Flora and Fauna: Cooper Island has a variety of Flora and Fauna.  We have an indigenous goat population that will eat anything and everything.  This causes severe erosion problems on the property, thus we ask that guests tightly close access gates when entering or leaving.  You may see the feral cats, who will come over and may even eat from your hands, but these are wild animals, not pets.  Small lizards and geckos may be seen both outside and inside the house.  Though they may sometimes startle, they are completely harmless. You will probably hear the hermit crabs scrambling around behind the house or see them at the outdoor shower.  They scavenge anything left around.  You will notice the large cactus plants with green, pencil-like branches around the property.  When broken off, these ooze a white, milky liquid.  This is a skin irritant and really stings if you get it in your eyes.  Please be careful to avoid these, and if you should get some on you, rinse immediately with water.  Finally, please note that as we're on a desert island, we do occasionally see small scorpions.  We've been told that "they are not poisonous (unless you are allergic)" and we've heard that "their sting is no worse than a honey bee".  You have to hunt for scorpions as a rule, usually under rocks and other dark, quiet places, but watch for them just in case and avoid them if you see them. See http://www.guana.com/natural-history/ for additional information about BVI flora and fauna.