Belize's Deadly Wildlife: A Guide To The Country's Most Dangerous Creatures

Belize is a country in Central America, known for its unique geographical location, stunning natural beauty, and rich biodiversity. While the country boasts breathtaking beaches and pristine waters, it is also home to a variety of dangerous creatures. Here is an introduction to some of the most dangerous animals found in Belize:

1. Black Widow Spider: The black widow spider is one of the world's deadliest and most venomous spiders, known for its toxic bite that can be fatal to humans. They are commonly found in wooded areas of Belize, building their nests close to the ground in dark and shady places.

2. Bullet Ant: The bullet ant, also known as Hormiga Veinticuatro or 24-hour ant, gets its name from the intense pain caused by its sting, which is said to feel like being shot with a bullet. The pain can last for up to 24 hours and is considered the most painful among insects in its region.

3. Mayan Coral Snake: The Mayan coral snake is considered one of the most venomous snakes in the world, possessing a potent neurotoxic venom capable of causing respiratory failure and death. They are shy and rarely bite, but their small fangs can make it difficult to inject enough venom to be fatal.

4. Poison Dart Frog: These brightly coloured frogs are endemic to Central and South America and are found in the rainforests of Belize. They secrete toxic venom through their skin, which is powerful enough to kill humans. Native Americans historically used this venom to poison their blow darts.

5. Portuguese Man O' War: The Portuguese man o' war is a colonial creature that resembles a jellyfish but is made up of many smaller zooids. Its tentacles can detach and deliver painful stings, even when detached from the main organism. Its venom is known to paralyse its prey and has been linked to human fatalities.

6. Eyelash Viper: The eyelash viper is a colourful and interesting-looking snake found in Central and South America. While they are not overly aggressive, they will attack if provoked. Their small fangs and hemotoxic venom can cause respiratory failure and death if left untreated.

7. Common Vampire Bat: Vampire bats are known carriers of infectious diseases, including rabies. While they are more likely to bite livestock, they can transmit diseases to humans as well. Bats with rabies may exhibit disoriented behaviour and are more likely to come into contact with people.

These are just a few examples of the dangerous animals that can be found in Belize. While the country offers a wealth of natural wonders to explore, it is important to be aware of these potential hazards and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Poisonous spiders and scorpions

Belize is home to a variety of dangerous spiders and scorpions. Here is a detailed guide to help you identify and avoid these venomous creatures:

Black Widow Spiders:

The Black Widow is one of the most poisonous spiders in North and Central America and can be found in Belize. It is easily identified by its black colour and distinctive red marking on its underside, often shaped like an hourglass. Black Widows are nocturnal and build their webs close to the ground, usually in dark and shadowy spots. While fatalities from their bites are rare, their venom is extremely potent and can lead to anaphylactic shock and death. Seek immediate medical attention if bitten.

Brown Recluse Spiders:

The Brown Recluse is a shy and non-aggressive spider commonly found in Belize. It usually bites when pressed against the skin, such as when tangled in clothes or bedding. Their bites might go unnoticed, but they can cause necrosis, leading to deep scars and tissue damage. The initial bite is often painless, but the wound can grow up to 10 inches in severe cases. If bitten, monitor the area closely and seek medical attention if necessary.

Scorpions:

Scorpions can be found on the cayes and mainland of Belize, especially in nocturnal habitats. While scorpion stings are rarely fatal, they can be dangerous for children, the elderly, and ill persons. The Centruroides gracilis, or bark scorpion, is the most common species in Belize and can be identified by its long, protruding tail. Always check your clothing, footwear, and bedding for scorpions, especially in environments known to have them. Seek medical attention if stung, especially if you experience an allergic reaction.

Huntsman Spiders:

The Huntsman Spider is another spider species found in Belize. While information on their venom is limited, it is always advisable to exercise caution and avoid direct contact with these spiders.

In general, when exploring Belize, be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Check your clothing and footwear regularly and avoid reaching into dark spaces where spiders and scorpions may be hiding. While these creatures are fascinating, always prioritise your safety and do not approach them too closely.

Venomous snakes

Belize is home to a wide variety of snakes, and while many are harmless, there are several venomous species that can pose a serious threat to humans. Here is a detailed guide to the venomous snakes of Belize:

Variable Coral Snake (Micrurus diastema)

The Variable Coral Snake is a highly venomous species found in tropical wet woodlands and dry forests in Belize. Adults can grow to between 40 and 160 cm (16-63 inches) in length. They are characterised by black, yellow, red, and white bands, with the first few bands on the head typically being yellow or white. This snake is shy and secretive, preferring to hunt at night and avoid human contact. However, if threatened, they will defend themselves by delivering a venomous bite with their powerful fangs. While death from a Variable Coral Snake bite is rare, the neurotoxic venom can cause weakness, paralysis, difficulty breathing, and swelling.

