CANEBRAKE RATTLESNAKE Photo by: LA Dawson

SLITHERY FRIENDS
Worldwide, there are over 2,000 species of snakes known to man, and according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Sunshine State is home to roughly 44 of these slithery friends. Florida’s snakes can be found in a variety of different habitats, ranging from dry pine flatwoods to fresh water marshes.

Out of the 44 native species, only six are considered venomous. These dangerous reptiles include the Florida Coral Snake and five different pit vipers: Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Timber Rattlesnake, Pygmy Rattlesnake, Copperhead Snake and the Cottonmouth Snake, commonly known as the Water Moccasin. These pit vipers all have similar physical features such as vertical or cat-like pupils and a special sensory pit located between each eye and nostril. Florida’s vipers are ahead of the rest, in a manner of speaking. The heads of these snakes tend to be larger, bulkier and more triangular-shaped than those not indigenous to the Sunshine State.

SOUTHERN COPPERHEAD Photo by: Michael Page

GENTLE GIANT
Florida’s Eastern Indigo (Drymarchon corais couperi) is the largest non-venomous snake found in the United States. Reaching lengths of more than 8 feet, this blackish-blue serpent has a unique way of capturing its prey. Unlike other snakes that constrict or inject venom to kill their victims, the Indigo snake will use its massive, heavy body to hold down prey. Once in position, the snake will consume its meal while it is still alive. 

Indigo’s aren’t finicky eaters and will try to swallow anything that’s small enough to fit in its mouth. Their diet consists of amphibians, small mammals, birds, and even fish. The Eastern Indigo’s shiny-smooth scales and gentle demeanor have gained it wide popularity, but over-collecting, loss of habitat, and more recently, an increase of vehicle-related deaths have placed this gentle giant on the endangered species list.

Resources for this article have been provided by Wikipedia, Florida Wildlife Control and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.