1. Snakes in Our Parks and Waterways By Adam Grayson, Allstate Resource Management

2. Introduction How often do you encounter snakes while either on the job, out at the park or even at your home? Chances are that you see them on a regular basis. Reptiles are an integral part of Florida’s eco- system that are more beneficial to our environment than we might know. Whether venomous or non-venomous, snakes are not malicious beings and would much rather be left alone then cross paths with us.

3. Can you identify me? Snakes are common in southern Florida. Of the 45 different kinds of snakes in Florida, only 6 are venomous! It is important for people in the field to distinguish the difference between venomous and non-venomous snakes.Snakes are common in southern Florida. Of the 45 different kinds of snakes in Florida, only 6 are venomous! It is important for people in the field to distinguish the difference between venomous and non-venomous snakes.

4. The common water snake - (Nerodia ssp.) Has a blunt, rounded head and circular pupil.Has a blunt, rounded head and circular pupil. Lack of distinguishable face markingsLack of distinguishable face markings Found all over Florida waterways this snake is VERY common and often mistaken for the now rare water moccasin.Found all over Florida waterways this snake is VERY common and often mistaken for the now rare water moccasin.

5. Venomous!! The water moccasin or cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) Head shape in a distinguishable triangle shapeHead shape in a distinguishable triangle shape Vertical pupil, head tilted up at 45* angle, even when swimming!Vertical pupil, head tilted up at 45* angle, even when swimming! White markings on face, pattern faded on back, has large facial heat-pitWhite markings on face, pattern faded on back, has large facial heat-pit

6. So, how do you tell the difference?* Water snake -Water snake - eyes can be seen from top of the head eyes can be seen from top of the head pupil is round, no facial pit between eye and nostrilpupil is round, no facial pit between eye and nostril top of head is relatively roundtop of head is relatively round Cottonmouth -Cottonmouth - eyes can’t be seen from top of headeyes can’t be seen from top of head pupil is vertical, has the heat- sensing pits (as do all new world “pit”-vipers)pupil is vertical, has the heat- sensing pits (as do all new world “pit”-vipers) top of head is relatively flattop of head is relatively flat *Pictures and text from the Florida Museum of Natural History’s website - www.flmnh.ufl.edu *Pictures and text from the Florida Museum of Natural History’s website - www.flmnh.ufl.edu

7. The kingsnake (Lampropeltis ssp.) Large (3-4’), non-venomous snake with a blunt head and round pupil that constricts it’s prey - other snakes!Large (3-4’), non-venomous snake with a blunt head and round pupil that constricts it’s prey - other snakes! There are several species of kingsnakes in Florida, and they can be found almost anywhere.There are several species of kingsnakes in Florida, and they can be found almost anywhere. Kingsnakes are generally pretty tolerant of human interaction, and are beneficial where they are found.Kingsnakes are generally pretty tolerant of human interaction, and are beneficial where they are found. The scarlet kingsnake (pictured on the right) mimics the venomous coral snake and shares the same habitat as well.The scarlet kingsnake (pictured on the right) mimics the venomous coral snake and shares the same habitat as well.

8. Pigmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius) One of the most common venomous snakes in Florida, it can be found almost anywhere!One of the most common venomous snakes in Florida, it can be found almost anywhere! Is distinguished from other snakes by the gray coloring with black blotches and red vertebral stripe.Is distinguished from other snakes by the gray coloring with black blotches and red vertebral stripe. Pigmies are some of the smallest rattlesnakes, reaching up to 24”.Pigmies are some of the smallest rattlesnakes, reaching up to 24”. Their lack of size is compensated by their potent venom and aggressive behavior.Their lack of size is compensated by their potent venom and aggressive behavior. Venomous!!

9. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) Largest rattlesnake in the world – having reached lengths exceeding 7 feet !Largest rattlesnake in the world – having reached lengths exceeding 7 feet ! It’s future is in danger due to habitat destruction and human interaction.It’s future is in danger due to habitat destruction and human interaction. Found mostly in rural areas, this snake will rattle it’s tail and stand it’s ground if provoked, and will strike only as a last resort.Found mostly in rural areas, this snake will rattle it’s tail and stand it’s ground if provoked, and will strike only as a last resort. Venomous!!

10. Rat Snakes and Corn Snakes (Elaphe ssp.) Long, slender colubrid snakes that ranges throughout Florida and can be found in many different color forms.Long, slender colubrid snakes that ranges throughout Florida and can be found in many different color forms. These snake’s main diet consists of rodents, which makes them good to have around!These snake’s main diet consists of rodents, which makes them good to have around! They are non-venomous, but can be aggressive and will bite if molested.They are non-venomous, but can be aggressive and will bite if molested.

11. Eastern Coral Snake (Micrurus fulvius) Belongs to the elapid family, which also includes cobras and kraits.Belongs to the elapid family, which also includes cobras and kraits. A shy, non-aggressive snake that lives mostly underground and hidden.A shy, non-aggressive snake that lives mostly underground and hidden. “Red touch yellow – Kill a fellow, Red touch black – OK Jack!”.“Red touch yellow – Kill a fellow, Red touch black – OK Jack!”. Venomous!!

12. In Summary…… I hope that this presentation helps you have a better understanding of our reptilian neighbors. Proper identification is important, but more so is the fact that snakes are a necessary part of our natural environment. I hope that this presentation helps you have a better understanding of our reptilian neighbors. Proper identification is important, but more so is the fact that snakes are a necessary part of our natural environment.