Sunshine State Slitherers: Your Guide to Florida's Fantastic (and Freaky) Snakes
Florida: land of theme parks, pristine beaches, and retirees living their best lives. But beneath the sunshine and alligators, there slithers another fascinating group of residents - snakes! That's right, Florida boasts a diverse range of these legless wonders, from the common kingsnake chilling in your backyard to the venomous cottonmouth sunning itself on a lily pad. Buckle up, because we're about to delve into the wacky world of Florida's snakes!
What Snakes Are In Florida |
The Good, the Bad, and the Scaly
Florida has over 45 species of snakes, and the good news is that most are completely harmless. In fact, these backyard bug zappers are beneficial creatures, keeping rodent populations in check.
However, there are six venomous snakes to be aware of. These guys (and gals) pack a punch, so it's important to be able to identify them. Don't worry, we'll get to that in a sec.
Here's a sneak peek at the types of snakes you might encounter in the Sunshine State:
Tip: Slow down at important lists or bullet points.
The Non-Venomous Bunch: These friendly folks include the Eastern ratsnake, which can grow as long as you are tall (though they're more likely to be stealing your dinner than you), and the adorable little Florida crowned snake, which is about the size of a shoelace (perfect for fitting in a crown, obviously).
The Shifty Six: This is where things get interesting (and potentially a little dangerous). These six venomous snakes include the iconic Eastern diamondback rattlesnake (the one with the rattle on its tail, you know, in case you were confused by the name), the cottonmouth (also known as the water moccasin, because why not have two names?), and the eastern coral snake, whose vibrant red, yellow, and black bands rhyme with "don't touch, you dolt!"
How to Spot a Snake (and How to Avoid Them Politely)
Let's be honest, most of us would rather not bump into a snake on a hike. Here are some tips for sharing the sunshine state with these slithery residents:
Stick to the beaten path: Snakes love hanging out in overgrown areas. Sticking to trails minimizes your chances of a surprise encounter.
Keep your eyes peeled (and your ears open): Most snakes will slither away if they hear you coming. But if you see a snake, admire it from afar and then slowly back away.
Leave them alone: Remember, snakes are more afraid of you than you are of them. Respect their space and they'll respect yours.
Bonus Tip: If you encounter a venomous snake, the most important thing is to stay calm and back away. Don't try to handle it or corner it. Admire it from a safe distance (think National Geographic photographer, not curious toddler). If you're unsure if a snake is venomous, err on the side of caution and give it a wide berth.
Frequently Asked Florida Snake Questions:
How to Identify a Venomous Snake in Florida?
The best way to identify venomous snakes is to learn what they look like! The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has a great guide [here](document about florida snakes).
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.
How to Remove a Snake From My House?
If a snake has chosen your house as a vacation destination, the kindest thing to do is call a professional wildlife removal service. Snakes can be easily stressed and injured, and professionals know how to handle them safely.
How to Help a Snake That's Been Bitten?
Tip: Reflect on what you just read.
Snakes are wild animals and unfortunately, there's not much you can do to help a snake injury. If you see a snake that's been hurt, leave it alone and let nature take its course.
How to Treat a Snake Bite?
If you get bitten by a snake, stay calm and call 911 immediately. Don't try to suck out the venom or apply a tourniquet - these can actually make things worse.
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How to Avoid Snakes Altogether?
The only way to completely avoid snakes in Florida is to stay indoors all the time (and who wants to do that?). Your best bet is to be aware of your surroundings, especially when you're outside, and follow the tips above.
So there you have it! A crash course on Florida's fantastic and freaky snakes. Remember, these scaly neighbors are an important part of the ecosystem, so let's appreciate them from a safe distance. Now get out there and explore the Sunshine State, but keep an eye out for those slithery surprises!