The family Viperidae includes the snakes of greatest medical importance in Venezuela, including fer-de-lance snakes, rattlesnakes, and bushmasters. They possess solenoglyphous dentition and complex venoms with primarily hemotoxic, histotoxic, neurotoxic, myotoxic, and in some cases neurovegetative effects.

They are generally robust snakes, mostly terrestrial in habit, with hunting strategies based on ambush. Despite their reputation, they are not aggressive and usually bite only when threatened or handled.

Viperidae plays a fundamental ecological role as a regulator of medium-sized vertebrate populations, especially rodents. A proper understanding of their behavior, together with community and medical education, is essential to reduce accidents, improve clinical management, and promote responsible coexistence.