Sunshine State Slinkers: A Guide to Melbourne, Florida's Snake Scene
Living in Melbourne, Florida? You've got sunshine, beaches, maybe even a grumpy old snowbird next door. But what about slithery surprises? Fear not, intrepid Floridian, for this guide will shed light (get it?) on the scaly residents you might encounter in the Sunshine State.
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| What Snakes Are In Melbourne Florida |
Don't Panic, It's Probably Just Steve
There are over 40 species of snakes slithering around Florida, but only six are venomous. That means the chances of you bumping into a chill garter snake named Steve are much higher than encountering Cleopatra, the attack cobra you (hopefully) don't keep as a pet.
The Good, the Nope, and the Totally Tubular
Tip: Read the whole thing before forming an opinion.
Melbourne's snake scene can be broken down into three exciting categories:
The Neighbourhood Watch Snakes: These guys are the Steves of the snake world. Common critters like the Southern Black Racer and the Yellow Rat Snake are more interested in keeping your rodent population in check than giving you a dramatic Cleopatra moment.
The Maybe Monicas: Look, some snakes are like Monica from Friends - a little uptight. The Cottonmouth and the Southern Copperhead are venomous, so giving them space is key. But unlike Monica hiding Richard's underwear, they'll usually rattle a warning (the Cottonmouth) or just slither away (the Copperhead) if you give them their distance.
The Rarest Rattlers: Now, the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake and the Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake are the real celebrities of the Florida snake world. Rare sightings, but if you hear that rattle, hightail it out of there faster than a snowbird on a discount cruise deal.
Keeping Melbourne Snake-Free-ish
Look, snakes gonna snake. But there are ways to keep them out of your pool party. Here are some tips:
Tip: Let the key ideas stand out.
- Keep your yard tidy: Less clutter means less snake real estate.
- Seal up any cracks: Don't be a doorman for unwelcome guests (with scales).
- Mow your lawn regularly: Tall grass is a snake spa. Nobody wants that.
How To Live Fearlessly (-ish) With Florida Snakes
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How to Identify a Venomous Snake?
Venomous snakes in Florida typically have triangular-shaped heads and elliptical pupils (think cat eyes, not round pupils). But when in doubt, give all snakes a wide berth.
QuickTip: Pause after each section to reflect.
How to Handle a Snake Encounter?
Stand still and slowly back away. Don't try to be a hero (or a Steve Irwin).
QuickTip: Read again with fresh eyes.
How to Snake-Proof My Yard?
See the "Keeping Melbourne Snake-Free-ish" section above. You're welcome.
How to Deal With a Snake in My House?
Call animal control. They're the professionals, not you (unless you happen to be Steve Irwin. In that case, carry on).
How to Tell the Difference Between a Snake and a Rope?
If it slithers, it's a snake. If it's stiff and holding your pants up, it's a rope (hopefully).
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