Florida's
Venomous Snakes
by Cynthia (Sid) Taylor
Knowledge is power, so they say. More knowledge of snakes might empower us to overcome (sometimes hysterical, possibly inbred since Eve and the Serpent) fear of these quick, slithering reptiles.
Florida has a total of 44 species of snakes with 6 being poisonous. In our immediate neighborhoods 32 species occur with 4 being poisonous. Three are pit vipers: the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, the Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake, and the Florida Cottonmouth (or Water Moccasin). Pit vipers have triangular shaped heads and vertical pupils.
The fourth most venomous snake here is the Eastern Coral Snake. It is related to the Cobra. It has both a rounded head and round pupils. Look for its black nose.
The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is a habitat generalist. It can be found in palmetto flatwoods, pinelands, and shrubby and grassy areas. Theoretically one can encounter it anywhere in Florida. It is considered one of the most dangerous snakes in the United States due to the potency and quantity of venom it can inject. This snake has been recorded to 7' 3" in length.
It has a large triangular head and vertical pupils. It is readily identified by the chocolate brown diamond pattern that is bordered with white running along its back. The tail is olive and ringed with black. It can be strongly camouflaged to its environment.
Its young (generally 9 to 15) are born alive with a single button rattle at the end of their tails. Young ones can shed up to five times per year, acquiring another rattle each time. An adult snake molts according to the amount of food that it ingests, and its growth rate (no more than five times per year). In prime habitat it can grow three inches a year and live approximately ten years (20 in captivity).
When striking from a coiled position it can extend 1/3 to over 1/2 of its body length, and the strike is faster than the eye can see. It displays aggressive defense tactics. Thirty to fifty percent of its strikes are 'dry' bites without any venom, which is reserved for killing its prey. The snake trails its prey by scent. A rattlesnake feeds on warm blooded animals such as mice, shrews, squirrels, pocket gophers, rabbits, and occasionally birds. It bites and then releases its victim. The venom begins the digestion process in advance by breaking down the prey's body tissues.
The Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake
The Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake, or 'ground rattler', produces only a buzzing sound with its rattle. It can only be heard a few feet away. Its range is throughout the state.
It has a short, stout body and is marked with roundish dusky spots. From the head reddish spots alternate with black spots along its gray back. The pattern can be mistaken for a Southern Hognose (which has a turned up snout). Check the head shape and look for rattles. Pygmies are usually 18 to 24 inches in length. Due to its small size it has a small amount of venom in its bite. It is considered pugnacious and quick to strike, but it cannot penetrate a boot with its fangs.
Two to eleven young are born alive.
It feeds on small frogs, lizards, mice and other snakes.
The Florida Cottonmouth
The Florida cottonmouth is found around fresh water. It is heavy bodied with a short tapering tail. It grows to a length of three feet, but can reach five feet in length. Its broad head is noticeably larger that its neck. The color pattern varies from olive-brown to black with or without crossbands. Mature ones are dark gray-brown to black. Other water snakes are frequently mistakenly killed as Florida cottonmouths. Look for a black, broad, mark that goes from the eye (vertical pupil) to the rear of the jaw. It is a forward fanged fish eater, and can strike from any position. It will often threaten by opening its mouth to reveal the whitish lining within. Thus, the name cottonmouth.
The average litter is three to twelve young. The young are born alive in August and September . Juvenile cottonmouths are often mistaken for Southern Copperheads, which occur in Gadsen and Liberty Counties.
It hunts small animals and reptiles at night.
The aggressive reputation of cottonmouths seems to be open for debate.
The Eastern Coral Snake
Our fourth venomous snake, which is not a pit viper. It is related to the Cobras and Mambas, and delivers a neurotoxin that is lethal to an adult human at 5 to 10 milligrams.
It is generally found in woods, along pond edges, in grassy growth, and under wood piles
It has a rounded black head and a round pupil. It is a black, yellow, and red banded, gorgeous, snake. Short fangs deliver the venom, but it is a myth that they must chew to deposit it. Most people are bitten as a result of handling this attractively colored snake. Eastern Coral Snakes average 24 inches in length, but have been reported to 54 inches. Look for the black nose. "Red on yellow kill a fellow, red on black good for Jack". The harmless, but similar looking Scarlet Kingsnake has a red nose. "Nose black, stand back. Nose red, go ahead".
Approximately six eggs are laid that hatch in 60 to 90 days. The young are brightly colored, 7 to 9 inches long, and quite venomous.
Coral snakes feed on other snakes, lizards, frogs, and small animals.
How to deal with a snake bite
Always go on woodland adventures with a friend. If you are bitten by a snake memorize the identifying features of the snake - a must if you need anti-venom. Is the head triangular or round? Is the pupil a vertical or round?
Lay down. Do not panic. Do remember to breath. Do not restrict the blood flow. Do not apply ice. DO NOT use the razor in the snake bite kit to slit the puncture marks - it can cause a secondary infection that can kill you. Send your partner for help, and sit back (with your heart above the wound) and relax.
There is an average of only one snake bite fatality a year in Florida. Snakes feel impact vibrations on the ground and scurry away or lay hidden until you pass. If you watch where you put your feet and treat snakes respectfully without harassment your odds of an aggressive encounter are slim to none.
For a reference brochure with photos, order Florida's Venomous Snakes from the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, Bureau of Wildlife Diversity and Conservation, 620 South Meridan Street, Tallahassee, Florida, 32399-1600. The brochure - Florida's Non-venomous Snakes is also available. For a new snake ID guide look for A Field Guide to Snakes of Florida, by Alan Tennant, Gulf Publishing Company, Book Division, P.O. Box 22608, Houston, Texas, 77252-2608, ISBN 0-87719-291-X.
Happy and safe woods tramping!
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