Read About Florida Snakes

Florida snakes are in great abundance and only 6 out of the 45 species that inhabit Florida are poisonous and harmful to humans. Therefore, you are sure to find one to your liking. Everything you need to know about them is contained in this article.

Florida snakes - Facts

  1. Description:

    Florida snakes come in many sizes, patterns, and colors. There are striped, blotched, cross-banded, ringed, and solid colors. You may see a brown, green, gray, white, blue and even an orange Florida snake. Snakes are cold-blooded reptiles and haven't any legs. They like to make a home in dirt or leave to get away from extreme hot or cold temperatures.
  2. Varieties:

    There are 39 types of non-poisonous snakes. The 6 types of poisonous snakes in Florida include: Cottonmouth, Copperhead, Coral, and the rattlesnakes; Diamondback, Canebrake and Pygmy.
  3. History:

    These snakes are originally from North America.
  4. Physical Traits:

    They may be short or long in length and they shed their skin.
  5. Other Defining Characteristics:

    Florida snakes have forked tongues, and they flick it constantly. They feel dry to the touch and have scales.
  6. Habitat:

    Florida snakes make their home anywhere they want. Usually the choice would be a lumber pile, a mulched garden, any cluttered area or junkyard, and near the edge of a pond, stream or lake.

Florida snakes - Concerns

  1. Benefits:

    Snakes are part of an ecosystem and help with rodent overpopulation. If not threatened, they can be enjoyable to see and observe.
  2. Liabilities:

    Never pick up a snake unless you are educated on the markings and colors to know if poisonous. Actually knowing how to handle any snake before picking it up is wise.
  3. Health Issues:

    Being bitten by a snake can be painful and, if poisonous, deadly. Snakes are constrictors. Be aware that they can wrap themselves around your body and stop you from breathing.
  4. Specific Care Needs:

    Snakes eat mice, rats, bird eggs, and dead fish. Some smaller snakes like insects and worms.
  5. Reaction to Children and other Pets:

    Keep animals away from Florida snakes. Children should attend classes on how to handle a snake before allowing them to do so.
  6. Special Household Needs:

    If you choose to own a Florida snake, check locally the cost of a license and permit, and the law requirements. What limits there would be depends on the snake, the reason you want one, and how much experience you have dealing with this reptile, poisonous or not.

Florida snakes - How to Choose

  1. What to Look for:

    Clear eyes and activity would be important. Be sure the snake is healthy. Ask a vet to examine any snake before you buy.
  2. Supplies:

    If you plan on this type to live in your home, an aquarium would be necessary, or a wood enclosure. The size of the container would depend on the snake you purchase. Other items would include a heat light, food, water, sunlight, and a moist area. Some Florida snakes live up to 20 years. This is a huge commitment. Read everything you can and know about this reptile before you buy.
  3. Expense:

    This type of pet cost depends on the chosen type of snake. The commitment of your time is more costly than the care.