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Venomous and nonvenomous of

Photographs by kevin enge Top to bottom: ; Eastern ; Eastern ; Eastern

Florida is home to more snakes than any other state in the Southeast – 44 native and three nonnative species. Since only six species are venomous, and two of those reside only in the northern part of the state, any snake you encounter will most likely be nonvenomous.

Florida and Conservation Commission MyFWC.com Florida has an abundance of wildlife, Snakes flick their forked tongues to “taste” their surroundings. The tongue of this yellow snake including a wide variety of . takes particles from the air into the Jacobson’s This state has more snakes than organs in the roof of its mouth for identification. any other state in the Southeast – 44 native species and three nonnative species. They are found in every Fhabitat from coastal mangroves and salt marshes to freshwater and dry uplands. Some species even thrive in residential areas. Anyone in Florida might see a snake wherever they live or travel. Many people are frightened of or repulsed by snakes because of super- stition or folklore. In reality, snakes play an interesting and vital role K in Florida’s complex ecology. Many K L. enneth species help reduce the populations of and other pests. Since only six of Florida’s resident rysko snake species are venomous and two of them reside only in the northern and reflective and are frequently iri- part of the state, any snake you en- descent. have a central counter is most likely nonvenomous. ridge and are rougher and duller than However, like any wild creature, if smooth scales. you come across a snake, it is best to Snakes don’t get more scales as admire it from a distance and not try they grow; the scales just get larger. to touch or capture it. Several times a , snakes shed the What is a snake? outside layer of skin as they grow. Snakes do not have eyelids that Snakes are reptiles, and like some move, so they can’t blink or close other reptiles such as , their . Their eyes are covered by and , they are covered a single transparent called a with hard, dry scales. The scales of kevin enge kevin spectacle. When snakes are about to a snake may be smooth and shiny shed their skins, the scale over their or rough and dull, but they are not eyes becomes cloudy or “bluish.” slimy. These scales are not separate The most distinctive visual trait Some snakes, especially rat snakes and corn pieces, like fish scales, but are formed of snakes is their narrow, long body snakes (above), are excellent climbers and can from folds of a single layer of skin. easily scale trees and walls. Stout, heavy-bodied and lack of legs. Some lizards do snakes, such as pit vipers, are poor climbers and Each snake species has a unique not have legs and are mistaken for spend most of their time on the ground or in the scale pattern. . Snakes’ scales are not separate pieces snakes, but glass lizards have eyelids but are formed from folds of a single layer of The scales may be either smooth and ear openings. skin. Healthy snakes tend to shed their skins in or keeled. Smooth scales are shiny one piece as the Eastern Apalachicola Lowlands Snakes have between 200 and kingsnake (below) has done. 400 in their backs, each with a pair of , enabling them to bend and glide easily. Their size and flex- ibility enable them to crawl through tunnels, over the ground, through water and up trees to find prey and hide from predators. All snakes are – they eat other creatures rather than plants. Some prey on , and , whereas the larger species may eat , and rab- bits. Some species prefer to eat other snakes, including ! kevin enge kevin Since snakes do not have feet to capture or hold their , they have needlelike teeth that curve back- are more likely to be active in the middle of the day in winter and more active in the morning and evening during summer. Like and birds, male snakes mate with females by way of . About half of Florida’s snake species lay (oviparous), while the others give to live young (ovoviviparous). Most young snakes emerge by late summer or early fall. The fe- males of some species stay with the eggs until they hatch, and some pit vipers protect their newborns for hours or days. Some snakes change

kevin enge kevin colors and patterns as they mature, so some young snakes look different than adults. The eastern kingsnake eats other snakes, including rattlesnakes (above) and is immune to their . wards so their prey cannot escape. Because they are unable to main- Their flexible head and enable tain their body temperature, snake them to swallow prey whole, including species are active during different wider than their own body. seasons and different times of the Snakes do not have ears or ear day. They may be inactive during cold openings, but they can vibra- winters (brumation) and hot sum- tions through bones in their head. mers (aestivation). Living in Florida’s Some snakes – those that travel moderate temperatures means most kevin enge kevin above ground – have very good vision, snakes are active some part of each while burrowing species may be able month in most areas. Most species to see just shadows. Reptiles, including snakes, are An eastern kingsnake (above) lays eggs. Snakes’ eggs are not hard like birds’ eggs. They are soft and ectotherms, commonly known as cold- leathery. Baby snakes use a special “ ” to slit open the egg. They lose this tooth soon after blooded. They are not able to main- they have hatched. Harmless snakes have many tain their body heat internally like defense mechanisms, including emitting foul- smelling musks, thrashing about and playing dead. mammals and birds but must control Unfortunately, many harmless species imitate their temperature by basking in the venomous species and may vibrate their tails, raise their heads “-style” and open their mouths. sun when it’s cold or resting in the Some have markings that may be confused with shade when it’s hot. This means they venomous species, such as the

kevin enge kevin (left) that has , yellow and black bands but can have lower metabolic rates and need be identified as harmless by its red snout. Rat snakes are found in almost every Florida . much less food than a similarly-sized Yellow rat snakes (below) tend to be orange-tinted . with four dark stripes running down the body.

