The Dallas Zoo has welcomed a group of eyelash pit viper hatchlings for the first time in a decade.
On November 6, the Dallas Zoo welcomed six pit viper hatchlings, the first time the snake species has been born at the complex since 2014. The striking snake, found in the reptile room, is known for its modified scales that resemble eyelashes. While this batch boasts a striking yellow color, the species can also be red, brown, green, and even pink.
“Our reptile team just welcomed SIX eyelash pit viper hatchings for the first time since 2014! These tiny hatchlings may be small now, but they can grow up to about 2 feet in length,” read a November 6 post from the Dallas Zoo on X.
Eyelash vipers are found in Southern Mexico, Central America, and into northern Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador. The snakes enjoy a damp forest habitat at mid to low elevations and usually reside close to a water source. They typically move between the ground and canopy, feeding on small mammals like bats, mouse opossums, birds, lizards, and frogs.
While the snakes are far from the largest variety of serpents, they can still be dangerous. Eyelash pit vipers have large, hypodermic needle-like fangs that can unfold from their upper jaw. Their venom has neurotoxic and haemostatic properties, meaning a bite can cause damage to your nervous system and promote blood clotting.
If serpents are not your thing, the Dallas Zoo has plenty of other attractions.
In February, The Dallas Express reported that the facility welcomed four baby monkeys, including “adorable” emperor tamarin twins, a black and white colobus monkey, and a Bolivian gray titi monkey, which, at the time, was the first one born at the zoo in more than ten years.
“We have more baby news to share! Meet our Bolivian gray titi monkey baby – the first titi monkey born at the zoo since 2012. … When the little one isn’t nursing, you can spot them cozying up with dad Biscuit,” the Dallas Zoo posted on Facebook earlier this year.