Understanding Florida's Snake Species: Venomous vs. Non-Venomous

Florida is home to approximately 50 species of snakes, with only six being venomous. Understanding how to identify these species is crucial for Central Florida residents, as it helps distinguish between potentially dangerous snakes and beneficial ones that help control rodent populations. This guide will help you identify common snake species in our region and understand what to do if you encounter them.

Venomous Snakes in Central Florida

The six venomous snake species found in Florida include:

1. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

The Eastern Diamondback is Florida's largest venomous snake and can be identified by:

• Diamond-shaped pattern with dark borders and lighter centers running down its back
• Large, triangular head with distinctive facial pit between the eye and nostril
• Prominent rattle on the tail that creates a warning sound when threatened
• Can grow up to 6 feet or longer
• Typically found in dry pine flatwoods, palmetto thickets, and abandoned fields

Eastern Diamondbacks are responsible for more serious snake bites than any other species in North America due to their large size and amount of venom delivered. If you encounter this snake, maintain a safe distance and contact our professional snake removal services.

2. Timber Rattlesnake

Less common in Central Florida but still present in some northern areas:

• Dark crossbands on a lighter background (gray, yellow, or brown)
• Solid black tail with rattle
• Typically found in wooded areas and river floodplains
• Can grow to 3-5 feet in length

3. Pygmy Rattlesnake

The most commonly encountered rattlesnake in Central Florida:

• Small size (rarely exceeding 2 feet)
• Gray body with dark blotches and a reddish-orange stripe down the back
• Tiny rattle that sounds more like a buzz and may be difficult to hear
• Often found in pine flatwoods, around lakes, and in suburban areas

Despite their small size, Pygmy Rattlesnakes are responsible for many snake bites in Florida due to their prevalence and tendency to freeze rather than flee when encountered.

4. Eastern Coral Snake

Highly venomous but typically shy and non-aggressive:

• Distinctive pattern of red, yellow, and black bands where red and yellow bands touch ("Red touches yellow, kills a fellow")
• Small head that's barely distinguishable from the neck
• Round pupils (unlike pit vipers)
• Usually 2-3 feet in length
• Often found in wooded areas, palmetto thickets, and suburban gardens

Coral snakes are related to cobras and have potent neurotoxic venom, but they rarely bite humans due to their reclusive nature and reluctance to bite unless handled.

5. Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin)

Common around water bodies throughout Central Florida:

• Thick, heavy-bodied snake with a blocky head
• Dark brown to black coloration with faint crossbands (juveniles have more distinct banding)
• White mouth lining displayed when threatened (hence the name "cottonmouth")
• Can grow to 3-4 feet in length
• Semi-aquatic, found near lakes, streams, marshes, and swamps

Cottonmouths are often confused with harmless water snakes. If you're unsure about a snake near water, it's best to keep your distance and contact professional snake removal experts.

6. Copperhead

Rare in most of Central Florida but may be found in some northern areas:

• Copper-colored head and hourglass-shaped crossbands on a lighter body
• Usually 2-3 feet in length
• Typically found in wooded areas with abundant ground cover

Common Non-Venomous Snakes in Central Florida

The majority of snakes you'll encounter in Central Florida are non-venomous and beneficial for controlling rodent populations. Common species include:

1. Black Racer

One of the most commonly encountered snakes in Florida:

• Slender, solid black body with white chin
• Large eyes with round pupils
• Very fast-moving (hence the name "racer")
• Can grow to 4-5 feet in length
• Found in a variety of habitats, including residential areas

Black Racers are beneficial predators that help control rodent, lizard, and insect populations. They're non-aggressive but may strike if cornered.

2. Rat Snakes (Yellow Rat Snake, Gray Rat Snake)

Excellent climbers and rodent controllers:

• Yellow to orange or gray to black coloration with faint stripes or blotches
• Can grow to 4-6 feet in length
• Often found in trees, attics, and around buildings
• Excellent climbers

Rat snakes are beneficial for controlling rodent populations but may sometimes enter attics or crawl spaces in search of prey. Our exclusion services can help prevent these entries while preserving the snake's beneficial role in the ecosystem.

3. Corn Snake

A colorful and commonly encountered snake:

• Orange or reddish-brown with red blotches bordered in black
• Usually 3-5 feet in length
• Often found in residential areas, especially around structures

Corn snakes are sometimes mistaken for copperheads or coral snakes due to their coloration, but they're harmless and beneficial predators of rodents.

4. Garter Snakes

Common in gardens and residential areas:

• Dark body with three light stripes running lengthwise
• Usually 2-3 feet in length
• Often found in moist environments near water sources

5. Ring-necked Snake

A small, secretive snake:

• Dark body with a distinctive yellow or orange ring around the neck
• Bright yellow or orange underside
• Small size, typically less than 15 inches
• Often found under logs, rocks, or mulch

What to Do If You Encounter a Snake

If you encounter a snake on your property, follow these guidelines:

1. Keep your distance. Most snake bites occur when people try to kill or handle snakes.
2. Do not attempt to capture or kill the snake. This increases your risk of being bitten.
3. If the snake is inside your home, try to confine it to one room by closing doors and placing towels under door gaps.
4. Call professional snake removal services like Creature Control for safe removal.
5. If you can do so safely, take a photo from a distance to help with identification.

Snake Prevention Tips

To reduce the likelihood of snakes on your property:

• Keep grass short and remove debris piles, which provide shelter for snakes
• Seal gaps and cracks in your home's foundation
• Remove food sources by controlling rodent populations
• Install snake-proof fencing around specific areas if necessary
• Keep storage areas organized and elevated off the ground

For more comprehensive prevention strategies, check out our guide on wildlife-proofing your home.

Professional Snake Removal Services

At Creature Control, we provide safe, humane snake removal services throughout Central Florida. Our trained technicians can:

• Accurately identify snake species
• Safely remove snakes from your property
• Implement exclusion measures to prevent future snake intrusions
• Provide recommendations for making your property less attractive to snakes

If you're concerned about snakes on your property, contact Creature Control for professional assistance. Remember that most snakes are beneficial and play an important role in controlling rodent populations, but we understand that many people prefer not to share their living space with these reptiles.

For more information about wildlife in Central Florida, check out our guides on identifying wildlife in your home and seasonal wildlife behavior.