Poison Snakes in Florida: What to Look Out For

Introduction

If you live in Florida or are planning to visit, you know that the Sunshine State has a wide variety of wildlife, including several species of venomous snakes. Knowing which snakes are the most dangerous and what to look out for can help you avoid a dangerous encounter.

Types of Venomous Snakes in Florida

There are six species of venomous snakes in Florida: the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, the Timber Rattlesnake, the Pygmy Rattlesnake, the Cottonmouth, the Coral Snake, and the Eastern Coral Snake. Some of these snakes are more venomous than others, but all of them should be avoided if possible.

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in Florida, and it is also the most dangerous. It can grow up to 8 feet in length and its bite is extremely venomous. It has a distinctive diamond pattern on its back and a loud rattle at the end of its tail.

Timber Rattlesnake

The Timber Rattlesnake is slightly smaller than the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, but it is still a formidable creature. It has a brown or gray body with darker cross-bands and a loud rattle at the end of its tail. Its venom is not as potent as the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, but it should still be avoided.

Pygmy Rattlesnake

The Pygmy Rattlesnake is smaller than the other two species of rattlesnake, but it is still dangerous. It has a gray or brown body with darker cross-bands and a rattle at the end of its tail. It is most commonly found in wooded or rocky areas.

Cottonmouth

The Cottonmouth is a large snake with a gray or brown body and a black collar around its neck. It can grow up to 6 feet in length and its bite is venomous. It is most commonly found in wetlands and near bodies of water.

Coral Snake

The Coral Snake is a small but venomous snake that is most commonly found in Florida. It has a red, black, and yellow banded pattern and is often mistaken for the harmless King Snake. Its venom is extremely potent and should be avoided at all costs.

Eastern Coral Snake

The Eastern Coral Snake is a smaller cousin of the Coral Snake and is found in the same areas. It has a similar pattern of red, black, and yellow bands, but the order of the colors is different. It is even more venomous than the Coral Snake, and should be avoided at all costs.

Conclusion

There are several species of venomous snakes in Florida, but the most dangerous are the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, the Timber Rattlesnake, the Pygmy Rattlesnake, the Cottonmouth, the Coral Snake, and the Eastern Coral Snake. Knowing what to look out for and avoiding these snakes is the best way to ensure your safety.