Orlando’s warm climate, numerous lakes, wetlands, and abundant green spaces create an environment where many snake species thrive. Encountering snakes in Orlando is a natural occurrence, and understanding their role helps residents and visitors coexist peacefully.
Common Snake Species in Orlando
Non-venomous snakes are much more frequently encountered in Orlando than their venomous counterparts. The Southern Black Racer is common, known for its sleek, solid black body and white chin and throat. These active snakes, typically 2 to 4.5 feet long, move quickly through residential areas, gardens, and fields, hunting insects, frogs, and rodents.
Another common non-venomous species is the Corn Snake, also known as the Red Rat Snake. These snakes usually display an orangish-brown body with black-bordered orange or reddish blotches and a checkerboard pattern on their belly. Corn snakes, 1.5 to 3.5 feet long, are often found in pinelands, hammocks, and suburban neighborhoods, preying on rodents.
Garter Snakes are also common across Florida, recognized by their dark bodies with three light-colored stripes running lengthwise. These snakes, usually 1.5 to 2 feet long, inhabit gardens, parks, and areas near water, feeding on earthworms, amphibians, and small fish.
Venomous Snakes to Be Aware Of
While most snakes in Orlando are harmless, three venomous species are important to recognize. The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is a large, heavy-bodied snake, typically 3 to 5 feet long, identified by dark, cream-outlined diamond shapes down its back and a rattle at the tail’s end. These rattlesnakes inhabit pine flatwoods, sandhills, and dry forested areas, and may be found on golf courses or wooded lots. Their venom is hemotoxic, affecting blood and tissues, though bites are uncommon and occur when provoked.
The Florida Cottonmouth, also known as the Water Moccasin, is another venomous pit viper. This snake has a thick body, often dark brown to black, with a broad, triangular head and a dark stripe through the eye. Cottonmouths are frequently found in wet areas like streams, lakes, marshes, and retention ponds, but can also wander away from water. They display a pale, cotton-white mouth lining as a warning when threatened, and their hemotoxic venom can cause tissue damage.
The Eastern Coral Snake, less commonly seen due to its reclusive nature, is highly venomous. This slender snake, averaging 20 to 30 inches, has distinct red, yellow, and black bands. Its red bands touch yellow bands, and it has a black snout. Coral snakes prefer dry habitats like pinelands and scrub oak sandhills, often remaining hidden. Their venom is neurotoxic, affecting the nervous system, but bites are rare as they are not aggressive and typically flee.
Safety and Prevention Tips
Coexisting safely with snakes in Orlando involves simple preventative measures. Maintaining a tidy yard by removing debris, keeping grass mowed, and trimming dense vegetation deters snakes by reducing hiding spots and prey sources. Sealing small holes or cracks in home foundations and around pipes prevents snakes from entering structures. Avoiding leaving pet food outdoors also helps, as it attracts rodents, which draw snakes.
When outdoors, particularly in natural areas, stay on marked trails and avoid stepping over logs or reaching into unseen areas where a snake might be resting. Wearing sturdy, closed-toe shoes and long pants offers some protection.
If a snake is encountered, give it ample space and back away slowly without attempting to handle or provoke it. Most snake bites occur when individuals try to interact with them.
In the rare event of a snake bite, remain calm and seek immediate medical attention, calling 911. Remove any jewelry or tight clothing near the bite area, keep the bitten limb still and elevated, and do not attempt to treat the bite yourself.