So You Want to Know About Florida's Venomous Snakes? Hold Onto Your Flip-Flops!
Florida: the Sunshine State, land of beaches, theme parks, and...snakes? That's right, slithering alongside Mickey Mouse and epic tan lines are a surprising number of scaly residents. But fear not, intrepid adventurer! Most Florida snakes are about as dangerous as a pool noodle with a sunburn. However, there are a few that pack a punch (or rather, a fang).
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| How Many Venomous Snakes In Florida |
How Many Venomous Snakes Are We Talking About Here?
Here's the scoop: amongst Florida's impressive collection of 45 slithering species, only six are venomous. That's right, folks, just six out of the whole bunch! So, the odds of encountering a venomous snake on your next Florida escapade are actually pretty low.
But wait! There's more! (Isn't there always?) These six scaly sirens can be broken down into two main groups:
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- The Pit Vipers: These guys have heat-sensing pits on their faces, which basically act like fancy snake night vision. They include the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (the heavyweight champion of Florida's vipers), the Cottonmouth (also known as the Water Moccasin, because apparently they couldn't decide on a cool enough name for one snake), and the Copperhead (who, despite the name, isn't actually out to steal your pennies).
- The Lone Wolf (or Snake): The Eastern Coral Snake. This brightly colored beauty stands out from the crowd, and for good reason. Unlike the pit vipers, this snake doesn't have rattles or heat pits. So remember the rhyme: "Red touch yellow, kill a fellow. Red touch black, venom lack." (Though please don't go poking any snakes to test this theory!)
Okay, I Know How Many, But How Likely Am I to Get Bit?
Relax, my friend! Snake bites in Florida are relatively rare, and even venomous bites are seldom fatal with proper medical attention. Most snakes would much rather flee than fight, so the key is to leave them alone.
Here's a golden rule: If you see a snake, admire it from a safe distance (and maybe snap a cool pic for Instagram!), and then mosey on with your day. Remember, these snakes are just trying to live their best life, eating bugs and keeping the rodent population in check.
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How To Deal With Florida's Slithery Side: A Crash Course
Alright, knowledge is power, especially when it comes to creepy crawlies. Here's a quick guide to coexisting peacefully with Florida's scaly citizens:
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How to Spot a Snake: Keep your eyes peeled for slithering shapes, especially when hiking or gardening. Be extra cautious near water, which is a favorite hangout for cottonmouths.
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How to Avoid Snake Bites: Don't put your hands where you wouldn't put your face (i.e. don't go reaching into bushes or under rocks). Wear sturdy shoes when exploring outdoors.
How to React to a Snake Encounter: Give the snake plenty of space and slowly back away. Don't try to handle or corner it.
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How to Identify a Venomous Snake: If you're unsure if a snake is venomous, it's always best to err on the side of caution and admire it from afar. There are plenty of resources online and in libraries to help you learn about Florida's snake species.
How to Deal With a Snake Bite (Hopefully You Won't Need This One!): If you or someone you know gets bitten by a snake, stay calm, call 911 immediately, and avoid constricting the wound.
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