Snakes of North Florida?

Question

I'm moving to northeastern florida in a couple of weeks...just wondered if anyone knew anything about how many dangerous types of snakes there are in that area?

Answer 1

Just to put your mind at some ease-

- In the US, there are only about 17 fatalities a year from snake bite.

- Most bites happen in South Carolina- even though other states have more snakes or bigger populations.

- The person most likely to be bitten in the US? Someone who works with or hunts snakes. Next most common is hunters- usually by putting their hands or feet somewhere without looking.

- There are only a few thousand reported venomous snake bites in the US every year. Most of these did not require any special attention- often it was a 'dry bite' (no venom- snakes don't waste the stuff most of the time!)

- Most people, no matter how close they live to a snake in the US, never see snakes in the wild. I have caught rattlesnakes literally yards away from a family's front door and the family never knew they had ANY snakes, let alone rattlers.

- Snakes DO NOT like humans- they avoid us, hide from us, warn us, and almost always ONLY bite if they feel threatened or cornered.

- Depending on where you are moving from, you could easily have been at higher risk of snakebite in your old location than you will be in N. Florida. It is human nature to be afraid of the unknown- just remember that the fears are almost never based on reality.

Answer 2

There are 45 types of snakes in Florida 6 which are dangerous. Just look on the internet and there are alot of sites that tell you what there is and what they look like. I lived in florida for 10 years and they always advice to keep your child or animals out of deep grass and you have to watch them at all times. dogs like to go after them and of course small children want to play with them too. Good luck to you.

Answer 3

The snake might be a Burmese python, because Burmese pythons are very common in Florida, and also the colour of the snake is brown with black markings, like other Burmese python. But the snake might also be a Brown water snake, which is also found in Florida, and is found near water. So since you saw this snake in water, it would probably be a Brown water snake.

Answer 4

I'll go from most significant to least significant as far as danger goes.

Florida Cottonmouth ("water moccasin") - most common venomous in the area. Dull olive or brown with a faint banding pattern sometimes visible. Also arguably the most dangerous bite. Found near water. Avoid this one at all costs.

Eastern Diamondback Rattler: highly venomous and very large. Dark color with light criss-crossing pattern down its back. Avoid this one as well.

Timber/Canebreak Rattler: Large but not particularly aggressive. Light gray with dark bands and dark tail. Bite is dangerous but unlikely unless provoked.

Pygmy Rattler: Small and elusive. Rarely seen but will stand its ground if cornered. Blue-gray or gray with dark blotches down the back. Bite not as dangerous as some others, but still should seek help.

Southern Copperhead - Tan with brown or copper-colored hourglass-shaped bands. Head usually lighter than the rest of the body. Blends in very well with dead leaves, etc. on forest floor, and is somtimes nearly invisible until you're nearly on top of it. Fairly common, but bite is not as dangerous as the others (still seek help if bitten though).

Eastern Coral Snake - very small and elusive. Brightly banded red, yellow, black, yellow (repeating pattern). Bite is neurotoxic and highly dangerous, but the snake doesn't bite unless provoked.

As a general rule encounters with these snakes are relatively uncommon, and even the testiest snakes will not attack you unless provoked or cornered. None of these animals are cause for any great fear, just be aware of them and give them their space and they will not cause a problem.

Answer 5

There are dozens of snakes native to N. Florida. Some, like copperheads and cottonmouths are dangerous. Most are not. Unless you are living in a swamp, you will rarely encounter any of them.

For a complete list, go to:
www.flmnh.ufl.edu/herpetology/FL-GUIDE/fl-snakeslist.htm

Answer 6

sure i live in fla you have to be carefull of mocasins ,coral snakes,rattlesnakes including pygmy,cottonmouths they are several different types of poisonous snakes in fla . You need to get a book which is what i did when i first moved here. I have seen several since I moved here 22 yrs ago . also be carefull of certain spiders that live here too. One is called a brown recluse and they hang out in the shell of a pecan because of the moisture also always check your shoes for them and behind your headboard of your bed . I hope I helped . good luck and have a safe move.

Answer 7

I live in The southern part of Georgia.You really do not have to worry about snakes.Yes they are around but chances of you running into one are small.Check this page out,it lists most snakes .
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/herpetology/fl-guide/venomsnk.htm