Aquiles Sánchez, a resident of the El Caimito community in the La Mesa district of Veraguas province, relives every day the moment that marked his life forever: the bite of a highly venomous and little-known snake that cost him his right leg.
"That same species that bit me could attack others," he warned.
Sánchez pointed out that in the La Mesa district, especially along the banks of streams and rivers, it is common to find venomous snakes, so residents must take extreme care.
The attack occurred several years ago, but its physical and emotional effects persist in his memory.
Sánchez recounted that the incident happened while he was doing agricultural work, without imagining that a reptile capable of causing such severe damage was hidden in the undergrowth.
The bite caused a rapid and aggressive poisoning that forced doctors to amputate his leg to save his life.
"It was an experience I will never forget."
He indicated that in different communities, there have been cases of people who have been attacked, and although some have been saved "by a miracle," others have lost their lives for not receiving timely medical attention.
Aquiles Sánchez's testimony adds to the call from residents and local authorities to reinforce preventive education about venomous fauna and to ensure timely medical care in rural areas where these incidents still pose a latent risk.
Despite the difficulties, he affirms that he has not lost his good humor or his desire to continue working in the field, although he acknowledges that since then, caution has become an essential part of his daily routine.
"This snake almost killed me," he expressed.
"I keep planting, I keep working, but always attentive."