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In 2022 Escambia County Extension began the Snake Watch Project.  The objective of this project was to log which snakes people encounter when they are out and about, where they encountered them, and what time of year.  The purpose of this was to help educate new residents to the area what they most likely will [&#8230;]

In 2022 Escambia County Extension began the Snake Watch Project.  The objective of this project was to log which snakes people encounter when they are out and about, where they encountered them, and what time of year.  The purpose of this was to help educate new residents to the area what they most likely will encounter, where these snakes are often found, and what time of year.
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In 2022 there were 91 reports logging 21 of the 40 known species (53%).  The top three encountered species were (1) Southern Black Racer, (2) Cottonmouth, (3) Eastern Ribbon Snake.  All three were found in both the north and south ends of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
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In 2023 there were 215 reports (more people participating) logging 24 of the 40 known species (60%).  The top three encountered were (1) Cottonmouth, (2) Southern Black Racer, (3) Banded Water Snake.  Again, these were found across the bay area.
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As of the end of the 2nd quarter of 2024 there have been 112 reports logging 19 of the 40 known species (48%).  The top three encountered so far this year have been (1) Cottonmouth, (2) Southern Black Racer, (3) Banded Water Snake.  All three have been found throughout the bay area.
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Other species logged so far this year…
<ol>
<li>Small snakes (&lt;12”) – Rough earth snake, Florida red-bellied snake, Ring-necked snake.</li>
<li>Medium snakes (12-24”) – Scarlet snake, Rough green snake, Eastern ribbon snake, Eastern garter snake, Scarlet kingsnake.</li>
<li>Large snakes (&gt;24”) – Eastern kingsnake, Gray rat snake, Corn snake, Southern black racer, Eastern coachwhip.</li>
<li>Water snakes – Banded water snake, Gulf salt marsh snake, Eastern green water snake.</li>
<li>Venomous snakes – Cottonmouth, Eastern diamondback rattlesnake.</li>
<li>Exotic snakes – Brahminy blind snake.</li>
</ol>
Though most snakes in our area are nonvenomous, all will bite and residents should be cautious near them.  If you encounter a snake in Escambia or Santa Rosa counties and would like to submit a report, email the information and a photo to Rick O’Connor at <a href="mailto:roc1@ufl.edu">roc1@ufl.edu</a>.
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We will post the 3rd quarter update in October.

In 2022 Escambia County Extension began the Snake Watch Project.  The objective of this project was to log which snakes people encounter when they are out and about, where they encountered them, and what time of year.  The purpose of this was to help educate new residents to the area what they most likely will encounter, where these snakes are often found, and what time of year.
 
In 2022 there were 91 reports logging 21 of the 40 known species (53%).  The top three encountered species were (1) Southern Black Racer, (2) Cottonmouth, (3) Eastern Ribbon Snake.  All three were found in both the north and south ends of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
 
In 2023 there were 215 reports (more people participating) logging 24 of the 40 known species (60%).  The top three encountered were (1) Cottonmouth, (2) Southern Black Racer, (3) Banded Water Snake.  Again, these were found across the bay area.
 
As of the end of the 2nd quarter of 2024 there have been 112 reports logging 19 of the 40 known species (48%).  The top three encountered so far this year have been (1) Cottonmouth, (2) Southern Black Racer, (3) Banded Water Snake.  All three have been found throughout the bay area.
 
Other species logged so far this year…
Small snakes (<12”) – Rough earth snake, Florida red-bellied snake, Ring-necked snake.
Medium snakes (12-24”) – Scarlet snake, Rough green snake, Eastern ribbon snake, Eastern garter snake, Scarlet kingsnake.
Large snakes (>24”) – Eastern kingsnake, Gray rat snake, Corn snake, Southern black racer, Eastern coachwhip.
Water snakes – Banded water snake, Gulf salt marsh snake, Eastern green water snake.
Venomous snakes – Cottonmouth, Eastern diamondback rattlesnake.
Exotic snakes – Brahminy blind snake.
Though most snakes in our area are nonvenomous, all will bite and residents should be cautious near them.  If you encounter a snake in Escambia or Santa Rosa counties and would like to submit a report, email the information and a photo to Rick O’Connor at roc1@ufl.edu.
 
We will post the 3rd quarter update in October.

