Mexico is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North America. Mexico has a wide array of fauna and flora and during your visit, you will see them firsthand. The coastlines from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico provide you with the right relaxation spots and you should take your time to explore the country fully. Since Mexico is a huge country, there is a high chance that you will encounter a vast array of animals. Some of the animals that you are likely to encounter may be harmless, while others are very dangerous animals and you should stay far away from them. Moving from the lush jungles in Yucatan to the wave-lashing pacific coast, the dusty canyons in Sonora desert, and the isle of Roo Caribbean. Mexico provides you with the right environment where you can watch all creatures that you wanted to see.
The pristine white sandy beaches coupled with so much history, diversity, warmth, and friendliness of the local people have made the country a top destination to visit during your vacation. Some of the most popular locations in Mexico include Puerto Vallarta, Tulum, Cabo, and Cancun. Mexican tourist destinations have gained traction in the recent past because they are featured in movies, series, and documentaries among others. Besides, when you visit them you are sure of getting the best holiday experience. Mexico is a large country bordering the United States to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Gulf of Mexico to the east, the Caribbean Sea, Belize, and Guatemala to the southeast. The country covers a wide array of climatic locations and it is imperative to note that this contributes to one of the best diverse locations that you can visit on the planet.
The diversity of Mexico presents us with a new challenge as well because you are likely to encounter very dangerous animals in Mexico. Whether you are lounging on the exceptional beaches or you have decided to interact with the mainland, you should be aware of your environment so that you enjoy your vacation. Some of the dangerous creatures that you are going to encounter in Mexico include the following.
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Box jellyfish
The box jellyfish swimming in the Gulf of Mexico is one of the most dangerous creatures that you are going to find in Mexico. These jellyfish are characterized by their bluish to purple color and they usually have tentacles. They are also present in the Pacific Ocean. The sting from the jellyfish is very dangerous and it is venomous to people. Some of the symptoms that you are going to experience from the bite include hallucinations, swelling, breathing difficulties, nausea, and vomiting among others. You must seek immediate medical attention if you are stung by the box jellyfish.
Further reading:
Mexican beaded lizard
The Mexican beaded lizard is one of the creatures that you are going to find in the Mexican desert. You must choose a perfect destination because when you do, you will see all kinds of animals. The Mexican beaded lizard is of the two popular venomous lizards that you are going to find in Mexico. These lizards usually grow from 22 to 36 inches long and ad they have a hard outward appearance that is covered with scales these scales usually look like beads, which run from the head to the tail. Some of the other characteristics of these lizards are that they have yellow bands, black on the lower belly, and their iconic forked tongue. It is important to note that this lizard is very venomous and the tooth is filled with venom, which is stored under the jaw.
The beaded lizard rarely attacks people; however, if you disturb it then it is going to release the venom on you. A bite from these lizards is enough to cause respiratory failure. The venom works by disrupting the neurons of the respiratory system and this causes the muscles to fail. When this happens then the victim will die of asphyxiation because they cannot breathe anymore. Some of the symptoms that you are going to experience include sweating, lowered blood pressure, weakness, swelling, and difficulty breathing as indicated. If you are attacked by this lizard then you should seek immediate medical attention.
Fer-de-lance snake
This is a popular snake in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. The Fer de Lance snake is known to be highly toxic and the venom from this snake causes organ failure and even permanent damage to parts of the body. This is a highly venomous pit viper and it is found in most parts of southern Mexico. The snake usually thrives in lowland regions, they like to live even in residential areas, and according to data, it is one of the main snakes that contributes to deaths in Mexico.
The Fer de Lance snake is one of the most aggressive creatures on the planet and you are likely to encounter them during your trip. They usually deliver about 150 milligrams of venom to your system when it bites and it is known to cause necrosis in the body. Some of the symptoms that you are likely to experience include numbness, nausea, excruciating pain, vomiting, and flesh degrading among other severe side effects. You must seek immediate medical attention when bitten by the snake. If the bite is not attended to immediately then it could lead to death.
Further reading: Dangerous animals in Puerto Vallarta
Botflies
The botflies are another dangerous creature that you are going to encounter in Mexico and you must avoid the areas that these creatures usually inhabit. You will find them in the wet areas and they are also carriers of very dangerous diseases. These botflies may be referred to as gadflies or warble flies in some areas. They usually use their victim as a host to carry their eggs and it injects the larvae into the flesh. When this happens, the eggs develop and hatch into maggots under your skin hence causing infections and very dangerous diseases. You must always carry an insect repellant so that you avoid bites from these insects.