Many snake species can be considered enge kevin beneficial to . They prey on rodents and other snakes, including pit vipers. Elliptical

Florida’s Nostril Venomous snakes Pit Two large hollow fangs and small hooked Pit vipers teeth

Round pupil

Small hooked teeth Tongues of all and snakes are nonvenomous harmless snakes

Pit vipers are named for their trademark heat- detecting pits between each eye and nostril. They can detect temperature differences as slight as 0.003 degrees C.

shaped markings on their back and an arrowhead-shaped head much wider than the neck. Brittle segments of dead tissue form a rattling mechanism at the end of the tail – the signature rattle. The diamondback occurs throughout Florida and on many coastal islands. Its preferred habitat is palmetto flatlands, pine woods, abandoned fields and brushy or grassy areas, but one may be found anywhere.

kevin enge kevin In its natural habitat, the diamondback is difficult to spot since its color pattern blends into the The eastern diamondback has yellow-bordered, diamond-shaped markings on its back. background. When disturbed, the assumes a defensive posture Two families of venomous snakes snake is striking. The venom of most with its body coiled upon itself and occur in Florida: the pit vipers contains hemotoxic the head and neck raised in an S- (vipers and pit vipers) and the that attack and tissue. position. Its tail is held upright and (cobra ). The reclusive eastern coral the rattles may sound its signature Pit vipers are identified by facial snake is the only species of the cobra warning rattle. When in this stance, pits located between the eye and family found in Florida. Its venom is can deliver lightning-fast Tnostril on either side of the head. primarily neurotoxic, attacking the strikes so rapidly the eye can The pits are heat-sensitive organs nervous system and killing its prey scarcely detect them. that enable the snake to “see” and through paralysis of the and When its mouth is closed, a strike accurately at prey, even in total muscles. rattlesnake’s long fangs lie folded darkness. back against the roof of its mouth. Elliptical eye and a broad Eastern diamondback When the mouth is opened wide V-shaped head are other identifying rattlesnake during a strike, the fangs erect and features of this group. Five pit vipers The eastern diamondback is the pressure exerted on the venom sacs are found in Florida: eastern diamond- largest in North pushes venom through the fangs. back rattlesnake, , America. It also is one of the world’s The rattler does not have to be coiled dusky pigmy rattlesnake, cottonmouth most dangerous snakes because of to strike – it can strike from any and southern copperhead. its large body size, quantity of venom position and in any direction, and at a Pit vipers have long, hollow, erec- and tremendous striking speed. distance of up to 2/3 the length of its tile fangs that are folded back against Diamondbacks have a distinctive body. When encountered, it generally the roof of the mouth except when the pattern of yellow-bordered, diamond- sounds a warning rattle, but not always. Many people tell of stepping near or even on a diamondback without it rattling or striking. If left alone, the rattlesnake almost always avoids or flees a human encounter. Like other snakes, the diamond- back may shed its skin three to five times each year, depending on its rate of growth, which depends on food availability. A newborn rattler doesn’t rattle; its rattle starts as a silent “button.” Each time it sheds, a new segment is added to the base of the rattle, enhancing the rattling sound. Rattle sections may break off as the

snake travels about, and it is unusual enge kevin to find a perfect set (including the terminal button) on an older snake. Since it sheds and adds rattles at an unpredictable rate, counting rattles The timber rattlesnake is found Most small-sized dusky pigmy rattlesnakes have a broken rusty-colored stripe down the back (above), is not a reliable way to determine a across the eastern as but some individuals (below) lack this stripe. The rattlesnake’s age. Although they may far north as . In Florida, “bump” in its body (bottom right) is evidence this little specimen has recently eaten. grow up to 8 feet, it is rare to find a it is found mainly in the northern rattler longer than 5 feet. peninsula as far south as Alachua Rattlesnakes feed on warm- . The southern form of the blooded animals such as , timber rattlesnake is recognized by , , mice, and its grayish-brown or pinkish-buff birds. They help farmers by preying color. It has dark chevron-shaped on crop-destroying rodents. bands across its body, an orange or Like Florida’s other pit vipers, rusty-red stripe down the middle of rattlesnakes are born alive, and new- its back, and a brown or black tail born rattlers are fully equipped with terminating in a rattle. Juveniles fangs and venom. have the same coloration as adults. enge kevin Like other rattlesnakes, the head Timber rattlesnake of the timber rattler is much wider The southern form of the timber rat- than the neck. Florida specimens tlesnake, found in the coastal plains, seldom measure more than 5 feet bottoms or hammocks, the timber is sometimes called a canebrake in length, and they tend to be more rattlesnake also lives in abandoned rattlesnake. They are often lighter in slender in build than the average fields and around farms. During color than those found in the North or diamondback. hot weather, it may seek out low or West and may have a pinkish hue. Usually found in flatwoods, river swampy ground. The timber rattlesnake has a rusty-colored stripe down its back and a dark tail ending in a rattle. Dusky pigmy rattlesnake The pigmy rattlesnake, often called a ground rattler, is found throughout mainland Florida and on many of the coastal islands. Its rattle is small and slender and produces a barely- audible buzzing sound, similar to an , which can only be heard for a distance of a few feet. Stout-bodied for such a small snake, it is gray and marked prominently with rounded dusky spots. Starting at the back of the head, a broken reddish stripe typically alternates with black spots along the midline of the back. kevin enge kevin The tip of a young pigmy’s tail is yellowish-, but otherwise they resemble an adult. opened wide to display the whitish lining of the mouth, hence the name, cottonmouth. The cottonmouth does not have to be coiled to strike; it can deliver a bite from almost any position, in or out of the water. The cottonmouth often is portrayed as aggressive, partly due to its reluctance to flee, but most individuals are more likely to give an open-mouth display than to bite. A water-loving snake, the cottonmouth prefers wooded wetlands including , the forested

