Snake orlando florida

Steve A. Johnson, Associate Professor Dept. Home Dr. Central Florida's Snakes Of Florida's 46 native species of snakes, 35 are found in the Central Florida region shown in blue on this map, including four of the six venomous species-- Timber Rattlesnakes and Copperheads are only found in North Florida. J All Wildlife Topics by Dr. Common Gartersnake Thamnophis sirtalis.

Red Cornsnake or Red Ratsnake Pantherophis guttatus. Eastern, Yellow, or Everglades Ratsnake Pantherophis alleghaniensis. Brown Watersnake Nerodia taxispilota. Pinesnake Pituophis melanoleucus. Eastern Hog-nosed Snake Heterodon platirhinos. Southern Hog-nosed Snake Heterodon simus. Mole Kingsnake Lampropeltis calligaster. Others may have escaped from captivity. Non-native species prey upon native animals and compete with others for food. Some species can form populations that grow rapidly.

Florida scientists are battling to keep them under control. The Burmese python Python bivittatus is among the most infamous invasive creatures in the world. It is also one of the largest snake species. These colossal reptiles can exceed 20 feet in length, and weigh over pounds!

The Burmese python is native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia. It is common in zoos, aquariums, and private pet collections. During the storm, many pythons escaped from breeding facilities.

The near-tropical climate of South Florida allowed these snakes to thrive. Today, they are mostly found in the Everglades, where they kill and eat local wildlife.

The flowerpot snake Indotyphlops braminus is found in gardens throughout Florida. Unlike pythons, flowerpot snakes reach only two to four inches in length. The flowerpot snake lacks venom and is harmless to humans. It feeds on worms and other soil invertebrates, dwelling in underground burrows. All snakes are harmless to humans when left undisturbed. Give them plenty of space! Many species are difficult to spot, and can sometimes be stepped on.

Tread carefully when travelling or working in potential snake habitat. It helps to wear sturdy footwear wherever possible. It is also important to know if there are venomous snakes in your region and what to do if you encounter them. Snake bites are rare in the United States, and fatalities even rarer. Most bites are entirely avoidable with these simple precautions.

Fun Fact: You are more likely to be struck by lightning than die from a venomous snakebite in the US. Visit your local zoo or reptile house. Snakes have an important job to do in Florida. These reptiles form a vital part of the regional ecosystem.

Many snakes help to control populations of rodents, ticks, and other pests. This can prevent the spread of disease. So — whether you like them or not — preservation of these critters is crucial. Living with snakes is nothing to be afraid of. Though it may be challenging, fears can be overcome through education and safe exposure.

Many snakes can deliver a painful bite when provoked, but few are considered truly dangerous to humans. There are six venomous snake species found in Florida. A bite from one of these critters will almost certainly land you in the hospital. Fatal snake bites do occur, but they are a rarity in the US. This is mostly thanks to the accessibility of antivenom treatment.

Fortunately, all snakes are shy creatures by nature. They prefer to avoid human interaction at all costs. Watch your step in areas of potential snake habitat.

Snakes are most common near swamps, creeks, woodlands, and prairies. Try to remain on trails and footpaths wherever possible. Wear sturdy footwear ideally, leather or rubber boots extending above the ankle. Avoid picking up sticks and other items with your bare hands. Many species will slither away from the vibrations of your feet. Others may remain still to avoid being spotted. For this reason, some pit vipers are more likely to be stepped on than other snakes.

Pit vipers can be found in all regions of the State of Florida. If you are lucky enough to encounter a snake in the wild, remain calm. Snakes do not eat human beings. All species will view you as a predator rather than a food source. When cornered, some snakes may put on a threatening display to try and scare you off. This is only out of fear of being eaten themselves! Never try to move or kill the animal. Since most snakes are harmless, they rarely present an issue to landowners.

Nuisance wildlife trappers can remove venomous snakes from unwanted areas. Trappers can be found throughout the state. Instead of trying to interact with the snake, observe from a safe distance. Enjoy this fascinating chance to see such an elusive creature in its natural habitat! You may need to call for help if a snake is somewhere on your property that could present a hazard:.

Call a professional agency or animal control. Remember, harmless snakes and their eggs are good to keep around. Many will feed on disease-harboring pests. If you are bitten by a venomous snake — dial and seek immediate medical assistance. Antivenom is most effective when administered within four hours of a bite. If you believe that your pet has been bitten, seek veterinary attention.

You can also check out our list of reptile books for beginners and experts alike. Interested in caring for Florida species in captivity? Then check out the Texas Rat Snake!

Exclusive gift now available for Reptile Guide readers! A free thermometer will be added to your cart with FREE shipping! Florida, in particular, has a reputation for harboring giant, troublesome serpents. This guide will help you to safely coexist with these incredible, wild animals. This guide is meant to help educate you about the beautiful snakes of Orlando, and to help you identify the most common snakes of Orlando, as well as the venomous snakes of Orlando that you should learn to recognize and avoid.

If you want more detail, click here for my complete list of ALL snake species in Orlando. Remember the following: Most snakes of Orlando are harmless and don't want to encounter you Venomous snakes exist but are uncommon in Orlando, Florida Snakes eat rats and mice and are a valuable part of the Florida ecosystem Never kill a snake - if you leave a snake alone, it will leave you alone.

Common Snake Species in Orlando Black Racer Snake : Orlando Florida is home to many species of snakes, but black racer snakes are in abundance in this part of the country.

With an average size of 51 to cm, these non-venomous snakes are easy to come by in Florida if you spend time around your garden or lawn often. To identify this snake, take a look at the body of the snake. This snake usually has a white chin with brown or red blotches all over its body.

Coachwhip Snake : This particular species of snakes is one of the largest you can ever encounter in Orlando Florida. A mature coachwhip snake can grow as long as 50 to 72 inches depending on the nature of the habitat the snake is found in. Coachwhip snakes are easy to identify. Their necks and heads are usually dark in color and it fades posteriorly to tan. Also, they are one of the few snakes in Orlando Florida with smooth skin.

These snakes are known to be able to grow to a length of 16 inches, but their average length is usually within 8 to 10 inches. Florida redbelly snakes are very similar to the ring-necked snakes being that they have a distinctive red-colored belly and a ring pattern around their neck.

The only distinguishing feature that separates these two is the presence of a brown stripe down the back of the Florida redbelly snake. Venomous Snake Species in Orlando Cottonmouth : When it comes to venomous snakes in Orlando Florida, the cottonmouth moccasin snake is at the top of the list. The good news about this snake is that they are easy to identify.

The color pattern on the body of this snake varies from black to olive-brown, with or without the presence of dark crossbands along its body. Cottonmouth moccasin snakes are pit vipers that lack rattles at the end of their tail.

The absence of this makes many people confuse them with other harmless snakes. Nevertheless, these snakes are shy reptiles and will often pull back when disturbed. But if this continues, the snake might open its mouth wide showing its white inner mouth that makes it look very fearful. Pygmy Rattlesnake : This small and slender snake is one of the few snakes that makes a buzzing sound that is similar to that of insects that can be heard from a mile away.

These snakes are grey and prominently marked with dusky and round spots on their back. Another distinctive feature is the presence of reddish spots that alternate on the body starting from the head to the midline of the snake. The pygmy rattlesnake is one of the few snakes in Orlando Florida that give birth to their young ones alive.