In 2022 Escambia County Extension began the Snake Watch Project.  The objective of this project was to log which snakes people encounter when they are out and about, where they encountered them, and what time of year.  The purpose of this was to help educate new residents to the area what they most likely will […]

2024 Snake Watch 2nd Quarter Update

It’s warm here in northwest Florida, which means our cold-blooded reptile friends are on the move. In the last few weeks, I’ve seen a snake at work, one at home, and received snake photos from my neighbors&#8217; and parents’ yards. A fear of snakes seems to be both innate and passed down from one generation [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_39705" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39705" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/06/rat-snake-11.jpg"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class="size-medium wp-image-39705 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/06/rat-snake-11-225x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39705" class="wp-caption-text">A red rat snake, or corn snake, slithers through the grass at a home in Pensacola. Photo credit: Cole Stevenson</figcaption></figure>
It’s warm here in northwest Florida, which means our cold-blooded reptile friends are on the move. In the last few weeks, I’ve seen a snake at work, one at home, and received snake photos from my neighbors&#8217; and parents’ yards. A fear of snakes seems to be both innate and passed down from one generation to the next. Cryptic by nature, snakes often surprise us when they appear in our path. Their lack of arms and legs feels creepy to us four-limbed mammals, and when you add in the fact that some of them are venomous, it’s a recipe for conflict. If I had a quarter for every time somebody told me, “the only good snake is a dead snake,” I could retire tomorrow.
So, I’m here to make the case for keeping good snakes alive. If you have spent any time around my colleague <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/2023/12/14/2023-pensacola-bay-snake-watch-annual-report/">Rick O’Connor</a>, you know he’s forever picking them up and singing their praises. It’s unlikely that you’ll catch me picking a snake up, but I’m definitely a fan of these fascinating creatures.
<figure id="attachment_39707" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39707" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/06/Red-Cornsnake-Gray-Ratsnake-1024x512-Juvenile-Red-Cornsnake.-Photo-courtesy-of-Todd-Pierson.jpg"><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-39707 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="150" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/06/Red-Cornsnake-Gray-Ratsnake-1024x512-Juvenile-Red-Cornsnake.-Photo-courtesy-of-Todd-Pierson-300x150.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39707" class="wp-caption-text">Juvenile red rat/corn snake and a gray rat snake. Photos from the UF Snake ID guide, courtesy of Todd Pierson and Luke Smith.</figcaption></figure>
Half the battle towards conquering a fear of snakes is knowing what you’re looking at. If you can recognize some of the <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/uw258">most common nonvenomous snakes</a> and realize which one is in your yard, it’ll take the edge off that first shot of adrenaline. The ones I hear of and see most frequently are <a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/florida-snake-id/snake/common-gartersnake/">garter snakes</a>, <a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/florida-snake-id/snake/north-american-racer/">black racers</a>, and rat snakes. Rat snakes often have diamond patterned skin, but with practice it is easy to differentiate them from anything with venom. The Florida Museum of Natural History website has a really well done <a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/florida-snake-id/">web-based snake identification guide</a> categorized by pattern and using excellent photos.
<figure id="attachment_39703" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39703" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/06/rat-snake-3.jpg"><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-39703 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/06/rat-snake-3-225x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39703" class="wp-caption-text">A gray rat snake hiding out on a tractor. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension</figcaption></figure>
Members of the genus Pantherophis are more commonly known as the <a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/florida-snake-id/snake/gray-ratsnake/">gray rat snake</a>, (Pantherophis spiloides), <a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/florida-snake-id/snake/red-cornsnake/">red rat snake, aka corn snake</a> (P. guttatus) and the <a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/florida-snake-id/snake/red-cornsnake/">Eastern or yellow rat snake</a> (P. alleghaniensis). We see few Eastern rat snakes in the western Panhandle, but they often interbreed with the gray and red varieties. Full grown, ray rat snakes can grow to be anywhere from 3 to 7 feet long, whereas red rat snakes are usually no more than 4 feet.
Rat snakes are docile, with eye-catching color patterns. I recently came across a gray rat snake curled around a tractor tire at the 4-H property in Barrineau Park. Six of us were standing around within a few feet of it, but the snake ignored us, slowly winding its way around the equipment. At midday, it was resting in the shade and conserving energy. My kids and parents also had an interaction with a rat snake recently. As my son walked through his grandparents’ garage, he stepped on something “squishy” that felt like a hose or rope. To his surprise, it was a large red corn snake, lying right at the threshold of their door. Even after being stepped on, it was alert but not aggressive, slowly finding an escape route into the yard. Snakes generally avoid conflict when given the chance to leave on their own.
<figure id="attachment_39709" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39709" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/06/rat-snake-10.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-39709 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/06/rat-snake-10-225x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39709" class="wp-caption-text">A healthy red rat snake in my parents&#8217; garage fled at the sight of humans. Photo credit: Cole Stevenson</figcaption></figure>
As their name implies, rat snakes are known for feeding on rats and mice. They perform an important community service, if you will, keeping the population of vermin in check. They also eat insects, frogs, and birds. Rat snakes are constrictors, but will eat smaller prey whole and alive.
Snakes play an important role in the ecosystem, serving as both predator and prey for many animals. They are in the business of hiding most of the time, and would rather not see people. If you do have a lot of unwanted snake interactions on your property, there are several <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW260">things you can do to reduce their likelihood</a>, like sealing gaps in buildings where snakes can hide and keeping brush piles well away from a home. But the easiest thing is to observe them from a distance and let them go about their day. While any wild animal will bite in self-defense, the odds of being bitten very low if you don’t harass or try to pick one up!

