poisonous creatures in the DR

[gougeonit]

I was trying to find out if there are any poisonous creatures (other than sankies ) that I have to keep a look out for in my travels. tks gouge

[Rocky]

It would be highly unusual to run into any at all, but if you were to, #1 on the list would be centipede, which is said to be poisoinous enough to kill a baby, 2nd would be Tarantulas,
Both are extremely rare.

[Chris]

Our understanding is that the tarantulas (cacatas) are not poisonous, but because of their size, they can actually bite a chunck out of a finger or something...

Nothing else is poisonous as far as I'm aware, excepting the centipede that Rocky talks about. Shake out your shoes before you put them on in the morning.

Mosquito protection is probably a good idea.

[Heather]

I lived in the DR for 7 years and only had 1 (benign) encounter with a centipede. Taratula sightings were far more common, but they are so harmless I got used to their presence. As long as you give them their space, they have no interest in messing with you.

Snakes and spiders are unfortunately demonized and killed for no reason in the DR. A Dominican acquaintance had a Spanish Boa (harmless to humans) crawl in the window and curl up next to him on the bed for warmth on a winter night. You can guess the price the snake paid for that.

The sankies are far more treacherous!

[gary short]

Originally Posted by gougeonit

I was trying to find out if there are any poisonous creatures (other than sankies ) that I have to keep a look out for in my travels. tks gouge

Centipedes, scorpions, black widow spiders, fire ants, stinging jellyfish, rays, sea urchins, coneshells, tarantulas and some tree snakes.

[MommC]

In over 15 yrs of coming here....other than sankies, the only thing we've run across are tarantulas (rare) and sea urchins (depending on where you are) so I really don't think you have anything to worry about other than mosquitos which can carry either dengue or malaria.
In said time I've only met three ppl who've had dengue (I'm on of the three) and all of us seem to have got in from a mosquito bite in Santo domingo. I've never met anyone who's caught malaria from a mosquito bite here.
So bring some bug spray and have a great time!!

[canadian bob]

Tarantulas are extremely common in some areas. I have personally seen hundreds in the cane fields. While their bite is toxic, it is not dangerous to an adult. What is hazardous is the invisible cloud of poisonous body hairs that they release by scratching their lower back. These "urticating" hairs blind attacking birds, which fall to the ground and are then bitten and killed by the tarantulas. For this reason avoid close contact. Centipedes are virulent Their sting is extremely painful, but you will rarely see them unless you are digging in your garden. Snakes are uncommon and not poisonous. Mosquitos and biting midges are common but can be combatted by using insect repellent containing "deet". Their itchy bites are best fixed with a weak solution of ammonia, or by meat tenderizer. While SCUBA diving or snorkelling avoid touching anything. Sea urchin spines are poisonous and difficult to remove. Only dive with an experiensed divemaster. You will probably never encounter any of the things I ha ve described, so have a great holiday!!! Canadian Bob.

[chuckuindy]

If you are wearing a nice watch and are leaving the ATM machine the motoconchos could pose a danger. Although my wounds have healed totally my ribs and the dam headaches still bother me.

Chuckuindy

[gary short]

Blunt headed green tree snake is venomous I believe. If it isn't I apologize in advance for the misinformation. Chuckuindy, you got rolled, where?

[MariposaAzul]

[QUOTE=Chris]Our understanding is that the tarantulas (cacatas) are not poisonous, but because of their size, they can actually bite a chunck out of a finger or something...

[FONT="Arial"]AYE yuck!

I saw one the other day that had red on it's abdomen and it was HUGE!

Don't forget the wolf spiders and other 8-legged friends!!!FONT]