1. Venomous Snakes of the Southeast: Identification, Safety and Exclusion
Dr. Steve A. Johnson
University of Florida / IFAS - Plant City Center
Website:
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Sincerely,
Steve

2. 45 Native Species in Florida
Eastern Garter Snake
Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
Corn Snake
Pine Woods Snake
There are 45 species of native snakes in Florida. They occur in a great variety of habitats, from suburban neighborhoods to undisturbed swamps. They range in size from about 8 inches to 8 feet in length. Only six of them are venomous and pose a potential threat to people and pets.
There are several species of non-native snakes established in the state, most prominent of which is the Burmese Python, which has become established in the Everglades through release of unwanted pets by irresponsible pet owners.
Most of Florida’s native snakes are harmless, non-venomous species. To ensure your personal safety and the safety of your family, friends, and pets it is not necessary to be able to identify all 45 species. You only need to be able to recognize the dangerous ones.
Nonetheless, unless you are 100% sure of the identity of a snake, the best practice is to leave all snakes alone to play their important roles in Florida’s natural ecology.

3. Snakes Play Important Roles in Florida’s Ecosystems
Non-venomous Brown Watersnake eating a fish
John Jensen photo
Sallie Rich photo
Red-shouldered Hawk eating a snake
Non-venomous Black Racer eating a Leopard Frog
Snakes are important to the Florida environment. Snakes are eaten by many animals, including alligators, hawks, and wading birds -- to name a few. Snakes also eat small animals, such as mice and rats, insects, lizards, frogs, and other snakes. As such, they are crucial links in aquatic and terrestrial food webs. This cycle of eating some animals and being eaten by others is part of the balance of nature. If we respect nature, we need to respect all the animals that live in nature, including snakes. Snakes are an important component of Florida’s wildlife and need to be understood and treated with respect.

4. Some Threats to Snakes Habitat loss! Road mortality! Persecution!
It is not easy being a snake. Snakes face many threats--their biggest is people and the expanding human population in Florida. Because of the great expansion of Florida’s human population, natural habitats required by snakes have been converted to neighborhoods, shopping centers, and other developments. This is the biggest threat to snakes in Florida—habitat loss.
With population growth comes an ever-expanding system of roads, which fragment natural habitats. Roads are a serious source of mortality for snakes and other wildlife.
Furthermore, many people don’t like snakes and feel the “only good snake is a dead snake.” This unwarranted persecution is often a result of lack of education. There is no excuse for killing non-venomous snakes, as they pose absolutely no threat to people.
Snakes are not aggressive by nature. They almost always flee if they feel threatened. But when they are corned or there is no easy escape route they will defend themselves.
(The dead snake in the picture is a Pygmy Rattlesnake that was run over by a truck. You can see the rear legs of a leopard frog near the smashed head of the snake.)

5. Only 6 Venomous Species (Only 4 in Central and South Florida)
Copperhead
Cottonmouth
Coral Snake
Diamond-backed Rattlesnake
Pygmy Rattlesnake
Timber Rattlesnake
There are only six species of venomous snakes in Florida, and only 4 of the six occur south of Gainesville. Thus, throughout the vast majority of Florida’s peninsula there are only four species that are cause for concern. These species are shown in red text on the slide.
Florida’s six venomous species include 5 that are pit vipers; 3 of these are rattlesnakes. The sixth species (Eastern Coral Snake) is in the scientific snake family called Elapidae, which also includes the Cobras, sea snakes, and their relatives.
To ensure your safety around snakes, it is only necessary to learn how to recognize the venomous snakes in your area. However, it is best to leave all snakes alone unless you are 100% certain of a snake’s identity.
Venomous snakes are not normally aggressive. Like non-venomous snakes, they bite to capture prey and to defend themselves when necessary.
However, all six species of venomous snakes in Florida carry a potent venom and are therefore potentially dangerous. They should be treated with the utmost respect.