kevin enge kevin margins of and marshes and the banks of that flow through woods. It hunts at night for its prey of fish, frogs, lizards, other Southern copperheads can live up to 18 . Newborns have bright sulfur-yellow tails. snakes and small mammals. During Pigmy rattlers feed on small and on many coastal islands. the day, the cottonmouth spends time frogs, lizards, mice and other snakes. The color pattern of the adult resting near water, in grassy areas or They can be common in pine flat- cottonmouth varies from olive- under piles of debris. woods dominated by palmetto or wire brown to black, with or without Cottonmouths give birth to grass. They prefer grassy margins of black crossbands on the body. It is a between six and 12 young, born wetlands and may be encountered in stout-bodied snake with an abruptly fully-equipped with fangs and almost any locality where there are tapering tail and a broad flat head venom. Young cottonmouths are lakes, or marshes. much wider than the neck. Its most boldly marked with reddish-brown The pigmy has a feisty disposition distinctive mark is a dark brown or crossbands and bright yellow and is quick to strike, resulting in a black band extending from the eye to tails, and often are mistaken for painful bite with swelling. No human the rear of the . It has a drooping copperheads. Juvenile cottonmouths, fatalities have been reported in mouth-line, and the protective copperheads and pigmy rattlers hold Florida. shields overhanging its eyes give it a their brightly colored tails aloft and Southern copperhead “sinister” appearance, as compared to slowly wriggle them as -like harmless water snakes. lures for frogs and lizards. Panhandle Florida, specifically the When disturbed, the cottonmouth The venomous bite of the counties bordering the Apalachicola will usually draw itself into its cottonmouth results in severe pain River and areas along the defensive posture of a loose coil. Its and swelling, but with proper medical border, is the southern extent of the head is cocked back and its mouth is range of the copperhead. It is a hand- attention, is rarely fatal. some snake, pinkish-tan in color with The defensive posture of a cottonmouth is a loose coil with its head back and mouth wide open. reddish-brown crossbands on its body. These bands are wide along the sides and narrow along the back to form something of an hourglass shape. The copper-colored head is wider than the neck. Its average length is 30 inches. Many snakes reported as cop- perheads are actually young cot- tonmouths, which are similar in appearance and closely related. The copperhead’s restricted range in Florida has resulted in very few bites and no deaths. Cottonmouth The cottonmouth, a pit without rattles, occasionally exceeds 5 feet in length, but most Florida specimens enge kevin are less than 3 feet long. Cotton- mouths are common in every county Preventing and treating Snakes are not aggressive towards humans and will not strike unless they feel threatened. While a few snakebites are nearly impossible to avoid, such as when a person accidently steps on a snake, most could be prevented if K enneth L. K L. enneth people simply kept their distance. These precautions can lower the risk of being bitten: rysko • if you come across a snake, walk around it. Leave about 6 feet of The coral snake has the most potent venom of any North American snake but is unlikely to bite unless threatened. space between it and yourself. • Do not try to get a close look at it Coral snake kingsnake or scarlet snake, also or attempt to kill it. Remember, a The coral snake’s venom is the most brightly colored with red, black and snake can strike up to 2/3 its body potent of any North American snake. yellow bands. However, the banding length, and dead snakes still carry This colorful species is related to the patterns differ: the red rings of the venom. cobra, krait and . It has short coral snake are bordered by yellow, • stay on paths as much as possible fangs fixed in the front of its mouth. whereas the red bands of the scarlet and avoid tall grass and thick brush The coral snake generally grabs kingsnake and scarlet snake are bor- unless you are wearing thick leather and then chews its prey in to dered by black. The coral snake has a boots. inject venom, but contrary to popular rounded, black snout, whereas its two • Don’t reach or walk into any area misconception, it can strike like a pit mimics have red, pointed snouts. that you cannot see into. viper. Although common in localized A striking snake does not always The coral is elusive and seldom areas throughout Florida, the coral release venom, and some snakes may release too small an amount to pose seen. When encountered, it tends to snake is rarely seen. It may be found a serious hazard. However, anyone be calm and unlikely to bite unless near rotting piles, decaying bitten by a snake should seek medical mounds of vegetation, heavy fallen- touched. attention since a bite, even from a The coral snake is slender-bodied leaf cover and old brush piles. nonvenomous species, could cause an with the narrow head and round eye The coral snake hunts its prey by or possible allergic reaction. pupil characteristic of nonvenomous nosing through decaying vegetation In the United States, between species. The largest coral snake on and humus to catch and feed on other 7,000 and 8,000 people are bitten record measured 47½ inches, but snakes and lizards. It lays eggs, by venomous snakes each year and most specimens are less than 30 usually six or fewer, that hatch in 60 approximately five die from the bite. inches in length. to 90 days. Hatchlings measure from Both and coral snake bites can Sometimes people confuse the 7 to 9 inches and are patterned and be effectively treated with antivenin, coral snake with the harmless scarlet colored like adults. but the time between the bite and medical care can be critical. Young cottonmouths have reddish-brown crossbands and bright yellow tails, and may be mistaken for copperheads. If you are bitten, use these basic first-aid techniques: • Wash the area with soap and water. • immobilize the bitten area and keep it lower than the heart. • seek immediate medical help. • if medical care is more than 30 minutes away, wrap a bandage 2-4 inches above the bite, loose enough to slip a finger under it. This may slow the spread of the venom. Do not treat a by: • Placing ice or other coolant on the bite. • Tying a tourniquet above the bite. This cuts off the blood supply and could lead to the loss of the affected limb. kevin enge kevin • applying electric shock. • Making a cut into the , which may cause additional . Florida’s Nonvenomous snakes kevin enge kevin kevin enge kevin

