According to an expert, Dr. Stephen R. Hill, “The only truly native mammals on Dominica are the bats. The Caribs brought the agoutis and opossums to the island from their home in South America as food, before Columbus. The mice and rats came in on their own on ships. The reptiles are probably native.” There are many native crabs and snails. Also, lizards scurry about, and small ones enter homes, staying well out of the way and helpfully clear insects away. No snake on the island is venomous.