A University of Colorado Boulder student discovered a tiny venomous slender hognose pit viper tucked inside her carry-on after returning from Costa Rica. Pest control removed the snake, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife coordinated with the Denver Zoo to take custody. The zoo says the snake appears to be a newborn weighing just under one ounce and will be quarantined for six months. Officials warned that accidentally transporting nonnative species can pose health and ecological risks.
Tiny Venomous Pit Viper Hitchhikes Home From Costa Rica — Found in Student's Carry-On
Photo Credit: Samara Kahan
A University of Colorado Boulder student got an unexpected — and dangerous — souvenir after a spring-break trip to Costa Rica: a tiny venomous snake hidden inside her carry-on suitcase.
Samara Kahan, a sophomore, returned from the trip on March 19 and did not fully unpack for several days. While unpacking at her sorority house she noticed something coiled in her bag and shouted, "There's a snake in my bag! There's a snake in my bag!"
The reptile was identified by local media and wildlife responders as a slender hognose pit viper, a venomous species native to Costa Rica and other parts of Central America. Because Kahan had left the bag unopened for days, the snake may have been inside the luggage for at least six days.
Quick Response Prevented Worse Outcomes
Kahan and her friends first thought the snake was dead, but it moved and lunged when someone approached. They quickly searched online for animal control contacts and called for help. Bryce Bauman of Best Pest and Wildlife Control removed the snake and noted it was not native to Colorado.
"We see a lot of crazy stuff in the wildlife industry, but in my six or seven years of doing this, I have never had to deal with a venomous snake from another country," Bauman told the Daily Camera.
After its removal, Ronald Bohnert Jr. of Scales 'N Tails exotic pet shop kept the animal warm and hydrated overnight while officials determined next steps. Colorado Parks and Wildlife coordinated with the Denver Zoo, which accepted custody of the snake.
Denver Zoo spokesperson Jake Kubié said the snake appears to be a newborn weighing just under one ounce and will remain in quarantine for six months as a precaution.
Risks and Reminders
Authorities stressed that transporting nonnative animals accidentally can threaten local ecosystems, spread disease and pose new safety risks for people and pets. Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokeswoman Kara Van Hoose praised the students for not releasing the animal and for getting the animal into proper care.
Takeaway: Always inspect luggage carefully after travel. A hidden animal can lead to serious injury and ecological harm.
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