live in trees?
Yes.
Pit Vipers live in different areas, from deserts to rainforests. You can find them in trees, on the ground, and in water.
Are there vipers in the US?
Yes.
Many Vipers can be found in North America, and they typically belong to the pit viper subfamily.