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Only six of Florida's 44 snake species
are venomous, the eastern coral snake, the southern
copperhead, the cottonmouth, the eastern diamondback
rattlesnake, the timber rattlesnake, and the dusky pygmy
rattlesnake. Most Florida snakes are harmless
and beneficial and remove extra rodent populations.
Even the venomous species are not particularly dangerous
unless stepped on or otherwise provoked. Killing
a snake should be a measure of LAST RESORT!
Some people do not like snakes in or
around their dwellings or out-buildings. Fortunately,
snakes can be removed from buildings without harm to
either you or the snake through the use of glueboards
or funnel traps.
The frequent sighting of snakes near
dwellings or out-buildings may indicate the presence
of rodents. Removal of brush, lumber or other debris
accumulations will discourage both rodents and snakes.
Rodent food sources like chronically spilled bird seed
under feeders or pet foods scraps should also be policed
regularly.
Venomous reptiles may only be possessed
under license and
specific laws are in effect for handling, caging,
and transporting.
More Information
Online Guide to the Snakes of Florida
Checklist of Florida's Amphibians and reptiles
Guide to
venomous snakes of Florida
(pdf)
Florida Museum of Natural History's Guide to
Florida's Venomous Snakes
Nebraska guide to controlling snake problems
How to avoid being bitten by a snake
Guide to nonvenomous snakes
(pdf)
Information
on the Eastern Indigo Snake
Florida herp bibliography
Dealing
with Snakes in Florida's Residential Areas -
Preventing Encounters
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