Central American Coral Snake (Micrurus nigrocinctus)

The Central American Coral Snake, also known as the Salviara, Limlim, Babaspul, or Coral Macho, is a venomous snake found in the lowland forests of Belize. They typically grow to between 65 and 115 cm (26-45 inches) in length and have black, yellow, and red banding. This snake is terrestrial and often resides in burrows, leaf litter, or under logs. While it is not considered aggressive, it will bite if threatened or disturbed. The Central American Coral Snake is highly venomous, with a strong neurotoxin that causes weakness and paralysis in its victims. Unlike other snakes, it needs to chew on its victim to inject its venom fully, so most human bites are mild and non-fatal. However, immediate medical treatment is still necessary.

Eyelash Viper (Bothriechis schlegelii)

The Eyelash Viper, also known as the Eyelash Pit Viper, Eyelash Palm Viper, Schlegel's Viper, Eyelash Lancehead, Eyelash Mountain Viper, or Horned Palm Viper, is a small venomous snake found in the forests and woodlands of Belize. Adults can grow to between 55 and 82 cm (22-32 inches) in length and have broad, triangular heads. Their colouring can vary depending on their habitat, including bright yellow, green, orange, or pink, with dark speckles. The Eyelash Viper gets its name from the pair of modified scales above its eyes that resemble eyelashes. While generally docile, this viper will strike if it feels threatened. They are moderately venomous, and while there are no recorded human deaths, their bites can be very painful.

Fer-de-Lance (Bothrops asper)

The Fer-de-Lance, also known as the Terciopelo or Yellowjaw, is a venomous snake found in tropical rainforests and lowlands in Belize. They have a fierce reputation and are responsible for many of the country's snakebites. The Fer-de-Lance has large fangs and an exceptionally high venom yield. They are patient predators, disguising themselves among leaf litter before biting swiftly when prey comes into range. Their venom is dangerously potent, causing fevers, internal bleeding, and even death in extreme cases. If bitten, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

Rainforest Hognose Viper (Porthidium nasutum)

The Rainforest Hognose Viper, also known as the Hognosed Pit Viper, is a highly venomous snake found in the rainforests of Belize. Adults can grow to between 40 and 60 cm (16-24 inches) in length, with females typically larger than males. They have stout bodies, triangular-shaped heads, and short, thin tails. Their colouring is shades of brown with cream and dark brown rectangular marks on their backs, providing effective camouflage in the jungle foliage. The Rainforest Hognose Viper is nocturnal and hunts at night, making it difficult to spot. This species is extremely venomous, and a bite can be fatal if left untreated.

Insects and bugs

Belize is home to a wide variety of insects and bugs, which are most active in the early mornings and late evenings. The most common biting insects are mosquitoes and sand flies, which are prevalent during the rainy season (June to November) and in areas with standing water. To protect yourself from bites, it is recommended to use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and stay indoors during peak insect activity.

Mosquitoes in Belize can carry diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, so it is important to take precautions to avoid being bitten. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes are most active at night, while dengue fever carriers are active during the day. Using mosquito nets, fans, and coils can also help keep mosquitoes at bay.

Sand flies, also known as no-see-ums, are tiny midges that breed in wet, sandy areas. While they do not carry any known diseases, their bites can be extremely itchy and irritating. To prevent sand fly bites, it is recommended to use a thick oil such as baby oil or lavender oil as a barrier on the skin.

In addition to mosquitoes and sand flies, other biting insects in Belize include botlass flies, doctor flies, scorpions, spiders, and snakes. Botlass flies are small black flies that leave a tell-tale drop of blood on the skin after biting. Their bites can cause itching, swelling, and redness but are not known to spread any diseases. Doctor flies, also known as yellow flies, are larger and yellowish in colour, and their bites can be quite painful.

Scorpions, spiders, and snakes are also present in Belize, particularly in jungle and forest areas. Scorpion stings are generally not lethal but can cause numbness in the lips and tongue. Spiders in Belize are not aggressive and do not seek out humans to bite. However, it is still advisable to shake out clothing and inspect shoes before putting them on to avoid any unwanted encounters.

Overall, while insects and bugs are a fact of life in Belize, with proper precautions and preparations, the risk of being bitten or stung can be minimised.

Crocodiles and stingrays

Belize is home to a variety of dangerous yet fascinating creatures, including crocodiles and stingrays.