Young black racers (left) look very different from adults (above).

relationship to its head and have almost always try to escape as rich, chestnut-brown irises. Most are quickly as possible but will bite if 36-60 inches long, but they can reach cornered. They also vibrate their tails 70 inches. The racer is one of the few when threatened and are sometimes species whose young look very dif- mistaken for rattlesnakes. ferent than adults. Many people fail The black racer actively hunts to identify baby black racers, which during the day, one reason they are have light-colored bodies with darker frequently seen. They feed on a wide blotches along their back and sides. variety of animals including other Adult black racers may be kevin enge kevin snakes, lizards, frogs, birds, rodents mistaken for the threatened eastern and insects. While hunting in open snake. are much areas, the racer raises its head heavier, often have a rusty or red high above the ground to survey its chin or throat, and are much more surroundings. The remaining species of native localized in distribution. Many of these characteristics are Florida snakes are nonvenomous but Black racers are easily startled shared with the racer’s relative, the vary widely in appearance, and fast-moving. If discovered, they eastern . The coachwhip and food preferences. The eastern coachwhip got its name from the look of its tail, which resembles a braided whip. Racer and coachwhip TOne of Florida’s most familiar snakes is the , often called a “blacksnake.” Aptly named for its coloration and speed, the black racer is common in a wide variety of habitats. The adult racer is a slender, satiny snake. It is solid black or enge kevin slate-gray with a white or gray chin or throat. Its eyes are large in - - The canThe corn grow snake to a The corn snake varies in color but but varies inThe corn color snake species snake rat The other irregular blotches on the back. In the In the back. the irregularon blotches retain usually this adults Panhandle, are as gray and known pattern color most Throughout oak snakes. or rat to tend Peninsular Florida,of adults narrow four with orange or yellow be running stripes dark of length the called are These commonly body. the The snakes. or rat yellow stripes faded with snakes orange Florida southern in extreme found snakes. rat are called Everglades 30- averages but inches 72 of length Ever and yellow Gray, 48 inches. a length can reach snakes rat glades are 42-72 commonly but 84of inches through are found snakes Rat inches. fondness for eating other snakes, snakes, other eating for fondness pit other and rattlesnakes including harm it. not does venom whose vipers snakes Rat are snake rat of species Only two are so they to Florida, but native may it pattern and in color variable The more. are as if many there seem called rat often a red corn snake, large, red-orange only is the snake, in to encountered be likely snake is areasIt Florida. of developed a copperhead for mistaken commonly color. its of because yellowish-tan of shade some usually is large, dark- of a row with to orange running rusty blotches or red edged, white and black Its back. the down keyboard. a piano resembles belly Young three of . consists gray darker are with snakes gray rat

