A few days later, the Tortuga is flying north over Costa Rica. And Chris and Martin wanted to do one more stop in the rainforest before heading to North America. Somewhere in the forest floor, hides a deadly snake.
The Lancehead Viper.
Some of the world's deadliest snakes, they're normally at 3 or 4 feet long. But their challenge is to find one bigger than that.
The Tortuga recently landed on the west coast of Costa Rica, and they were all out moving down the beach. But Chris and Martin seem to be looking for something.
"So, what are we looking for again?" Koki asked.
"We're looking for a river that would go through the forest for us to head inland." Chris explained. "Some parts are really hard to get through."
"And find the secretive Lancehead Viper." Martin said. "Some of the deadliest snakes."
They continued moving down the beach trying to find a mouth of a river that would lead them through the jungle to Lancehead country.
But they soon got distracted.
In a pool of water, Chris spotted a moving line swimming across the surface.
Chris then quickly jumped into the water, and quickly caught the snake as the others stood at the sandbank.
"I got him." Chris said, holding him out.
The snake Chris caught is a Cribo, a relative to the Indigo snakes in North America.
"What kind of snake is that?" Aviva asked.
"It's a Cribo." Chris said, walking out of the water.
"Yeah, these guys can get a little bigger at 9 feet." Martin said.
"Yeah, he's easy to know he's a Cribo with those black stripe markings." Chris gestured to the black marking behind and under the eye.
Cribos will hunt almost anything, birds, small mammals, even venomous snakes. Even turtles.
Soon Chris lets the Cribo go, and the snake slithers off into the water and disappeared.
And they continue moving down the beach to find a big enough river.
And soon, they came across another snake on the beach. But this one is completely different.
They noticed a small snake with a black and yellow coloration, and wiggling on the sand with trouble.
"Hey, why is that snake having trouble on the sand?" Koki wondered. "Any other snake could move across the sand easily."
"You're right, Koki." Chris said. "Any other snake can move across sand easily, but not this snake."
"This is actually a Sea Snake." Martin informed.
"A Sea Snake?" Aviva, Koki and Jimmy said in unison.
"Yeah, there's over 2 dozen species of sea snakes." Chris said. "And this is a Yellow-bellied Sea Snake."
"We should help him, he shouldn't be out here." Martin said.
Being very careful, Chris gently grabs hold behind the snake's head and holds his tail.
Yellow-bellied Sea Snakes are one of the most venomous snakes in the world. Their venom instantly kills fish they prey on, and the fangs are short and looking like the other teeth.
"Oh, see how a normal snake would have a smooth body." Chris said. "These guys are rough, also like a file. And flatten."
"Yeah, and it's paddle-like." Aviva seeing the body design closely. "Perfect for swimming. Even its tail."
Soon after having a good look, Chris heads in the water and gently releases the snake as it soon swims off.
Later towards sunset, they were back in the Tortuga settling down for the night. And going through a map of rivers near them.
"Okay, looks like there's a big enough river to try and travel on." Koki said. "Maybe worth a try."
"Let's try it tomorrow." Chris said.
And they soon went to bed, after already having a good start with 2 snakes.
The next day, Chris, Martin, Aviva, Amber, Tyrana, Skylie, Bumpo, Hornster and Grubby went out in the Bass Boat up the river.
And soon they traveled up the river in search of the ultimate pit viper.
And all around them was a solid wall of plants.
Lanceheads prey on small animals like lizards, frogs, birds and mammals. But there was no sign of any of them.
They continued cruising up the river for another hour, and then a yellow object among the green got Chris' attention.
"Hey, what's that?" Chris wondered.
"What?" Martin turned to him.
"There's something yellow over there." Chris said.
Aviva slowed the Bass Boat down, and pulled onto the shore of the river. And then they got out as Chris brought a pair of tweezer forceps, and approached a branch where he saw the object.
"Oh look at this." Chris beamed. "Look at this. It's an Eyelash Viper."
Slithering in the branch, was a yellow Eyelash Viper. This is the 4th encounter of one, first was during the Flight of the Pollinators adventure when Chris got stuck on a bee named Beast. And then stuck on a Hummingbird, and encountered a hidden Eyelash Viper while trying to get off him. The 2nd time was during the To Touch a Hummingbird adventure where Chris and Martin were having trouble trying to activate Hummingbird Powers, and soon used the camouflage power of the Eyelash Power Suit.
Eyelash Vipers are one of the best camouflage masters of snakes, hiding themselves in green, gold, yellow and red. They hide in areas where they prey on frogs and lizards. But these snakes are seen fast enough to even catch Hummingbirds if they get a chance.
Carefully, Chris uses his forceps to gently loosen his tail, and grabs hold and gently pulls him out of the branch.
"Wow." Martin said in awe.
"You know, I think these are some of the most beautiful snakes." Aviva said. "I love that yellow color."
"Yeah, they also come in green, red, and even golden yellow." Chris said.
Amber cocks her head at the Eyelash Viper.
"Wanna have a better look, Amber?" Chris asked and got on one knee.
