4-foot predator killed by hiker turns out to be first-of-its kind sighting in Bolivia

In a dense forest of northern Bolivia lived a “cryptic” predator. The 4-foot-long creature had gone largely unnoticed due to its remote home and camouflage. Scientists ventured into the lowlands of La Paz in 2015 to survey wildlife, according to a study published July 10 in the peer-reviewed journal Herpetozoa. They were searching for several hard-to-find reptiles known as vine snakes and sharpnose snakes. During the hike, a wildlife guide “accidentally severed” a 4-foot-long snake while clearing a trail near the camp, the study said. Researchers took a closer look...