kevin enge kevin enge The kingsnake is an egg-laying The kingsnake is an egg-laying outh Florida, while the eastern kingsnake he corn snake is the only large, red-orange snake likely to be found in urbanized areas of Florida. T lands kingsnake is sometimes banded banded kingsnake islands sometimes Some spotting. yellow has profuse but are populations the have all varieties but blotched, or by kingsnake chindistinctive marked yellow. and black primarily feeds on that is and reptiles and birds rodents, Its day. during the active mostly “kingthe being of of reputation its from stems probably snakes” Kenneth L. Krysko kevin enge - - - - palachicola Lowlands kingsnake (below, right) was named for the he A orth Florida. T Three subspecies of of Three subspecies The head and front quarter front of and The head he is found (above) mostly in Central and S a yellow and black salt-and-pepper salt-and-pepper black and a yellow Low The Apalachicola background. low. The Florida kingsnake is found The kingsnake Florida is found low. Florida. South and in Central mostly on indistinct crossbands has many It live in Florida. Most kingsnakes in in Florida. Most live are Florida North eastern kingsnakes narrow with are black and shiny yel light or white of crossbands commonly are between 36 48 and are between commonly in length. inches out Florida. They occupy a variety of of a variety occupy Florida. They out King water. near usually habitats, but to can 82 grow inches snakes up Kingsnakes powerful large and the of Members through kingsnake family are found rest of the body and tail. and body The young the of rest irregularare with light-tan brownish sides. and back the along bands an adult’s body typically are black to typically are body black an adult’s the on to fading light-tan dark-brown, including pine flatwoods, sandhill flatwoods, pine including and hunter is an active It scrub. and in self-defense. tocan quick bite be can grow to more than 8 feet long long can than grow 8 feet to more habitats, open dry, frequents and (below, left) lives in N area in which it is found. T

kevin enge kevin enge Kenneth L. Krysko

While cottonmouths swim with While cottonmouths the head should help you distinguish you help should head the a cottonmouth. from snake a water rounded a more have snakes Water lack and pupil a round with head triangular flat, cottonmouth’s the on band dark horizontal its head, Water snakes and Water “watermoccasins” see in they call snake any people Many and moccasin” a “water water near or most However, is venomous. it presume rivers, Florida along seen snakes the of are harmless waterways and lakes cottonmouth the only snakes; water snakes water Some is venomous. and thick-bodied, and dark grow very than 3 feet. more of attain lengths are snakes distinguished from Water behavior their partly by cottonmouths The cottonmouth frightened. when ground, its stands coils and usually mouth, white-lined its show may and are to escape snakes quick water while water. into the water, the of top on body entire their raised, most head the with often under swim entirely snakes water head their only with or water the at surface. A good look the at showing - - Ribbon snakes feed mostly mostly feed snakes Ribbon Large garter will snakes some are snakes colored Ribbon Garter snakes vary widely in Garter vary snakes widely astern garter snakes (below) and bluestripe garter snakes emit a foul-smelling (above) musk if handled. faint or absent. As the name implies, implies, name As the absent. or faint slender are snakes exceedingly ribbon than 40 grow longer not do and inches. small fish, on lizards.frogs and easily and areThey quick-moving the fleeing if given startled, rapidly bite rarely snakes Ribbon opportunity. musk will a foul-smelling release but Garter mechanism. and as a defense birth young. give to snakes live ribbon E maximum length is about 48 inches 48 inches is about maximum length are inches. 18-26 most but their but small rodents, eat times small , primary of consists diet often are fish, They toads. frogs and willand cornered when aggressive if handled. musk foul-smelling a expel usually tosimilarly garter but snakes background checkerboard the lack be may stripe center the and pattern, most familiarmost are garter ribbon and species closely-related These snakes. habitats, in of a variety are common wetlands. or water near mostly or black can brown, They be color. back greenish a checkerboard on Most spots. small black of ground stripes three obvious have individuals the along sides and back the on may These stripes body. the of length tan. or Garter yellow green,be blue, their and are slender snakes usually Garter andribbon snakes species snake In native Florida, any is nonvenomous. is striped that body; the of run length (Stripes the The to side) run side from crossbands

robert T. zappalorti kevin enge - - - In late spring, females lay up up lay females spring, In late Young rat snakes feed mostly on on mostly feed snakes rat Young They tend to be elusive and spend spend and to elusive be tend They at snakes are outstanding climbers as both gray a cornered. When threatened, they also they When threatened, cornered. tails their rapidly. vibrate may to 30 eggs that hatch in mid- to late to late in mid- hatch to 30 that eggs will snakes Rat defend summer. when aggressively themselves ling rat and populations in and populations mouse and ling rat farms. around with their mouths, coil around them them coil around mouths, their with meal. their of life out the squeeze and whole. prey their swallow then They can useful be snakes inRat control lizards and frogs, but adults graduate graduate adults lizards frogs, and but grab They prey birds. and to rodents edged belly scales that can press into can press that scales belly edged snakes to the enable fissures tiny and climb vertically. ings. Rat snakes are the best climbers climbers best are snakes the ings.Rat power of because snakes Florida’s of specially and ful constricting muscles out Florida in almost every habitat. habitat. in Florida every almost out in time trees, under their of most build in old or piles mulch or brush R ratand yellow snake (above) (below) prove. kevin enge kevin enge - Many types of nonvenomous types nonvenomous Many of tongue lolling out is usually enough enough is usually out lolling tongue that predators most to convince This dead. is already the humans when backfires behavior display the at frightened become a more for hognose the mistake and snake. dangerous fall and are gray with black mark fall black are with and gray canings. The reach eastern hognose reaches commonly but to 45up inches 20-30 The inabout length. inches 24 inches. exceed not does southern most The peculiar snout, upturned hognose, southern in the dramatic digging its toads, for up is designed prey. major each are humans snakes killed by the but ignorance, or of out year to fall likely is more snake hognose exaggerated its of victim because frightened, When behavior. defensive will jerking it while hiss puff up and will thrashing. It and head, raise its neck a cobra- into its out flattening will like It . strike often but If this doesn’t mouth. its open not the attacker, the away frighten spew more, willhognose thrash about and over roll musk, foul-smelling its with mouth The open dead. play