Crocodiles

Belize is inhabited by two species of crocodiles: the Morelet's crocodile and the American crocodile. These apex predators play a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of the country's ecosystems. The Morelet's crocodile, a freshwater species, inhabits rivers and lagoons and typically grows to a length of about 10 feet. On the other hand, the saltwater American crocodile can reach impressive lengths of 20 feet or more and prefers mangrove swamps and lagoons as its habitat. Despite their intimidating size, these crocodiles are not considered a threat to humans. They primarily feed on fish, crabs, and small mammals, and their average lifespan is an impressive 50 years, with the American crocodile sometimes living up to 70 years.

The survival of these crocodile species in Belize is currently under threat due to ongoing human development within their wetland habitats. Scientists from the University of Florida, in collaboration with the Lamanai Field Research Center (LFRC), are working on a long-term monitoring project to study the growth and distribution of these crocodiles. As part of this project, crocodiles are captured, measured, weighed, and given unique identification marks. This allows researchers to track their growth and body condition over time by recapturing marked individuals. The project also invites visitors to participate in "crocodile encounters," where they can assist with data collection and gain a deeper understanding of crocodile ecology.

Stingrays

Belize is also home to several species of stingrays, including the Southern stingray, the Spotted eagle ray, the Manta ray, the Yellow stingray, and the White-spotted eagle ray. Stingrays are characterised by their unique spherical body shape, with a raised head and eyes on the sides. They are composed entirely of cartilage, lacking bones, and possess whip-like tails that can inflict painful wounds with their barbed spines.

The Southern stingray, typically spanning around 5 feet in wingspan, is the most common type encountered by divers in Belize. It is found in warm waters such as the Caribbean and Western Atlantic Ocean and is identifiable by its rigid and textured spine. The Spotted eagle ray, on the other hand, is distinguished by its shiny, polka-dotted back and preference for warm, shallow waters near coral reefs. The largest of the stingray species in Belize is the Manta ray, with a wingspan of up to 20 feet and a weight of up to 3,000 pounds. Despite its intimidating size, the Manta ray is harmless to humans and feeds primarily on plankton. The Yellow stingray, with its sandy yellow colour and smaller size of about 1.2 feet in adulthood, is a unique species found in muddy, rocky, or grassy areas where it camouflages itself from larger predatory fish.

Stingrays are a beloved attraction for divers and snorkelers in Belize, offering opportunities for up-close encounters and captivating photographs. Despite their potential dangers, these creatures are generally harmless when given appropriate space and respected in their natural habitat.

Sharks and fish

Belize is home to several shark species, including the whale shark, which is the largest shark and the largest fish alive today. Whale sharks can be spotted in Belize between the months of March and June, and are quite popular among divers due to their size and gentle nature. They can grow to around 40 feet long and weigh around 11 tons, with some sources stating they can reach up to 60 feet long and weigh 50,000 pounds. They are filter feeders, consuming schools of krill and plankton, and are considered docile and safe to swim alongside.

The Caribbean Sea surrounding Belize is also home to the nurse shark, a slow-moving species that can often be spotted lounging on the ocean floor. They are generally considered harmless, but they may bite if they feel threatened or provoked. They are a common sight for divers and are known for their small teeth.

The Caribbean reef shark is another species found in the waters of Belize, resembling its cousin, the great white shark. They grow to between 5 and 10 feet in length and are known to lurk in the shallow waters and coral reefs of the region. They are most active at night, making evening dives an ideal time to spot them.

Black tip sharks are smaller in size but are exceptional hunters and swimmers. They are known for their agility, leaping from the water and spinning in the air as they fall back down. Unfortunately, they are a popular target for hunting and recreation, which has led them to near extinction.

Lemon sharks are named for their brownish-yellow hue and can reach impressive lengths of up to 10 feet. They are often found resting on the ocean floor during the day but become more active at night, swimming, hunting, and venturing into shallow areas.

Bull sharks are large, strong, and known for their grouchy disposition. They possess a unique ability to survive in freshwater for extended periods, allowing them to inhabit a diverse range of environments, including the Amazon River. They have a diverse appetite, feeding on fish, turtles, birds, and even other sharks.

Hammerhead sharks are easily recognisable by the flattened shape of their heads and the spacing of their eyes. The great hammerhead, the largest of this species, can grow to impressive lengths of up to 6 meters and weigh up to 600 pounds. They are known for their graceful movements and frequent visits to shallow waters, where they may even get a suntan!

While shark attacks are rare in Belize, it is important to exercise caution and respect when encountering these magnificent creatures.

Frequently asked questions