6. Characteristics of Venomous Pit Vipers
Thick, blocky head with obvious neck
Thick-bodied for their length
Relatively short, thick tail
Heat-sensitive pit on side of face
Complete scales on underside of tail
Keeled scales (in some non-venomous too)
Often a dark facial band from eye to corner of jaw
Elliptical pupil
Harmless
Venomous
Keeled scales
Smooth scales
Vent
Tail scales
complete divided
Venomous
Florida’s 6 species of pit vipers all share some common features that can aid in their identification. The characteristics listed on the slide do not pertain to Coral Snakes.
Foremost, is the presence of a heat sensitive pit on the side of the head. This small hole lies between the eye and the nostril. DO NOT attempt to get close enough to a live snake to see the pit!!! (See the picture on the slide)
All Florida’s pit vipers are stout bodied snakes. They are quite thick for their length. They have a thick, blocky head with an obvious neck, which gives their head a triangular shape. Some harmless snakes will flatten their heads as a defense posture, giving their head a triangular shape temporarily. There is often a dark line from the eye to the corner of the jaw in Florida’s pit vipers.
Our pit vipers also have relatively short, thick tails. The scales on the underside of the tail of our pit vipers run uninterrupted across the entire ventral surface of the tail. Each scale on the underside of the tails of our non-venomous species only goes halfway across the ventral surface of the tail (see the picture on the slide)
All our pit vipers have a rough-looking appearance because they have a ridge, called a ‘ keel’, down the center of each dorsal scale. Some non-venomous species have keeled scales too, however.
The vipers also have elliptical pupils, but this may be difficult to see. This character, like the tail scales and facial pit should not be looked for in live snakes. However, these features can be used for dead (be sure it is very dead) snakes.
Harmless

7. Cottonmouth / Water Moccasin
Adult Cottonmouth
Steve A. Johnson photo
Juvenile Cottonmouth
US Geological Survey photo
Venomous Snakes in Florida (Cottonmouth)
The Cottonmouth is the most aquatic of Florida’s venomous snakes and occurs throughout the state. Although they may exceed five feet in length, most adult Cottonmouths observed in Florida are about three feet long. This species prefers the margins of lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Adults are dark-colored and may have a faint cross-band pattern or be a uniform black. The eye is camouflaged by a broad, dark, facial stripe that runs from the eye to the back of the head. When threatened, Cottonmouths often coil their body and open their mouths wide, revealing the cotton-white interior. Young Cottonmouths are more brightly colored with reddish-brown cross-bands and a yellow-colored tail tip. When young they look very similar to the Copperhead. Cottonmouths do not have a rattle.
(Refer to the documents included on the snake education CD for more information on Cottonmouths.)
Several species of harmless water snakes are often mistaken as Cottonmouths and should not be inadvertently killed. Although water snakes are not venomous, they tend to be aggressive and quick to bite. To avoid confusion and the potential for being bitten, it is best to leave all water snakes alone.
Note: the range maps show the locations in Florida where each species is found in appropriate habitat. The Cottonmouth, for example, is found around wetlands, lakes, ditches, ponds, etc. throughout the state.
Distribution in Florida:
Entire State

8. Non-venomous Watersnakes (NOT Moccasins)
Banded Watersnakes
Brown Watersnake
Florida Green Watersnake
There are several species of water snakes (genus Nerodia) in Florida that can be confused with Cottonmouths, and frequently people assume that any dark snake in the water is a “moccasin.” Water snakes are not venomous, although they will readily bite and emit a foul-smelling musk if handled. They have many tiny, sharp teeth and bacteria in their mouths, so a bite from these non-venomous snakes needs to be treated, possibly with antibiotics. Like Cottonmouths, these snakes have keeled scales, which gives them a rough-looking appearance. Banded Water Snakes often are very dark in color, like Cottonmouths. Unlike Cottonmouths though, water snakes do not have blocky heads or heat-sensitive pits on their faces. They also are not as thick-bodied as Cottonmouths. However, when threatened they will puff up with air and flatten their heads and bodies to look more intimidating to would-be predators. When they do this, their bodies look thick and their heads take on a triangular appearance (see image in bottom right on slide).
With practice it is easy to differentiate between harmless water snakes and potentially dangerous Cottonmouths. Nonetheless, the best practice is simply to give a wide berth to all snakes found near water.
These snakes are often persecuted as Moccasins.
They are harmless!!!

