The forests surrounding CPBS support a variety of snake species. Our weekly surveys allow us to examine the species composition in the area adding to our long-term database. Three transects have been set up around the Tortuguero area, one of which is surveyed each week. Surveys are performed at night as snakes are primarily nocturnal and our survey methods, using flashlights to catch reflections in snakes eyes, are more successful after dark. When surveyors find a snake, they are captured and brought back to the station to allow us to collect data on them in a safe environment for both the snakes and the handlers. The location of the snake is recorded and, following processing, the snake is returned to this exact location. The data collected on snakes includes species, age, sex, and body measurements. 

In 2014, this project was expanded to allow PIT tagging of snakes. PIT tags (Passive Integrated Transponders) are small tracking devices (about the size of a grain of rice) that are inserted under the skin of an animal and allow researchers to assign them an individualized serial number. PIT tags are commonly used in wildlife research and do not harm the individuals. By using PIT tags, researchers can track animals in a minimally invasive way for their entire lives. The ability to track and recognize individuals over space and time adds an important aspect to wildlife research and conservation that would not be possible without these devices.