Venomous Snakes in TGO

Four Snakes To Look Out For In TGO

We live in a community where there is an abundance of wildlife. Each species has their place in nature. One of these is the snake. There are 50 species of snakes found in multiple habitats throughout Florida. Only six of the 50 are venomous, and of the six venomous snakes only four might be found in TGO. They include the Coral snake, Cottonmouth, Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, and the Pygmy Rattlesnake. With the weather heating up, now is the time to be careful when walking on the trails or walking your dog - even in your own yard. These four venomous snakes are most likely to be found in our community. 1. Coral Snake Adults average 20-30 inches. The record is 47.5 inches. This thin, smooth-scaled snake has narrow yellow rings that separate the wider red and black rings. Unlike the pit vipers, the coral snake’s pupils are round. The key to distinguish the venomous snake from the harmless Scarlet Kingsnake is the color pattern. “Red touches yellow, it can kill a fellow; red touches black, it’s a friend to Jack.” 2. Cottonmouth Snake or Water Moccasin Adults average 20-48 inches. The record is 74.5 inches. They are dark colored and heavy bodied snakes. Juveniles have reddish brown bands on a brownish background; the pattern slowly blends into a uniform dark brown or black as adults. To distinguish this venomous snake from any of the harmless water snakes, look for the eyes. You cannot see the eyes of the cottonmouth from above; and if you do see the eyes from the side, the pupils are vertical or “cat-like.” Water snakes have round pupils. They are found near the water or marshy grass areas. 3. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake Adults average 36-72 inches. The record is 96 inches. They have a large brownish thick body which has black diamonds with brown centers and a pale outline running down the back to the rattle tipped tail. The head is large and heavy appearing with a diagonal black stripe encasing each eye. There are deep facial pits between each eye and nostril... this is what the term pit viper references. Juveniles are similar to adults in coloration. This venomous snake can strike in a range up to 2/3 of its body length, so it is best just to leave it alone. Because it preys on rats, mice, rabbits, and other warm blooded prey, many of which are considered pests, the Diamondback Rattlesnake is extremely benefi cial to man. 4. Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake Adults average 12-24 inches. The record is 31 inches. Adults are small, thick bodies, light to dark gray. A rufous stripe runs down the back and is interrupted by black or charcoal blotches that line up with matching spots on both sides. Juveniles are similar to adults, but the tip of the tail is yellow-green. When threatened, it shakes the rattles on the end of its tail, sounding more like an insect buzzing than a rattlesnake. The Pygmy is the most common of the venomous snakes found in TGO.

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