9. Distribution in Florida:
Copperhead
US Geological Survey photo
US Geological Survey photo
Distribution in Florida:
Panhandle
Venomous Snakes In Florida (Copperhead)
In Florida, Copperheads only occur in a small area of the Panhandle just west of Tallahassee, primarily along the Apalachicola River and its tributaries. Copperheads prefer to remain near streams and wet areas. A full grown Copperhead is usually less than three feet long. Copperheads are relatively thick-bodied with bold markings. The general body color of these snakes is light brown to gray, and there are large bands of darker brown along their backs. Because of constrictions in the darker bands along the center of the backs of this species, the darker bands have an hourglass shape. The alternating pattern of lighter and darker bands provides Copperheads with exceptional camouflage in the forested areas where they live. Young Copperheads look very similar to adults, but the tips of their tails are yellowish in color.
(Refer to the documents included on the snake education CD for more information on Copperheads.)

10. Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnake
US Geological Survey photo
US Geological Survey photo
Venomous snakes in Florida (Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnake)
The Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnake is Florida’s largest venomous snake and may exceed 6 feet in length. It occurs throughout Florida in a variety of dry habitats, such as pinelands and scrub, and occasionally enters golf courses. Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnakes have bold markings down their back that include a row of large dark diamonds with brown centers and cream-colored borders. Their tail ends in a rattle, which is sometimes used to make a loud buzzing sound when the snake feels threatened. Some individuals may not rattle, even when they are poised to strike. The large, thick head has a light-bordered dark stripe running diagonally through the eye to the rear of the jaw. The scales of this species are strongly keeled, giving these snakes a rough appearance. The young are similar to the adults in color pattern.
(Refer to the documents included on the snake education CD for more information on Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnakes.)
Distribution in Florida: Entire State

11. Timber Rattlesnake Distribution in Florida: North Florida & Panhandle
Steve Johnson photo
Steve Johnson photo
Venomous snakes in Florida (Timber Rattlesnake)
The Timber Rattlesnake (aka the Canebrake Rattlesnake) has a relatively small range in the state; they are only found in northern Florida as far south as Gainesville and in limited areas of the Panhandle. This species prefers moist pinelands, river bottomlands, and hammocks. Timber Rattlesnakes can grow to five feet or slightly longer. These snakes have a pinkish-gray to tan body color with prominent, irregular-shaped, dark marks and bands. A reddish-brown striped runs along the middle of the back of Timber Rattlesnakes. The tail of the species is dark brown or black and ends with a large rattle. Timber Rattlesnakes have a large, thick head and there may be a band from the eye to the rear of the head. The scales of this species are strongly keeled, giving these snakes a rough appearance. The young are similar to the adults in color pattern.
(Refer to the documents included on the snake education CD for more information on Timber Rattlesnake.)
Distribution in Florida:
North Florida & Panhandle

12. Distribution in Florida: Entire State
Pygmy Rattlesnake
US Geological Survey photo
US Geological Survey photo
Venomous snakes in Florida (Pygmy Rattlesnake)
Pygmy Rattlesnakes are the smallest of Florida’s venomous snakes. Adults rarely exceed 20 inches in length. Pygmy Rattlesnakes range throughout the state and occur in many different habitats that include pine flatwoods, oak scrub, open pinelands, and palm hammocks. This is one of the most commonly encountered venomous snakes and occasionally is found in residential neighborhoods. They have a dark band from the eye the rear of the jaw. Their bodies are covered with numerous dark blotches. There is a row of darker blotches running down the middle of the snake’s back. Usually a series of reddish-brown marks can be seen between the blotches on the back. The rattle on the tip of the tail of this species is so small that is cannot be heard even when shaken vigorously by the snake. Pygmy Rattlesnakes are bold and will often hold their ground if approached. They will bob their head and strike into the air if they feel threatened.
(Refer to the documents included on the snake education CD for more information on Pygmy Rattlesnakes.)
Distribution in Florida: Entire State

13. Distribution in Florida: Entire State
Coral Snake
Steve A. Johnson photo
Steve A. Johnson photo
Venomous snakes in Florida (Coral Snake)
Coral Snakes occur in many types of habitats throughout the state but are seldom encountered because they are quite secretive and spend much of their lives underground. They are rarely longer than 36 inches and are usually no bigger around than a quarter. Coral Snakes are identified by the alternating bands of black, yellow, and red that give this species its bold appearance. The head of a Coral Snake has a blunt, black snout followed by a band of yellow.
(Refer to the documents included on the snake education CD for more information on Coral Snakes.)
Distribution in Florida: Entire State