A red rat snake, or corn snake, slithers through the grass at a home in Pensacola. Photo credit: Cole Stevenson
It’s warm here in northwest Florida, which means our cold-blooded reptile friends are on the move. In the last few weeks, I’ve seen a snake at work, one at home, and received snake photos from my neighbors’ and parents’ yards. A fear of snakes seems to be both innate and passed down from one generation to the next. Cryptic by nature, snakes often surprise us when they appear in our path. Their lack of arms and legs feels creepy to us four-limbed mammals, and when you add in the fact that some of them are venomous, it’s a recipe for conflict. If I had a quarter for every time somebody told me, “the only good snake is a dead snake,” I could retire tomorrow.
So, I’m here to make the case for keeping good snakes alive. If you have spent any time around my colleague Rick O’Connor, you know he’s forever picking them up and singing their praises. It’s unlikely that you’ll catch me picking a snake up, but I’m definitely a fan of these fascinating creatures.
Juvenile red rat/corn snake and a gray rat snake. Photos from the UF Snake ID guide, courtesy of Todd Pierson and Luke Smith.
Half the battle towards conquering a fear of snakes is knowing what you’re looking at. If you can recognize some of the most common nonvenomous snakes and realize which one is in your yard, it’ll take the edge off that first shot of adrenaline. The ones I hear of and see most frequently are garter snakes, black racers, and rat snakes. Rat snakes often have diamond patterned skin, but with practice it is easy to differentiate them from anything with venom. The Florida Museum of Natural History website has a really well done web-based snake identification guide categorized by pattern and using excellent photos.
A gray rat snake hiding out on a tractor. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension
Members of the genus Pantherophis are more commonly known as the gray rat snake, (Pantherophis spiloides), red rat snake, aka corn snake (P. guttatus) and the Eastern or yellow rat snake (P. alleghaniensis). We see few Eastern rat snakes in the western Panhandle, but they often interbreed with the gray and red varieties. Full grown, ray rat snakes can grow to be anywhere from 3 to 7 feet long, whereas red rat snakes are usually no more than 4 feet.
Rat snakes are docile, with eye-catching color patterns. I recently came across a gray rat snake curled around a tractor tire at the 4-H property in Barrineau Park. Six of us were standing around within a few feet of it, but the snake ignored us, slowly winding its way around the equipment. At midday, it was resting in the shade and conserving energy. My kids and parents also had an interaction with a rat snake recently. As my son walked through his grandparents’ garage, he stepped on something “squishy” that felt like a hose or rope. To his surprise, it was a large red corn snake, lying right at the threshold of their door. Even after being stepped on, it was alert but not aggressive, slowly finding an escape route into the yard. Snakes generally avoid conflict when given the chance to leave on their own.
A healthy red rat snake in my parents’ garage fled at the sight of humans. Photo credit: Cole Stevenson
As their name implies, rat snakes are known for feeding on rats and mice. They perform an important community service, if you will, keeping the population of vermin in check. They also eat insects, frogs, and birds. Rat snakes are constrictors, but will eat smaller prey whole and alive.
Snakes play an important role in the ecosystem, serving as both predator and prey for many animals. They are in the business of hiding most of the time, and would rather not see people. If you do have a lot of unwanted snake interactions on your property, there are several things you can do to reduce their likelihood, like sealing gaps in buildings where snakes can hide and keeping brush piles well away from a home. But the easiest thing is to observe them from a distance and let them go about their day. While any wild animal will bite in self-defense, the odds of being bitten very low if you don’t harass or try to pick one up!

