Working Together to Save Special Animals

Rattlesnake Hit on the Head Makes Full Recovery

This neotropical rattlesnake (Crotolus simus) was captured for relocation by the Nosara Bomberos. Unfortunately, a gardener had hit her on the head before the Bomberos arrived so she was rushed to the Refuge wildlife clinic. She was thoroughly examined by Dr. Francisco Sánchez and Catalina Aguilar Badilla from the Refuge veterinary team and was found to have severe head trauma, including a fractured skull. Snake expert,  Chief Ryan Keer-Bombard of the Nosara Bomberos provided her with a stress-free place to rest while she recovered and received medical treatment.  Thanks to the joint efforts of the 

Bomberos de Nosara and Refuge for Wildlife, the rattlesnake has now been released and is now safe in her forest home, far from humans that may harm her.

Snakes play an essential role in a  healthy ecosystem. Please, if you encounter a snake, do not harm it! Keep calm, keep your distance, and call the Bomberos for help 8709 0614. If you want the snake removed, they will come and relocate it for you.

Rarely Seen Wild Cat Gets Stuck in Fence 

In October 2019 our emergency rescue team received a call from a local resident reporting a jaguarundi (Herpailurus yaguarondi) that was stuck in a fence in Playa Guiones. The jaguarundi had been traveling between habitats when it was scared by barking dogs and ran headfirst into the chainlink,  getting his head stuck. The Bomberos de Nosara assisted the Refuge for Wildlife emergency team with the difficult rescue which required the fence to be cut.

Unfortunately, the jaguarundi suffered a severe injury; he was not able to properly move his hind limbs. At the Refuge wildlife clinic, we did several tests, including an x-ray and blood work that showed no clear reason for the movement impairment. More tests and specialist longer-term care was required for neurological symptoms.

The Refuge quickly contacted Centro Rescate Las Pumas, a rescue center that specializes in wild cats, where he has received comprehensive care from the best experts in the field. The jaguarundi has been improving a lot and when he has finished physiotherapy at Las Pumas he will be released. Thanks to the joint efforts of several non-profit groups, these interesting and unique creatures are being saved.