Florida Snakes

There is a great variety in snakes found in Florida, the south-eastern state of USA. Snake species found in this state are more than 40 in number. Venomous snakes of Florida can be classified on the basis of families they belong to; the families are Elapidae and Crotalidae. Identification of snakes is carried out by means of set parameters. Certain anatomical features found in snakes make it easy to identify them. The patterns like stripes, diamonds, crossbands, blotches, etc. should prove to be useful in the identification of these snakes. The types of scales, color of skin and other such features are also used to identify these snakes. Here are few commonly observed snakes of Florida.

Common Florida Snakes

The descriptions of snakes commonly found in the state of Florida are presented below. Amongst the black snakes important ones include the Black Pinesnake, Ring-necked Snake, Black Swampsnake and Black Ratsnake. The orange snakes are found in many different shades. The orange color is observed in the form of rings and on belly of these snakes.

Southern Copperhead: This serpent species belongs to the group of different South Florida snakes. Zoological name of the Southern Copperhead is Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix. Skin of the Southern Copperhead is lined with alternate crossbands of light brown and dark brown shades. Length of a South Florida snake averages between 22 and 36 inches. Areas of Florida in which Southern Copperhead snakes can be found include nearby places of Apalachicola river and western side of panhandle. Scales present in front of eyes and on the head have a plate-like shape. Pupils of eyes are marked with slits similar to that of cats; pupils are elliptical in shape. River bottoms, stream beds, peripheries of swamps and damp ravines are the areas where Southern Copperheads can be found.

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake: Diamond-shaped patterns observed on the back is a characteristic feature of these snakes. Length of these snakes ranges between 36 and 72 inches; a 'rattle' present at the end of the tail is its specialty. Keeled scales are found on the body of rattlesnakes; these scales have ridges on the surface. Snout of the snakes is marked with light vertical stripes. Dark stripes with a light-colored border are found on the head of this snake. The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is found in all parts of Florida. Habitats of these snakes include areas near Longleaf pines, Pine Flatwoods, regions of sand pine scrubs, etc.

Eastern Coral Snake: The Eastern Coral snakes are marked with different colored rings (yellow, red and black). Yellow rings are narrow while, black and the red ones are wider. Average body length of these snakes is between 20 and 30 inches. Portion of head starting from tip to the eyes is black in color. Scales present on the body are smooth; these snakes have round pupils. Eastern Coral snakes are found throughout the state of Florida and their habitats include border areas of swamps, wet hammocks, well-drained flatwoods, etc.

Boa Constrictor: The Boa Constrictor is not a native to Florida. Snakes such as the Boa Constrictors are generally found in subtropical regions of South and Central America. Climate of Florida being similar to these regions, the Boa Constrictor has adjusted very well. Length of the snake is around 64 inches, however, longer ones (99 inch.) have also been found.

Snakebites

Pitvipers are responsible for 99% of the snakebites in USA. Copperheads, rattlesnakes and water moccasins are included in this family of pitvipers; all of these are found in the state of Florida. The eastern and western rattlesnakes account for 50% fatalities in USA. Out of these two types, the eastern rattlesnakes are found in Florida.

Identification

The identification of snakes is carried out using a set of parameters. Certain anatomical features found in snakes make it easy to identify them.

List of Other Florida Snakes

Here are names of few important snakes found in Florida. The list presented below should cover most of the names of snakes found in Florida.

Common Kingsnake	Southern Water Snake
Salt Marsh Snake	Eastern Racer
Pine Snake	Black Swamp Snake
Common Garter Snake	Brahminy Blind Snake
Eastern Ribbon Snake	Burmese Python
Brown Snake	Brownchin Racer
Florida Crowned Snake	Timber Rattlesnake
Gray Rat Snake	Pygmy Rattlesnake
Eastern Coachwhip	Eastern Ribbon Snake
Striped Crayfish Snake	Glossy Crayfish Snake
Dusky Pigmy Rattlesnake	Eastern Indigo Snake
Eastern Hognose Snake	Mole Kingsnake

The Florida snakes enlisted above are mostly poisonous. This state of USA is home to many species of snakes which find the tropical climate favorable. One would find the information presented above, to be useful.