At the moment, the snake is showing no signs of aggression. And Amber slowly approached the snake, but kept out of the strike range. And the snake turns to her, and flicks its tongue at her, smelling her trying to figure out what she is.
Tyrana, Skylie, Bumpo, Hornster and Grubby all watch her carefully.
Despite their size, Eyelash Vipers are close relatives to the Lancehead. Both are Pit Vipers, famously known for having a heat sensitive pit between the eye and the nostril. Pit Vipers include rattlesnakes, Fer-De-Lances, Jumping Vipers, and even the Bushmaster.
Amazingly, to their surprise, the Eyelash Viper showed no signs of aggression as it slithered a bit closer to Amber. So close even, the snake's tongue briefly touched her snout.
Martin chuckled a bit. "Guess Amber has made a new friend."
Soon, Chris sets the snake back on the branch. And they even got a picture of him.
A few minutes later, they were back moving upriver.
An hour later, they were soon having some luck. The right surroundings, and they're even seeing prey species. Now it's a waiting game of spotting the Lancehead.
But soon, the river got a bit shallower and smaller. With no choice, they called the Tortuga to pick it up. And while they wait, they decide to have a look around to see if there's a Lancehead in the area.
They even checked by some leaves, by a log, but there was no signs of a Lancehead. But they were also being careful about where they move their hands near, because Lanceheads are so well camouflaged.
A few minutes later, by a small creek they looked at a log and looked if anything was there. And then a row of scales appeared, and using some snake tongs, Chris pulls it out carefully.
"Yeah, a Jumping Viper." Chris said.
The Jumping Viper curls in the S position and shows the white inside of its mouth. Similar to the Cottonmouths in North America.
"Cool." Martin smiled.
The Jumping Viper strikes at them as Chris tries to lift him up.
"It's okay, buddy." Chris gently said. "No one's gonna hurt you."
As Chris tries to grab the snake with the tongs, the Jumping Viper suddenly strikes, and then bites down on a piece of bark.
"Oh, whoa, look at that!" Chris exclaimed. "He's holding on to the bark."
"Whoa, easy to know why he's the bulldog of snakes." Martin said. "Holding on and not letting go."
"Any other snake would let go right away, right?" Aviva said.
"Yeah." Chris replied.
And soon, for their relief the Jumping Viper soon lets go. And luckily, he hasn't broke a fang off.
And soon, Chris was able to grab behind the snake's head. But the viper was now holding on to a leaf.
"Okay, now I see why they're the bulldogs of the snake world." Aviva said.
"Yeah, and have a strong grip." Chris said as Martin removes the leaf from the snake's mouth.
"Okay, down you go." Chris placed him down gently.
Once down, Chris quickly lets go of the head.
Then, Martin helps the snake out by pouring some of his water down to the snake's mouth, flushing out any bits of bark and leaf. And was giving him a drink as well.
And they went on their way.
Another day passes, and no luck with finding a Lancehead. Finding snakes is never easy, and they wandered through the forest as the Tortuga was keeping watch.
Then suddenly like a mirage, something appeared close by.
Chris quickly rushed to it, and quickly grabs hold a black scaled back fanged snake called a Mussurana
"Whoa, a Mussurana." Chris said.
"Mussu-what?" Aviva frowned.
"Mussurana." Martin repeated. "A kind of back-fanged snake.
"Yeah, these guys will eat other venomous snakes." Chris said as the snake calms down. "They'll even eat the Lancehead Vipers."
"Really, they can handle the venom?" Aviva said.
"Yeah, but Mussuranas can't handle the venom of Coral Snakes." Chris said.
"Hey, if he's looking for prey like the Lancehead." Chris said.
"Then maybe, we're getting closer to finding one." Martin said.
Soon, Chris sets the Mussurana down and he slithers away. And back on the hunt, and maybe on the Lancehead like them.
And maybe...
Their goal is in sight.
The next day, Chris, Martin, Amber, Tyrana, Skylie, Bumpo, Hornster and Grubby were out looking by a stream for the Lancehead.
While Aviva was back in the Tortuga with Jimmy and Koki.
As they hiked, they suddenly got some luck as some sounds were heard.
"You hear that?" Chris asked, listening.
The sounds continued and sounded like they were coming from above them.
"Yeah." Martin said. "A monkey alarm call."
"They must see a predator close by." Chris said. "Could be anything like a Jaguar or a snake."
"Or maybe... what we're looking for." Martin said.
Chris then brought his Creaturepod out. "Guys, I think we're on to something."
They then followed the chattering monkey sounds, and over them were a group of White fronted Capuchins. And they have specific calls of any dangers. They are likely to see something on the ground ahead of them.
And somewhere ahead, a glimpse of scales slightly stirs.
And Chris, Martin and the 6 young dinosaur siblings went up the stream following the monkeys thinking they're getting closer.
Whatever it is.
And then, Chris and Martin rushed over to the side of a small ledge of the creek. And Chris got his snake tongs out and reaches out, and then pulls out a large viper.