14. Coral Snake and Non-venomous Look-alikes
Steve A. Johnson photo
Coral Snake
VENOMOUS
Yellow
Red
STOP!
Steve A. Johnson photo
Scarlet Kingsnake
US Geological Survey photo
Scarlet Snake
Venomous snakes in Florida (Coral Snake [venomous], Scarlet Kingsnake [non-venomous], Scarlet Snake [non-venomous])
Two non-venomous species look very similar to Coral Snakes because they also have bands of red, black, and yellow (or white). However, the arrangement of the bands differs between the non-venomous species (Scarlet Kingsnake and Scarlet Snake) and the Coral Snake. In the two non-venomous species the red bands touch only black bands, but in Coral Snakes the red bands only touch yellow bands. Remember the stoplight phrase “yellow, red, STOP!”. If the red and yellow bands are next to each other, like the colors of a stoplight, it is a Coral Snake. Also, the snouts are red for the two non-venomous snakes, whereas the snout is black for the Coral Snake.
Note: The “yellow, red, STOP!” method does not hold for Coral Snakes and their mimics in Central and South America.

15. Safety Issues
Do I really need to worry about being bitten by a venomous snake?
How can I reduce my chances of being bitten by a venomous snake?
What should I do if I or someone I’m with gets bitten by a venomous snake?
The last several slides focus on safety and preventing negative encounters with venomous snakes.

16. Venomous Snakebite Statistics
The chances of being bitten by a venomous snake are VERY, VERY low!
Estimated 7,000-8,000 bites in US each year
Most bites occur in southwestern US
Fatalities are extremely rare!
Less than 10 deaths in US each year
Victims are mainly males age 17-27
Alcohol intoxication is often a factor
Handling, harassing, or trying to kill
a venomous snake is a BAD IDEA
Most bites occur April-September
The chance of being bitten by venomous snake is extremely small, and there are ways to almost guarantee you will never be bitten. As a matter of fact, you are 2-3 times as likely to die from a dog attack and almost 10 times more likely to be killed by lighting than you are from the bite of a venomous snake. There are less than 10 deaths annually in the US from bites of venomous snakes
Most bites from venomous snakes occur in the Southwest, where there are numerous species of rattlesnakes.
Most bites occur in the spring and summer when snakes and people are most active outdoors.
Victims of venomous snakes bites are mostly young men (17-27) and alcohol intoxication (of the people, not the snakes) is often a factor. The people that get bitten often are handling, harassing, or attempting to kill a venomous snakes. It is a very bad idea to handle or mess with any venomous snake and you put yourself at a much increased risk of a bite by doing so.

17. Tips for Safety around Venomous Snakes and Their Habitats
Avoid wetland edges and other habitats that may harbor snakes
Stay alert around wetlands and in thick brush
Do not harass or attempt to kill a venomous snake
Keep grass mowed
Remove brush piles
Wear leather gloves while gardening
Erect barriers to exclude snakes
If you are very worried about encountering snakes, especially venomous snakes, you should avoid places where snakes occur. Stay away from wetlands and lake margins and natural upland habitats. Always remain alert when you are in areas where snakes may be found. Snake are not inherently aggressive, but they will defend themselves when they are cornered or feel threatened. In most situations snakes will flee from people.
If you want to keep snakes out of your yard you may consider erecting a barrier of silt fence, which will exclude many snakes (large snakes can climb over the fence). This is labor intensive and can be expensive depending on the size of the area your need to fence.
Long grass, brush piles, debris, and piles of firewood are attractive to snakes. Remove these potential hiding places from your yard if you are really worried about venomous snake. However, in most cases such habitats will only provide homes for non-venomous snakes, and considering that snakes are losing habitat to development at a rapid pace, consider proving brush piles and the like for snakes and other wildlife.
If you garden or are picking up piles of brush or debris wear leather gloves. They should protect you from the bite of a Pygmy Rattlesnake, which is the most commonly encountered species of venomous snake in residential areas of Florida.
NEVER attempt to handle, harass, or kill a venomous snake! Doing so puts you are at significantly greater risk of being bitten. You should leave snakes alone (venomous and non-venomous alike) to play their important roles in Florida’s ecosystems. Repeat: DO NOT handle, harass, or attempt to kill a venomous snake. If you follow this simple rule, the odds of you getting bitten by a venomous snake are very, very low.