It’s warm here in northwest Florida, which means our cold-blooded reptile friends are on the move. In the last few weeks, I’ve seen a snake at work, one at home, and received snake photos from my neighbors’ and parents’ yards. A fear of snakes seems to be both innate and passed down from one generation […]

Weekly “What is it?”: Rat snakes

Snakes are an integral part of Florida&#8217;s healthy, well-functioning ecosystems. They help balance populations of rodents and other small mammals, reptiles, insects, and amphibians. Some snakes even eat other snakes, as well as some of our non-native and invasive animal species too! Whether venomous or non-venomous, these serpents have also come to be the source [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_31317" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-31317" style="width: 335px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2024/06/IMG_1711-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-31317" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2024/06/IMG_1711-300x200.jpg" alt="An up close image of an eastern diamond back rattlesnake's back and rattle." width="335" height="223" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-31317" class="wp-caption-text">Eastern diamondback rattlesnake and rattle. Photo: Dr. Katherine Clements.</figcaption></figure>
Snakes are an integral part of Florida&#8217;s healthy, well-functioning ecosystems. They help balance populations of rodents and other small mammals, reptiles, insects, and amphibians. Some snakes even eat other snakes, as well as some of our non-native and invasive animal species too!
Whether venomous or non-venomous, these serpents have also come to be the source of intense fear and aversion. With increased awareness, greater education, and an understanding of snake safety precautions, some of that fear can be replaced with knowledge, empowerment, and respect for these unique animals.
In part two of this two-part <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/tag/venomous-snakes-srq/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blog series</a>, learn what to do when you encounter a venomous snake, and best practices for staying safe and preventing negative interactions with both venomous and non-venomous snake species. Head over to <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/2024/06/10/wild-srq-venomous-snakes-p1/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">part one</a> of this series to learn how to identify Florida&#8217;s venomous snake species.
Learn about common non-venomous snake species found in Sarasota County, as well as a variety of other wildlife by reading other blogs in our <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/tag/wild-sarasota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wild Sarasota blog series</a>, or explore all the topics on our <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasota/natural-resources/ecology-and-natural-resources/florida-wildlife/">Florida Wildlife webpage</a>.
<h3>Snake Encounters</h3>
<figure id="attachment_30173" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-30173" style="width: 241px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2024/05/Untitled-design-2.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-30173" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2024/05/Untitled-design-2-300x300.png" alt="A split image with a sign on top that reads &quot;do not disturb&quot;, and a sign with a red, scross out symbol over a gun and a knife." width="241" height="241" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-30173" class="wp-caption-text">Image created using Canva.</figcaption></figure>
If you do encounter a <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/2024/06/10/wild-srq-venomous-snakes-p1/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">venomous snake</a>, it is best to stay calm, keep your eyes on it, and steadily back away from the snake. Snakes are generally not aggressive and will not attack unless they feel disturbed, threatened,  or cornered. Biting or attacking makes them vulnerable and puts them at risk of mortal injury, as they are soft bodied, do not have claws, and are prey for several species of other wildlife. They would prefer to stay concealed or escape. When hiking, do not step over or walk past venomous snakes- allow them plenty of space and a clear path to escape or continue along their way. If you must continue walking, find a safe route that places as much distance between you and the snake as possible.
When you attempt to kill, catch, pick up, handle, or trap a snake, you are placing yourself at a significantly greater risk of being bitten! Snakes are incredibly strong and can have over 2 times as many muscles in their body as we do. Some snakes, like the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake, can even strike 2/3 the length of its body (Florida Museum, n.d.). These combined factors mean that a snake could bite you much faster than you think when you attempt to handle or kill it. Additionally, snakes are important for Florida&#8217;s ecosystems, and are often cruelly killed. Many harmless, non-venomous snakes lose their lives as a result of improper identification.
<hr />
<h3>What to Do if Bitten?</h3>
<figure id="attachment_30179" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-30179" style="width: 341px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2024/05/camilo-jimenez-vGu08RYjO-s-unsplash-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-30179" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2024/05/camilo-jimenez-vGu08RYjO-s-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="An image of an ambulance moving fast, with a blurred background." width="341" height="227" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-30179" class="wp-caption-text">Photo: Camilo Jimenez, Unsplash</figcaption></figure>
If you are bitten by a snake, it is safest to treat all snake bites as a venomous snake bite, and seek immediate medical attention. Antivenom (antivenin) is the best treatment for venomous snake bites, and medical professionals and establishments have the equipment necessary to support snake bite victims&#8217; vital functions.
