Bocas del Toro is teeming with wildlife, from monkeys to sloths, and even venomous snakes. Chickens prove invaluable for deterring snakes while providing fresh eggs. Insects, including the elusive sand flies, are part of daily life—manageable with repellents and natural remedies. Embracing this biodiversity requires vigilance, adaptability, and an appreciation for nature’s wonders.
Wildlife is abundant here, with various species including different monkeys depending on the island or the mainland, caimans, iguanas, sloths, snakes (seven of which are dangerous), felines on the mainland, numerous birds, and much more.
Snakes
Another practical point regarding dangerous snakes, there’s a tip that works really well: it’s chickens. They scratch the ground all day in search of seeds and insects, disturbing reptiles and likely deterring young snakes. Since we introduced chickens to our property, we’ve significantly reduce the presence of venomous snakes. While vigilance is essential—especially in the evening when snakes are most active—having five to eight chickens can greatly reduce risks if snakes are present. Plus, you’ll enjoy fresh eggs!
Insects
Lastly, let me briefly mention insects, which are numerous, and I’m still discovering new ones after 16 years—some with surprising shapes and colors. Generally, we have few mosquitoes, depending on the season, and they aren’t very aggressive. However, we do have what we call “chitras,” known in other tropical regions as sand flies. These tiny insects (1 to 3 mm) are almost invisible but can be quite bothersome, especially in mangroves. Their presence can vary with the season, moon phases, winds, and specific locations, making it difficult to predict when they will be active.
Everyone has their own methods for protection based on their sensitivity to bites. Some people are hardly bothered by them, while others are more affected. In this age of equality, we aren’t all treated the same by nature! Common remedies include DEET, coconut oil, lemon, eucalyptus oil, vinegar, chemical repellents, electric plugs, traps, and many other methods.
