Within the beautiful forests of Chiapas a myriad of animal species are sure to excite visitors. The following are a few of the lesser known varieties that you may come across during your travels throughout this stuning part of Mexicod.

Eyelash Pit Viper (photo by Trisha M Shears courtesy of Wikimedia)

The Eyelash Pit Viper may sound like a funny name, but this highly venomous snake is hardly a species to take lightly. A few scales stick up above its eye resembling eye lashes, but you would be hard pressed to find one in the light of day. The nocturnal viper is usually about 2 feet long and one of the smallest but most poisonous snakes in Mexico. This bright, beautiful snake sports seriously long fangs, however, the snake rarely strikes humans unless molested or stepped on.

Violaceous Trogon (photo by Dominic Sherony courtesy of Wikimedia)

The Violaceous Trogon lives in vacant insect nests or holes in trees. The bright colors and tail, though much smaller, make legitimate resemblance to the Quetzal. Both are members of the Trogonidae family. This smaller bird can often be found high in the tree canopies, in clearings and along the several rivers and other waterways in Chiapas.

Tayra (photo courtesy of Wikimedia)

The Tayra is a member of the weasel family and locals call it Cabeza de Viejo (Old Man’s Head). The lighter colored head, which usually is blond or light brown, looks out of place on the darker body. The head also resembles more of a dog than weasel and seems absurd on the slick Mink-like body. The Tayra is highly adaptable and can often be seen in village gardens and in local trees and brush.

Striped Basilisk, also-known-as, Jesus Christ Lizard (photo by Banana Patrol courtesy of Wikimedia)

The Striped Basilisk earned its nickname, the Jesus Christ Lizard, through its ability to run across water on its hind legs. An impressive feat and a marvelous find when tourist are able to see this incredible reptile in motion. A cousin to the Iguana, the Basilisk grows to just under three feet and can be found along rivers, streams and other bodies of water around Chiapas.

A trip throughout Chiapas is sure to bring about a meeting with any number of fantastic creatures. These are a mere handful of the many creatures you can find in the fantastic forests and waterways of Chiapas.