kevin enge

Both hognose snakes are rather are snakes rather Both hognose Water snakes give birth give to snakes live Water astern hognose snakes are stout-bodied, and some adults have brown and tan or yellow blotches (above), while juveniles (below) are gray with black markings. behavior. Hognose snakes are found in are found snakes Hognose behavior. sandy dry, prefer and habitats upland hognose eastern The fields. and woods mainland Florida throughout is found primarily hognose southern the while state. half the of northern the inhabits alternating have and stout-bodied blotches. tan yellow and or brown have snakes eastern hognose Some a sign of no with backs black solid or in summer hatch Young pattern. E any bite, the wound should be be should wound animal the any bite, disinfected and to washed thoroughly infection. avoid The green Florida water young. than 100 more have may snake a time. at babies Hognose snakes Florida’s of is one snake The hognose maligned most but offensive least to its due snakes nonvenomous defensive exaggerated and appearance All are proficient hunters of fish, hunters All are proficient The four largest and most most and largest The four be aggressive when frightened and and frightened when aggressive be As with cornered. when bite readily frogs and other aquatic animals and aquatic other frogs and teeth long with are well-equipped can They prey. slippery holding for commonly encountered as it frequents frequents as it encountered commonly retention ponds, backyard man-made drainage and ditches. ponds prefer rivers, lakes, ponds and other other and ponds lakes, rivers, prefer state. the throughout waterways most is the snake water The banded large rivers in the Panhandle and and Panhandle in the large rivers River peninsula (Suwannee northern three species The other drainage). plainbelly, represented in Florida represented plainbelly, yellowbelly and redbelly the by banks of the frequents subspecies, commonly encountered water snakes snakes water encountered commonly brown banded, plainbelly, the include The snakes. green Florida water and the face and the eyebrow-like scales scales eyebrow-like the and face the it give that eyes the above protruding a “sinister” aspect. Many people mistake harmless water snakes such as the Florida green water and banded snake (above) water snake (below) for venomous cottonmouths. kevin enge as threatened. The Florida pine snake and the lower Florida Keys population of the red rat snake are listed by the FWC as species of special concern. The threatened eastern is perhaps the most well-known of the listed species. It is the largest nonvenomous snake in the United States. Adults can reach 6-8.5 feet in length. It is thick-bodied with smooth, shiny blue-black scales and often a reddish chin and throat. Young indigos are lighter in color and have a

kevin enge kevin faint banded pattern. Historically, the was found from southern to the Florida Keys and west A “plays dead” as a defense mechanism. to Alabama, but today, it is mostly Ringnecks and other little Commission (FWC) as threatened or restricted to Florida and southern snakes as a species of special concern. Georgia, where it is often found in Most of the commonly recognized The eastern indigo snake and association with snakes in Florida are large, but small the Atlantic salt marsh snake are in well-drained scrub and snake species are far more abundant listed by the FWC and the FWS as sandhill habitats. The indigo readily than large ones. Most of the small threatened. moves through a variety of habitats, snakes grow 12-14 inches in length. The Key ringneck snake, short- especially those that border marshes Common in most backyards and tailed snake, rim rock crowned and swamps, in search of prey such gardens, these diminutive species are snake and the lower Florida Keys as mammals, birds, young turtles, easily overlooked because of their size populations of the brown snake and frogs and other snakes, including and elusive behavior. are listed by the FWC rattlesnakes and other pit vipers. A good representative is the southern ringneck snake. It is a distinctive little snake with a shiny black or dark gray back and a star- tling bright orange or yellow belly sporting a row of half moons down the center. Its neck area has a bright orange or yellow ring, hence its name. Ringneck snakes spend most of their time in leaf litter, where they kevin enge kevin feed on small lizards, earthworms, enge kevin and . They are fairly social and are often found in groups of two or three. Ringneck snakes have bright orange or yellow bellies with a row of half moons down the center and a ring around their necks. The southern ringneck snake (above, left) is fairly common, while the Key ringneck snake They lay four to seven eggs (above, right) is listed as threatened. The striped snake (below) has adapted well to nonnative water during mid-summer that hatch 40-50 hyacinth beds where it finds crayfish, its favorite prey. days later into tiny snakelings only 4 inches long. Florida’s diversity of other small snakes includes the Florida brown and redbelly snakes, snakes, queen and crayfish snakes, pine woods snakes and crowned snakes. Listed species Nine Florida snake species are listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife enge kevin Service (FWS) and/or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation twilight hours, and they climb well. They give birth to 15-40 live young. The smallest nonnative snake is the Brahminy blind snake. It is the most widespread terrestrial snake species in the world due to its close association with humans and par- thenogenetic mode of reproduction (a form of reproduction found in females where development of embryos occurs without fertilization by males.) It might be native to but spread though shipments of potted plants.

