Florida’s diverse ecosystems, from vast wetlands to dry pine forests, provide a home for a variety of snake species. These reptiles play an important role in the state’s natural environment. Understanding their presence can foster coexistence, as Florida’s warm climate allows snakes to thrive, making encounters possible for those outdoors.
Florida’s Venomous Snake Count
Florida is home to six venomous snake species. This number is relatively small compared to the state’s 44 native species. Their presence is due to Florida’s unique habitats, which support diverse wildlife.
Meet Florida’s Venomous Snakes
The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) is North America’s largest venomous snake, often reaching 4 to 6 feet, with some exceeding 7 feet. It has a brownish body with distinct dark diamond patterns outlined in cream or yellowish scales. These snakes are typically found in sandy pine woods, scrub, palmetto flatwoods, and swamps, and are active during the day and evening. They are ambush predators that rely on camouflage and will rattle their tail loudly as a warning when threatened.
The Cottonmouth, also known as Water Moccasin (Agkistrodon piscivorus), is a heavy-bodied snake averaging 2 to 4 feet. Adults are generally dark-colored, ranging from olive to blackish-brown, often with dark, splotchy cross-bands that may become indistinct with age. A key identifying feature is the pale, cotton-white lining of their mouth, which they display when threatened. These semi-aquatic snakes are commonly found throughout Florida in wetland habitats such as swamps, marshes, lakes, and streams, though they can wander away from water.
The Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius barbouri) is Florida’s smallest venomous snake, typically measuring 1 to 2.5 feet long. It has a grayish body with rows of dark, irregularly shaped blotches, often with a reddish-brown stripe down the spine. Its tiny rattle produces a faint buzzing sound, which can be difficult to hear. Pygmy rattlesnakes inhabit a variety of environments, including pine flatwoods, prairies, and the borders of marshes and swamps, and are frequently encountered in suburban areas. They are ambush predators.
The Eastern Coral Snake (Micrurus fulvius) is a slender, brightly colored snake, typically 20 to 30 inches long, with a distinctive pattern of red, yellow, and black bands. The identification rule is that red bands touch yellow bands. They have small, rounded black heads that blend seamlessly with their bodies. These reclusive snakes prefer burrowing in sandy soil, pine flatwoods, and scrub areas, and are primarily active at dawn and dusk or during the night.
The Timber Rattlesnake, also known as Canebrake Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus), is found mainly in northern Florida. These heavy-bodied snakes can grow to 5 feet or longer and are typically tan with a rust-colored stripe down the back and dark, V-shaped crossbands. They have a black tail that ends in a rattle. Timber rattlesnakes prefer moist woodlands, river bottomlands, and hammocks.
The Southern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) has a limited distribution in Florida, primarily found in the Panhandle near the Apalachicola River valley. They are medium-sized snakes, usually 2 to 3 feet long, with a copper-brown base color and dark, hourglass-shaped crossbands that provide excellent camouflage. Copperheads inhabit upland pine and hardwood forests with abundant leaf litter and areas near streams and swamps. They are nocturnal and tend to remain motionless when threatened.
Encountering Venomous Snakes
If you encounter a snake in Florida, remain calm and observe it from a safe distance. Snakes generally prefer to avoid human interaction and will typically flee if given the opportunity. Do not attempt to approach, handle, or provoke any snake, as this significantly increases the risk of a bite.
In the event of a snakebite, seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or your local emergency number without delay. While awaiting medical help, keep the bitten area as still as possible and, if bitten by a pit viper, keep it at or below heart level to help slow venom spread. Remove any jewelry or restrictive clothing from the affected limb before swelling begins. Do not attempt to cut the wound, suck out venom, apply a tourniquet, or use ice, as these actions are ineffective and can cause further harm.
Preventative measures can help reduce snake encounters around your home:
- Keep grass trimmed, clear brush piles, and remove debris like wood stacks to eliminate hiding spots.
- Seal entry points into your home, such as gaps around doors and foundations.
- Control rodent populations, a common food source for snakes.
- When outdoors, especially in natural areas, be mindful of your surroundings and avoid walking barefoot in tall grass.