It has now been observed that these flies are inserting the eggs via proxy and they use mosquitoes and ticks. When they incubate on the body flesh, they burrow and create lumps in the affected areas. They can cause defects in organs and in some cases, they can result in very bad infections. If you are showing any signs of myiasis after visiting Mexico, then you should visit a doctor immediately.
Coral snake
The coral snakes are some of the most dangerous snakes that you are going to find in Mexico, these snakes are the second most venomous in the world. They are less confrontational but when they bite you, then you are likely to suffer the consequences. Their lack of an effective venom delivery system is what makes them less poisonous. They usually grow up to 20 inches long and they have non-retractable fangs, unlike others. The teeth of these snakes are weaker because of the ever-erect fangs. These snakes will usually attack only when you try to pick them up. Their mode of venom delivery is via chewing and this is very dangerous so you should avoid the creatures at all costs.
They are characterized by their bright colors and you should avoid them during your trip to Mexico. When they bite, they deliver the venom, which confuses the central nervous system, causes difficulty breathing, lowered blood pressure, and in some cases could even cause death. It is therefore important that when you are attacked by this snake that you seek immediate medical attention.
Mexican green rattler
The Mexican green rattler is one of the most dangerous snakes that is found only in Mexico and it has a venom that is very dangerous as it affects the central nervous system, the cardiac system, and even the respiratory system. These snakes are known to grow up to 5 feet and some of them even move to 6 feet. They usually employ a very clinical camouflage and you will not realize that they are thriving in the area that you are visiting by just looking. You are likely to miss them because they usually hide well in the areas that they inhabit. It is therefore important that you are very vigilant during your trip to the region.
They usually like to inhabit the areas of the Rivera Nayarit and Sinaloa region. In as much as they are not aggressive that they will attack humans, you must stay away from them because when they feel rattled then they are going to attack you. They usually have a clear olive green color and you can tell them apart from the rest of the snakes. They also have a diamond dorsal pattern while their young ones are characterized by red color. Some of the side effects of the bites include swelling, blistering, and difficulty breathing necrosis among others. You must seek immediate medical attention when bitten by this snake.
Black widow spider
The black widow spider is one of the most dangerous creatures that you are going to encounter during your trip to Mexico. These spiders are usually common in Mexico and other parts of South America. While their venom might cause any fatality, it is imperative to note that these creatures are very dangerous and the venom causes severe pain, muscle spasms, reduced blood pressure, and difficulty breathing and people who are highly allergic they might die from the venom.
These spiders usually hide in dark places and they come out at night. You must avoid their bites because they are highly venomous. During your outdoor tours, you should watch out for these creatures because when they are startled they appear and they can attack you within seconds. You must seek immediate medical attention if you are bitten by this spider.
Kissing bug
The kissing bug is one of the most popular creatures that you are going to encounter in Mexico. These bugs received the name kissing bug because they like to bite the victims on the face and around the mouth area. They are classified as triatomines and they look like mosquitos however, these are very nasty parasitic organisms that you are going to encounter on your trip to Mexico. The kissing bugs are usually carriers and they have parasites and pathogens that are known to cause Chagas disease. Chagas disease is very dangerous because the consequences of the ailment are irreversible and it causes severe damage to the digestive, nervous and cardiac systems.
The bugs are usually one-inch-long, they are characterized by an oval body, and a cone-shaped head. They are usually brown with orange or yellow markings. The bugs usually thrive at night and you are going to find them wandering at night. The bite happens when you are not aware and in as much as not every bite from the kissing bug will result in Chagas, it is enough to cause damage to your system. According to data, bugs cause 12000 deaths annually across the globe. You must seek medical attention if you are bitten by the bugs.
Gila monster lizard
The Gila monster lizard is another creature that is very dangerous and you should avoid it. The lizard is close relative to the beaded monster and it is among the most venomous species that are found in the Mexican desert. These creatures usually grow up to 2 feet long and they are stocky with heavy claws and wide-body structure. They are usually found in the arid and semi-arid locations of Mexico hence their venom is very concentrated and when they inject you with the venom, there is a high chance of death.
Since people have been hunting them, they have become very aggressive and you should make a point of avoiding them as much as possible. These lizards usually have the same method of delivering their venom and this is by chewing and in as much as their attack is less likely. You must avoid the areas that are inhabited by these creatures and if you are attacked then you should seek immediate medical attention.
In conclusion, Mexico is a tranquil location that you should include in your holiday destinations. You must ensure that you avoid the areas that are inhabited by dangerous animals. Your safety should come first during your visit to the country.