kevin enge kevin This small, very slender snake resembles a wiry worm and burrows in loose moist soil, primarily for and pupae. It is less The Eastern indigo snake is the largest nonvenomous snake in the United States. It is thick-bodied with smooth, shiny blue-black scales. Many individuals often have a reddish chin and throat, but not all. than 6 inches long, has a blunt rounded tail that resembles the head Nonnative species in South Florida – and has vestigial eyes that appear as an estimated 200 individuals Warm weather, many types of black dots beneath translucent scales. remain in the wild within one small habitats and easily accessible water The back is dark gray, brown or black. geographic area. Burmese pythons make Florida an inviting place to While its range continues to are well established in and adjacent live – including nonnative wildlife expand, the Brahminy blind snake to Everglades National Park in species. Unfortunately, many of the has caused no known harm to -Dade, Monroe and possibly species taking up residency in the Florida’s native species. state can have a negative impact Collier counties. on native species, as well as on Another large, powerful constric- humans. For example, populations tor making South Florida its home is of nonnative Burmese pythons and the constrictor, which has been boa constrictors have become es- reproducing in the 444-acre Deering tablished in southern Florida after Estate in Miami since the 1970s. It being released or escaping from feeds on lizards, birds and mammals owners or animal dealers. both on the ground and in trees. A Burmese can reach Common boas are native to Central and , where 20 feet in length, (the record is 26 enge kevin feet), weigh more than 200 pounds they occasionally reach a length of and is light-colored with dark brown 13 feet but are more typically about 8 blotches bordered in black down its feet long. The back is usually yellow- ish, grayish or light brown with dark Nonnative snakes in Florida include the Brahminy back. Its native habitat is from blind snake (above), a small burrowing snake to lower , the Malay Peninsula brown saddles, and the tail saddles whose head resembles its tail and the Burmese are often reddish-colored. They typi- python (below), which can reach more 20 feet and on some islands of the East in length and preys on native animals, including Indies, where it typically lives near cally are active at night or during threatened and endangered species. water. It is semiaquatic, swims well and is a good climber. It kills by , asphyxiating its prey before it whole. Females lay as many as 100 eggs during late spring, remaining with the nest until the eggs hatch in summer. Due to their large size, pythons pose a risk to many native animals, including threatened and endangered species. They prey mostly upon mammals and birds but may also eat reptiles, and even fish. They may provide food for American

alligators – and alligators may enge kevin provide dinner for pythons. Pythons have been documented preying upon Key Largo woodrats, one of the most Checklist of ■ Black pine snake — see Pine snake ■ Black snake — see Racer ■ , Seminatrix pygaea • South Florida swamp snake, Seminatrix pygaea cyclas • North Florida swamp snake, Seminatrix pygaea pygaea kevin enge kevin ■ Blind snake — see Brahminy blind snake ■ , Boa constrictor, nonnative ■ Brahminy blind snake, braminus, nonnative Central Florida ■ Brown snake, dekayi • Marsh brown snake, limnetes • Florida brown snake, Storeria dekayi victa • Midland brown snake, Storeria dekayi wrightorum ■ , taxispilota ■ , bivittatus, nonnative ■ Canebrake rattlesnake — see Timber rattlesnake ■ Coachwhip — see Eastern coachwhip ■ , Thamnophis sirtalis • Bluestripe garter snake, Thamnophis sirtalis similis • , Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis ■ Copperhead — see Southern copperhead ■ Coral snake — see Eastern coral snake

kevin enge kevin ■ Corn snake, guttata ■ Cottonmouth, piscivorus • Florida cottonmouth, conanti • Eastern cottonmouth, Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus Brown water snake ■ — see , ■ Crowned snake — see , Rim rock crowned snake, Southeastern crowned snake ■ Diamondback rattlesnake — see Eastern diamondback rattlesnake ■ Dusky pigmy rattlesnake, miliarius barbouri ■ Earth snake — see Rough earth snake, Eastern earth snake ■ Eastern coachwhip, flagellum flagellum ■ Eastern coral snake, fulvius ■ Eastern diamondback rattlesnake, adamanteus ■ Eastern earth snake, valeriae valeriae ■ Eastern indigo snake, couperi ■ Florida crowned snake, relicta • Central Florida crowned snake, Tantilla relicta neilli kevin enge kevin • Coastal crowned snake, Tantilla relicta pamlica • Peninsular crowned snake, Tantilla relicta relicta ■ Florida , Short-tailed snake ■ Florida pine snake — see Pine snake ■ Glossy crayfish snake, rigida • Glossy crayfish snake, Regina rigida rigida • , Regina rigida sinicola ■ Green water snake, Nerodia cyclopion ■ Hognose snake, , Heterodon platirhinos • Southern hognose snake, Heterodon simus ■ Indigo snake — see Eastern indigo snake ■ Kingsnake, • Florida kingsnake, Lampropeltis getula floridana • Eastern kingsnake, Lampropeltis getula getula • Eastern Apalachicola Lowlands kingsnake, Lampropeltis getula meansi kevin enge kevin ■ Midland water snake, Nerodia sipedon pleuralis ■ Eastern mud snake, abacura abacura ■ Pigmy rattlesnake — see Dusky pigmy rattlesnake

