Florida’s diverse ecosystems provide suitable environments for a wide array of snake species. The state is home to approximately 44 native snake species. Most of these reptiles are not harmful to humans and play an important role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling rodent populations and serving as prey for other animals. Understanding the different types of snakes present in Florida, particularly their identification features, can help promote coexistence and safety.
Common Non-Venomous Residents
The Southern Black Racer is a sleek, fast-moving snake, growing 3 to 5 feet long. Adults are glossy black with a white chin and throat; juveniles have brown and gray blotches that fade with age. Active during the day, Black Racers are found in various habitats, including residential yards, open fields, and near water, hunting frogs, rodents, birds, and lizards. If cornered, they may shake their tail or release a foul-smelling musk.
The Florida Green Watersnake is stout-bodied, reaching 30 to 55 inches. Adults are greenish, brownish, or orangish, with dark speckling and a pale belly. They have keeled scales, a large head, and round pupils. They prefer open freshwater habitats with ample vegetation, such as ponds, lakes, marshes, and canals, feeding on fish and amphibians.
The Corn Snake, also known as the Red Rat Snake, is found throughout Florida. Adults have an orange-brown body with reddish-orange blotches bordered in black. Excellent climbers, they are often found in residential areas on shrubs or fences, hunting rodents, birds, and eggs. Nocturnal, they inhabit various environments, including pinelands, hammocks, swamps, and urban settings.
Garter Snakes are slender, 2 to 3 feet long, and vary in color, including gray, blue, yellow, brown, or green. They exhibit three light-colored lines down their backs with a checkerboard pattern of black splotches between the stripes. Often found among landscape plants, near houses, and along ditches or ponds, they feed on small prey like earthworms, frogs, and salamanders.
Identifying Florida’s Venomous Snakes
Florida is home to six venomous snake species, and distinguishing them from non-venomous look-alikes is important for safety.
The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is a large, heavy-bodied snake, 3 to 5 feet long, with some individuals exceeding 7 feet. Its body is tan, brown, or grayish, marked by dark, cream-bordered diamonds down its back. A distinct, white-outlined dark stripe runs diagonally through each eye to the jaw. Its tail ends in a prominent rattle, producing a loud buzzing sound. Found throughout Florida in dry forested habitats like flatwoods and sandhills.
The Timber Rattlesnake, also known as the Canebrake Rattlesnake, is a large, heavy-bodied snake, 36-60 inches long. Its body is pinkish-gray or tan with large, black, chevron-like crossbands and a reddish-brown stripe down the center of its back. Its tail is uniformly black and ends in a rattle. Primarily found in northern Florida, it inhabits damp bottomlands, river beds, hardwood hammocks, and pine flatwoods.
The Pygmy Rattlesnake is Florida’s smallest venomous snake, 1 to 2.5 feet long and stout for its size. Its body varies from light to dark gray, with dark gray-black, irregularly shaped blotches on its back and sides, often with a reddish-brown stripe down the spine. A dark band runs from each eye to the jaw. The rattle is tiny and produces a faint buzzing sound, often compared to an insect. Found statewide, except for the Keys, in various habitats, including dry uplands, flatwoods, and suburban areas.
The Florida Cottonmouth, or Water Moccasin, is a heavy-bodied snake, 30-48 inches long. Its coloration ranges from light to dark brown crossbands, or nearly uniform black in older adults. A broad, dark facial stripe often camouflages the eye, and a deep facial pit is located between the nostril and eye. When threatened, it may open its mouth to display a white, cottony interior. Found throughout Florida, they are typically in or near aquatic habitats like ponds, lakes, streams, and swamps.
The Eastern Coral Snake is thin-bodied with smooth scales and distinctive bright bands of red, yellow, and black that encircle its body. It averages 20 to 30 inches. The snout is black, and a wide yellow band often crosses the back of the head. For identification, note that the red bands touch the yellow bands. Found throughout Florida, including the Upper Florida Keys, it prefers habitats from dry flatwoods to wet hammocks and swamp borders.
The Copperhead has a limited range in Florida, primarily found in the panhandle along the Apalachicola River basin. This venomous pit viper measures 22-36 inches long and has a grayish-beige or pinkish body marked with broad, reddish, hourglass-shaped crossbands that are narrowest at the spine. Faint reddish-brown bands may extend from the eyes to the corners of the jaw. Copperheads prefer shady hardwood forests with abundant leaf litter, providing excellent camouflage.
Snake Habitats and Behavior
Snakes occupy a wide range of habitats in Florida, reflecting the state’s diverse landscapes. They are found in wetlands, including marshes, swamps, and near water sources like ponds, lakes, and rivers, where prey is abundant. Many species also thrive in dry uplands such as pine flatwoods, sandhills, and hardwood hammocks. Even suburban areas, with gardens, yards, and retention ponds, can provide suitable environments and attract various snake species.
Snakes exhibit behaviors adapted to their environment. Basking in the sun is common, allowing them to regulate body temperature as they are cold-blooded. They seek shelter under logs, rocks, leaf litter, or in burrows to avoid extreme weather or predators. Some species are active during the day, while others are more nocturnal, hunting under the cover of darkness.
Encountering Snakes Responsibly
When encountering a snake, maintain a respectful distance. Snakes are not aggressive and will attempt to avoid confrontation. Most bites occur when individuals try to handle, capture, or provoke a snake. Observe the snake from a distance and allow it to move away.
If a snake is in an undesirable location, such as a garage or pathway, leave it undisturbed. Attempting to move it yourself can increase the risk of a bite. Instead, consider contacting local animal control or a professional snake removal service. This approach prioritizes both human safety and the snake’s well-being.