[Aztlan] MA: Snakes and Cancun

[Hube Smith]

    This site http://www.yucatanwildlife.com/species/reptiles.htm lists an astounding 

    43 snakes native to Yucatan! A few are named as "vipers" and there are many

    other venomous ones. It makes me ponder the "Cancun" issue. Would the place

    have gotten its name because a certain "viper" was common there? How does that

    compute with dozens of other dangerous species also being common? Which of

    the "vipers" might it have been? My Cordemex has the true "viper" as an

    ahaw kan and not as a kan as is listed for plain, old generic "snake." 


    Ahaw is used to designate "royalty" in Maya and so this snake (usually the 

    cascabel or "jingle bell"--read "rattler" snake) may be the head honcho

    for venom? Vipers are said to be especially destructive in delivery and

    consequences. 


    I am rambling here, but I don't think the "Nest of Vipers" appellation can

    be credited wholeheartedly--too much interesting uncertainty. 









    Hubert Smith
    155 Offord Circle
    Jacksonville, OR 97530
    899-4422

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