CU Student Finds Venomous Viper in Suitcase After Costa Rica Trip

The juvenile snake is now in quarantine at the Denver Zoo as officials evaluate next steps.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 7:36pm

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A University of Colorado student unexpectedly discovered a live venomous slender hognosed pit viper from Costa Rica curled up inside her suitcase when she returned home from a trip. The snake was safely removed and is now under the care of the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, where it has been placed in quarantine while veterinarians and curators determine the best long-term plan for the reptile.

Why it matters

Incidents of stowaway snakes in luggage, while rare, highlight the importance of being cautious around unfamiliar wildlife and following proper protocols for transporting live animals. This case also sheds light on the challenges of the illegal wildlife trade, as reptiles sometimes end up in shipments or bags due to those illicit activities.

The details

When the CU student began unpacking her suitcase after returning from Costa Rica, she was shocked to find a live slender hognosed pit viper curled up inside. Local pest control workers were called and quickly identified the venomous snake as non-native to Colorado. Experts from a Boulder reptile shop then helped connect the Denver Zoo, which has experience caring for this species and has now taken the juvenile viper into quarantine while evaluating options for its long-term placement, which could include returning it to its native range, transferring it to a research or education facility, or finding it a permanent home at the zoo.

  • The incident occurred when the CU student began unpacking her suitcase after returning from a trip to Costa Rica.
  • The Denver Zoo has placed the juvenile viper in a six-month quarantine while determining next steps.

The players

University of Colorado student

A student at the University of Colorado who discovered the venomous snake in her suitcase after a trip to Costa Rica.

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance

The organization that has taken custody of the venomous slender hognosed pit viper and placed it in quarantine while evaluating options for its long-term placement.

Slender hognosed pit viper

A venomous pit viper species native to parts of Central America, including Costa Rica, that was found stowed away in the CU student's suitcase.

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What they’re saying

“We're often in the position to be a rescue agency.”

— Jake Kubié

What’s next

The Denver Zoo is expected to share updates on the viper's status and long-term placement once a decision is made.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder to be cautious around unfamiliar wildlife and to follow proper protocols when transporting live animals, as stowaway reptiles can pose risks. It also highlights the challenges of combating the illegal wildlife trade, which can lead to unexpected animal encounters.