"Look at the size of this guy, this is it!" Chris beamed.
At last, they have finally found the Lancehead Viper.
And it was a monster, at least nearly 6 feet long.
"Guys, we found a Lancehead!" Martin called to the others. "Get over here!"
Chris soon gently placed the Lancehead on the ground, and then curls into the strike position. And she was rattling the tail clearly upset.
And soon, Aviva, Koki and Jimmy appeared on their Buzzbikes.
"Whoa!" Aviva said in awe.
"That's huge!" Koki exclaimed amazement.
"Uh... I think I'll stay on the Buzzbike." Jimmy said nervously.
But Aviva and Koki just annoyedly grabbed him by his shirt and pulled him off the Buzzbike.
"Okay, I didn't actually plan this but I would like a look at those fangs." Chris said.
"Yeah, Martin." Chris turned to him. "There's a floss in my pack. Can you get it?"
"Sure." Martin said and went over to his backpack.
And soon he brought out a floss with some plastic covering it and secured by rubber bands. And the floss is wide and big enough for the snake's upper jaw to fit through with the fangs.
The trick is now getting a hold of the snake's head.
Every move Chris makes, the Lancehead eyes his every move, making sure he doesn't try anything stupid, which, of course, little does she even know, he isn't.
And then finally, Chris has managed to get the tongs over the snake's head. And carefully holds it, and soon reaches his hand over and holds her behind the head.
Once he has a good hold, the snake now looks cross and ready to bite anything at this point, but, fortunately for him, is unable to.
"Okay, let's make this quick." Chris said. "The floss."
Martin quickly hands him the floss, and everyone remained quiet as Chris carefully holds the floss in front of the Lancehead.
"Okay." Chris slowly inching them forward. "Oh boy, this is nerve-wrecking. I'm nervous. I don't-"
Then suddenly, the Lancehead lashed out and bites through the floss cover and injects venom. And the reaction nearly made Chris lose his grip on her.
"Oh, my goodness!" Aviva said, completely shocked by that.
"Holy mackerel!" Chris exclaimed in fright. "Jeez!"
Now scared, Skylie, Bumpo, Hornster and Grubby hid behind Amber and Tyrana for protection.
Chris and Martin are used to working with venomous snakes, but this is something else completely different.
"Look at the amount of venom in there." Martin said, gesturing to the floss.
"It's almost like a bliming orange drink." Chris said. "Look at the color."
"That snake is sure mad." Aviva said. "I think the stab alone could kill you."
And then carefully, Chris slowly pulls the Lancehead off the floss. And interestingly, she has a 2nd fang behind the one on the right.
"Hey, she has 2 fangs on the right." Jimmy said.
Chris tilts the snake and sees them. "That must be a new fang waiting to replace the old one."
"Yeah, like sharks, snakes shed their fangs." Martin said.
"I can't believe how sharp they are." Aviva said.
"Yeah, nature's version of a hypodermic needle." Chris said. "Just ready to fold out and strike."
"Are those flesh membranes covering them?" Koki asked.
"Those are the fang sheaths." Chris explained. "They cover the fangs and protect them when folded at the roof of the mouth. Something all vipers have."
"The thing that scares me more is the venom in that cup." Jimmy said, pointing to the floss.
They all turned to the floss, and the amount of venom in it is probably enough to kill Chris, Martin, Aviva, Koki and Jimmy times 5 probably.
But Chris is going to have to let the snake go, because sooner or later she's going to jerk.
"Okay, I better let her go before something happens." Chris said. "Back up, guys. She might try to come at you."
And then Martin, Aviva, Koki and Jimmy quickly head to the Buzzbikes and take Amber, Tyrana, Skylie, Bumpo, Hornster and Grubby with them.
And then Chris carefully positions himself ready to release her and holds her tail.
"Okay... on 3." Chris said. "1... 2... 3!"
He then quickly lets go of the snake's head as backs away. And luckily, she stayed put with a low hiss.
Not for a long time, they've never been this nervous with a snake. This was the 2nd biggest viper they've seen since the Bushmaster. And they know that; one false move, and any of them could get bit.
Amber and Tyrana head to the sidelines and kick in their protective and offensive instincts, preparing to attack her, in case she even thinks about getting an idea.
But at the moment, she was actually well-behaving. And they couldn't help but get a few photos of her.
"Okay, I think we'd rattled her enough." Chris said.
"Yeah, I think she earns her freedom." Martin said.
And soon, the Lancehead turns and slithers away from them. And leaving the group of 5 completely amazed and shocked by one of the greatest encounters they'll remember.
Since the start of this adventure, they've had amazing encounters.
The amazing Cribo, the stunning Yellow-bellied Sea Snake, the beautiful Eyelash Viper, that powerful Jumping Viper with its bulldog bite. The Mussurana, like them out hunting venomous snakes. But none match up to their final encounter, the powerful and incredibly dangerous giant Lancehead Viper.
Soon, they returned to their home base.
And then the Tortuga takes to the air, and then flies off.
Author's Note:
And now, just one more snake left to go.