Gulf crayfish snake Left: Rough green snake Below: Rainbow snake kevin enge kevin kevin enge kevin Florida snakes ■ Pine snake, melanoleucus • Florida pine snake, mugitus • Black pine snake, Pituophis melanoleucus lodingi ■ , flavilata ■ Plainbelly water snake, • Redbelly water snake, Nerodia erythrogaster erythrogaster enge kevin • Yellowbelly water snake, Nerodia erythrogaster flavigaster ■ kingsnake, • Mole kingsnake, Lampropeltis calligaster rhombomaculata Gulf salt marsh snake • South Florida mole kingsnake, Lampropeltis calligaster occipitolineata ■ , Regina septemvittata ■ Racer, Coluber constrictor • Brownchin racer, Coluber constrictor helvigularis • Everglades racer, Coluber constrictor paludicola • Southern black racer, Coluber constrictor priapus ■ Rainbow snake, • Rainbow snake, Farancia erytrogramma erytrogramma • South Florida rainbow snake, Farancia erytrogramma seminola ■ Rat snake, Elaphe obsoleta • Everglades rat snake, Elaphe obsoleta rossalleni • Gray rat snake, Elaphe obsoleta spiloides

• Yellow rat snake, Elaphe obsoleta quadrivittata enge kevin ■ Rattlesnake — see Eastern diamondback rattlesnake, Dusky pigmy rattlesnake, Timber rattlesnake ■ Redbelly snake, Storeria occipitomaculata • Florida redbelly snake, Storeria occipitomaculata obscura ■ Red rat snake — see Corn snake ■ Ribbon snake, Thamnophis sauritus • Bluestripe ribbon snake, Thamnophis sauritus nitae • Peninsula ribbon snake, Thamnophis sauritus sackenii • Eastern ribbon snake, Thamnophis sauritus sauritus ■ Rim rock crowned snake, Tantilla oolitica ■ Ringneck snake, Diadophis punctatus • Key ringneck snake, Diadophis punctatus acricus • Southern ringneck snake, Diadophis punctatus punctatus ■ Rough earth snake, Virginia striatula ■ Rough green snake, aestivus ■ Salt marsh snake,

• Gulf salt marsh snake, enge kevin • Mangrove salt marsh snake, Nerodia clarkii compressicauda • Atlantic salt marsh snake, Nerodia clarkii taeniata ■ Scarlet kingsnake, Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides ■ Scarlet snake, coccinea Peninsula ribbon snake • Florida scarlet snake, coccinea • Northern scarlet snake, ■ Short-tailed snake, Stilosoma extenuatum ■ — see Eastern earth snake ■ Southeastern crowned snake, Tantilla coronata ■ Southern copperhead, contortrix ■ Southern water snake, Nerodia fasciata • Banded water snake, Nerodia fasciata fasciata • Florida water snake, Nerodia fasciata pictiventris ■ Striped crayfish snake, Regina alleni ■ Timber rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus ■ Water moccasin — see Cottonmouth

■ Water snakes — see Brown water snake, Florida green water snake, Green water enge kevin snake, Midland water snake, Plainbelly water snake, Salt marsh water snake, Southern water snake.

Below: Eastern hognose Right: Florida pine snake Eastern mud snake K enneth L. K L. enneth kevin enge kevin rysko kevin enge kevin enge kevin kevin enge kevin

Coral snake Scarlet kingsnake Northern scarlet snake

What to do when you see a snake When you see a snake, don’t panic. You are much more likely to see a nonvenomous snake than a venomous one. If you are able to do so, just stand back and observe the snake. Remember, snakes would rather flee than fight. They only use as a defense mechanism, and then usu- ally only after giving ample warning. Even a venomous snake would prefer kevin enge kevin not to waste its precious venom on something it can’t eat, like a human.

People often confuse the Florida banded watersnake (above) and the cottonmouth (below, eating a .) Venomous or harmless Coral snakes have black noses and yellow and red bands next to each other, while harmless mimics have red noses and black-bordered yellow bands. A rhyme some people use to remember the difference between a venomous coral snake and harmless mimics reads; “Red touch yellow, kill a fellow, red touch black, friend of Jack.” Water snakes have a more rounded head with a round pupil, and K enneth L. K L. enneth lack the cottonmouth’s flat, triangular head, its horizontal dark band on the face and the eyebrow-like scales rysko protruding above the eyes that give it a “sinister” aspect.

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