Put distance between yourself and the snake. Do not approach it, touch it, or pick it up, but try to remember the species&#8217; coloration and patterning. Staying calm and as still as possible, with the bitten extremity below the heart will help keep the venom from circulating around the body faster. Remove any jewelry or clothing that may restrict blood flow in a swollen extremity.
DO NOT:
<ul>
<li>Apply a tourniquet</li>
<li>Apply ice to the wound</li>
<li>Cut the wound open</li>
<li>Attempt to suck out the venom</li>
<li>Ingest medications, stimulants, or alcohol</li>
<li>Panic, walk fast, run, or drive frantically</li>
</ul>
The speed and severity with which symptoms develop can vary widely based on type and amount of venom injected, sometimes occurring even days after the initial bite. Never delay seeking emergency medical care, even if you do not initially feel any symptoms.
<hr />
<h3>Safety and Prevention</h3>
<figure id="attachment_30175" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-30175" style="width: 330px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2024/05/ronaldo-de-oliveira-BCT5UADccSg-unsplash-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-30175" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2024/05/ronaldo-de-oliveira-BCT5UADccSg-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="An image pg a person hiking through a forest with boots and long pants on." width="330" height="220" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-30175" class="wp-caption-text">Photo: Ronaldo de Oliveira, Unsplash.</figcaption></figure>
Worried about encountering a <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/2024/06/10/wild-srq-venomous-snakes-p1/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">venomous snake</a>? Here are a few guidelines for staying safe and reducing your risk of having a negative interaction with a snake:
<ul>
<li>Never approach, corner, or attempt to catch, trap, kill, agitate, or pick up a wild snake- even bites from non-venomous species can be unpleasant and cause infection or allergic reactions.</li>
<li>Educate yourself and your children about the venomous and non-venomous snake species in your area, and how to behave around snakes.</li>
<li>When hiking, walking, or playing outdoors:
<ul>
<li>Wear long pants and shoes/boots that cover your feet and ankles.</li>
<li>Stay on trails/avoid walking through areas with tall grass and brush that prevents you from seeing what is on the ground.</li>
<li>Do not reach your hands or feet into cracks and crevices or on top of rocks, tree branches, and other areas where you cannot see clearly/fully.</li>
<li>Step on top of logs rather than over.</li>
<li>Use a trekking pole or walking stick to navigate through tall grass/brush.
<figure id="attachment_31351" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-31351" style="width: 200px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2024/06/IMG_1912-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-31351 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="An image of an overturned wheelbarrow in a grassy yard, witch an elongated eastern diamondback rattlesnake slithering away." width="200" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2024/06/IMG_1912-200x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-31351" class="wp-caption-text">Photo: Dr. Katherine Clements.</figcaption></figure></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>In and around the home:
<ul>
<li>Keep your yard clear of wood and debris piles, abandoned vehicles, overturned wheelbarrows, tools, etc.</li>
<li>Seal entry and exit holes/structural damage.</li>
<li><a href="https://youtu.be/upuyt0htPKM?si=EnYhaFhDM19aWI_s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reduce sources of food, shelter, and water for rodents.</a></li>
<li>Avoid crawlspaces, beneath porches, other dark, sheltered, cluttered areas.</li>
<li>Exercise caution when gardening, doing yard work, or other maintenance and outdoor tasks around a home or property.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h3>Learn More</h3>
<ul>
<li>Dive deeper into Florida&#8217;s venomous snake species and their lookalikes, and view more images with this full-length webinar</li>
</ul>
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Wild Sarasota: Florida&#039;s Venomous Snakes" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V4lMyac6pcE?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<ul>
<li>Read <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/2024/06/10/wild-srq-venomous-snakes-p1/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">part one of this series</a> to learn how to identify Florida&#8217;s venomous snake species</li>
<li>UF/IFAS EDIS Document: <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/uw229" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Recognizing Florida&#8217;s Venomous Snakes</a></li>
<li>Florida Museum: <a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/florida-snake-id/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Identify a Florida Snake</a></li>
<li>UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Johnson Lab: <a href="https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/snakes/florida.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Florida&#8217;s Snakes</a></li>
</ul>
Learn about <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasota/natural-resources/ecology-and-natural-resources/florida-wildlife/#snakesHed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">common non-venomous snakes found in Sarasota.</a>
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Wild Sarasota: Common Backyard Snakes of Florida" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3klbnlx7l0k?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/tag/wild-sarasota/">Read all our Wild Sarasota blogs HERE.</a>
<hr />
<h3>Sources</h3>
<ul>
<li>Petty, M. (2019, September 4). How Not to Identify a Venomous Snake. Medium. https://medium.com/natural-world</li>
<li>Florida Museum. (n.d.). Florida Snake ID Guide- Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnake. Florida Museum. https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/florida-snake-id/snake/eastern-diamond-backed-rattlesnake/</li>
</ul>