18. Snakebite Action Plan Snakebite Kit
Get prompt medical care—call 911 immediately!
Call the Poison Control Center National Hotline:
DO!
Get the victim away from the snake
Keep the bitten extremity lower than victim’s heart
Wash the bite area with soap and water
(don’t delay seeking medical help)
Keep victim warm and as comfortable as possible; offer reassurance
Remove bracelets, rings, watches or restrictive clothing on bitten extremities
Snakebite Kit
The major take-home message is call 911 immediately to get prompt medical treatment. DO NOT wait for symptoms to develop. Get medical care ASAP!
Get away from the snake to avoid being bitten again. There is no need to capture the snake to ensure proper treatment.
Be sure to wash the bite area for all bites by non-venomous snakes. Do not delay seeking medical care in order to wash the bite site of a venomous snake.
Remove constricting clothing and jewelry, because the site of the bite is likely to swell.
(See other “Dos” on the slide)
Your cell phone is your best snakebite kit.

19. Snakebite Action Plan Snakebite Kit
Get prompt medical care—call 911 immediately!
Call the Poison Control Center National Hotline:
DO NOT!
Wait to seek medical attention until symptoms develop
Attempt to capture or kill the snake to ensure identification
Handle a “dead” venomous snake
Apply a tourniquet to a bitten extremity
Apply ice or heat to the bite
Make incisions and attempt to suck out venom
Snakebite Kit
Again, the major take-home message is call 911 immediately to get prompt medical treatment. DO NOT wait for symptoms to develop. Get medical care ASAP!
Don’t wait for symptoms to develop—get medical care ASAP. While it is true that no venom is inject for some % of all bites by venomous snakes (estimates range from about 20-35%), do not count on this being the case. Also, the bite of a Coral Snake may not be painful and symptoms may take more than an hour to develop. DO NOT WAIT, get medical care ASAP—this is very important to stress.
Do not apply traditional remedies, because they do not help and may make the situation worse. DO NOT apply heat, ice, or a tourniquet!! DO NOT make incisions and attempt to “suck out” the venom!!! These remedies do not help!!
As listed above, do not attempt to capture the snake for positive ID. Medical personnel will be able to provide adequate treatment without this information.
Never handle a “dead” venomous snake. Presumed dead snakes still have a bite reflex and can deliver venom long after they are dead. As a matter of fact, a rattlesnake can still bite up to an hour after it has been decapitated.
Your cell phone is your best snakebite kit.

20. Take Home Messages
Only 6 of Florida’s 45 native snake species are venomous
Only 4 venomous species are found in Central and South Florida
Venomous species can be easily identified with a bit of practice
The chance of being bitten by a venomous snake is VERY, VERY small!
It is best to leave all snakes alone to play their role in Florida’s ecosystems
Venomous and non-venomous snakes alike should be respected, not feared
If bitten, call 911 and seek immediate medical care!!!
Continue to learn about Florida’s fascinating snakes and spread the word
Just a reiteration and summary of the important points in the presentation.

21. “Venomous Snakes of the Southeast:
Identification, Safety, and Exclusion”
An educational program prepared by:
Dr. Steve A. Johnson, Dr. Martin B. Main & Monica E. McGarrity University of Florida / IFAS
Program on CD includes EDIS fact sheets, PowerPoint presentations, handouts, coloring sheets, and more.
Program on DVD includes several video presentations by Dr. Steve A. Johnson on venomous snake identification and safety. These programs were filmed by the Florida Department of Education’s Florida Knowledge Network, and are also aired occasionally by the Public Broadcasting Service.
“Venomous Snakes of the Southeast” posters by Dr. Steve A. Johnson, Dale A. Johnson, and Monica E. McGarrity are also available in English and Spanish.
Dr. Steve Johnson for an informational CD with documents and PowerPoint presentations on venomous and non-venomous snakes. Also visit the University of Florida’s EDIS (Electronic Data Information Source) at then follow the “Departmental Collections” link to “Wildlife Ecology and Conservation” and search the list for these documents and more on snakes.
For more information on these and other products, visit the UF/IFAS Bookstore online at or Dr. Steve A. Johnson –