Eastern diamondback rattlesnake and rattle. Photo: Dr. Katherine Clements.
Snakes are an integral part of Florida’s healthy, well-functioning ecosystems. They help balance populations of rodents and other small mammals, reptiles, insects, and amphibians. Some snakes even eat other snakes, as well as some of our non-native and invasive animal species too!
Whether venomous or non-venomous, these serpents have also come to be the source of intense fear and aversion. With increased awareness, greater education, and an understanding of snake safety precautions, some of that fear can be replaced with knowledge, empowerment, and respect for these unique animals.
In part two of this two-part blog series, learn what to do when you encounter a venomous snake, and best practices for staying safe and preventing negative interactions with both venomous and non-venomous snake species. Head over to part one of this series to learn how to identify Florida’s venomous snake species.
Learn about common non-venomous snake species found in Sarasota County, as well as a variety of other wildlife by reading other blogs in our Wild Sarasota blog series, or explore all the topics on our Florida Wildlife webpage.
Snake Encounters
Image created using Canva.
If you do encounter a venomous snake, it is best to stay calm, keep your eyes on it, and steadily back away from the snake. Snakes are generally not aggressive and will not attack unless they feel disturbed, threatened,  or cornered. Biting or attacking makes them vulnerable and puts them at risk of mortal injury, as they are soft bodied, do not have claws, and are prey for several species of other wildlife. They would prefer to stay concealed or escape. When hiking, do not step over or walk past venomous snakes- allow them plenty of space and a clear path to escape or continue along their way. If you must continue walking, find a safe route that places as much distance between you and the snake as possible.
When you attempt to kill, catch, pick up, handle, or trap a snake, you are placing yourself at a significantly greater risk of being bitten! Snakes are incredibly strong and can have over 2 times as many muscles in their body as we do. Some snakes, like the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake, can even strike 2/3 the length of its body (Florida Museum, n.d.). These combined factors mean that a snake could bite you much faster than you think when you attempt to handle or kill it. Additionally, snakes are important for Florida’s ecosystems, and are often cruelly killed. Many harmless, non-venomous snakes lose their lives as a result of improper identification.
What to Do if Bitten?
Photo: Camilo Jimenez, Unsplash
If you are bitten by a snake, it is safest to treat all snake bites as a venomous snake bite, and seek immediate medical attention. Antivenom (antivenin) is the best treatment for venomous snake bites, and medical professionals and establishments have the equipment necessary to support snake bite victims’ vital functions.
Put distance between yourself and the snake. Do not approach it, touch it, or pick it up, but try to remember the species’ coloration and patterning. Staying calm and as still as possible, with the bitten extremity below the heart will help keep the venom from circulating around the body faster. Remove any jewelry or clothing that may restrict blood flow in a swollen extremity.
DO NOT:
Apply a tourniquet
Apply ice to the wound
Cut the wound open
Attempt to suck out the venom
Ingest medications, stimulants, or alcohol
Panic, walk fast, run, or drive frantically
The speed and severity with which symptoms develop can vary widely based on type and amount of venom injected, sometimes occurring even days after the initial bite. Never delay seeking emergency medical care, even if you do not initially feel any symptoms.
Safety and Prevention
Photo: Ronaldo de Oliveira, Unsplash.
Worried about encountering a venomous snake? Here are a few guidelines for staying safe and reducing your risk of having a negative interaction with a snake:
Never approach, corner, or attempt to catch, trap, kill, agitate, or pick up a wild snake- even bites from non-venomous species can be unpleasant and cause infection or allergic reactions.
Educate yourself and your children about the venomous and non-venomous snake species in your area, and how to behave around snakes.
When hiking, walking, or playing outdoors:

Wear long pants and shoes/boots that cover your feet and ankles.
Stay on trails/avoid walking through areas with tall grass and brush that prevents you from seeing what is on the ground.
Do not reach your hands or feet into cracks and crevices or on top of rocks, tree branches, and other areas where you cannot see clearly/fully.
Step on top of logs rather than over.
Use a trekking pole or walking stick to navigate through tall grass/brush.
Photo: Dr. Katherine Clements.
In and around the home:

Keep your yard clear of wood and debris piles, abandoned vehicles, overturned wheelbarrows, tools, etc.
Seal entry and exit holes/structural damage.
Reduce sources of food, shelter, and water for rodents.
Avoid crawlspaces, beneath porches, other dark, sheltered, cluttered areas.
Exercise caution when gardening, doing yard work, or other maintenance and outdoor tasks around a home or property.
Learn More
Dive deeper into Florida’s venomous snake species and their lookalikes, and view more images with this full-length webinar

Read part one of this series to learn how to identify Florida’s venomous snake species
UF/IFAS EDIS Document: Recognizing Florida’s Venomous Snakes
Florida Museum: Identify a Florida Snake
UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Johnson Lab: Florida’s Snakes
Learn about common non-venomous snakes found in Sarasota.

Read all our Wild Sarasota blogs HERE.
Sources
Petty, M. (2019, September 4). How Not to Identify a Venomous Snake. Medium. https://medium.com/natural-world
Florida Museum. (n.d.). Florida Snake ID Guide- Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnake. Florida Museum. https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/florida-snake-id/snake/eastern-diamond-backed-rattlesnake/

Snakes are an integral part of Florida’s healthy, well-functioning ecosystems. They help balance populations of rodents and other small mammals, reptiles, insects, and amphibians. Some snakes even eat other snakes, as well as some of our non-native and invasive animal species too! Whether venomous or non-venomous, these serpents have also come to be the source […]

Wild Sarasota: Venomous Snakes Part 2

Wildlife

Vida Silvestre

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Dealing with Snakes in Florida's Residential Areas series

This series of four fact sheets helps teachers and parents protect children from potentially hazardous interactions with venomous snakes in Florida. Written with Florida public schools in mind, private schools, child daycare centers, and homeowners will also find this information useful, including:
<ol>
<li>information that schools can provide to concerned parents</li> 
<li>steps schools can take to discourage snakes from entering school property</li>
<li>a brief educational program teachers can present to students</li>
<li>an action plan telling what to do in the event a child is bitten by a venomous snake, and</li>
<li>a guide to assist in recognizing venomous snakes in Florida.</li></ol>
<h2>Related websites</h2>
<ul><li><a href="http://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/dealing_with_snakes.shtml">UF Wildlife: Dealing with Snakes</a></li></ul>

Dealing with Venomous Snakes in Florida School Yards series

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UF/IFAS Extension Initiative 3: Natural Resources and Environmental Quality

The complex of climatic, soil and biotic factors that act upon an organism or ecological community and ultimately determine its form and survival. [<a href="https://lod.nal.usda.gov/nalt/26877">NALT</a>]

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Venomous Snakes and Lizards of New Mexico

Wildlife of Florida Factsheet: Eastern Indigo Snake

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