Poisonous Snakes of South Florida

Florida is home to six varieties of poisonous snakes, however only four of these reside in South Florida. The others - the Copperhead and Timber rattlesnake are found only in the panhandle.

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake Crotalus adamanteus
Native to every county in Florida, although most common in pine and palmetto flatwoods it may be found in virtually any type of habitat. It is a large (up to eight feet), and heavy bodied snake. This is a very dangerous snake, having a copious amount of venom, fast strike and the ability to strike 2/3 of its body's length. They have a distinctive diamond pattern on their back hence the common name. When they feel threatened, Diamondbacks usually will coil up with its head raised and neck in a -S- position ready to strike. Note - Rattlesnakes do not always rattle, so don't rely on this to warn you of a nearby snake.

Pygmy Rattlesnake Sistrurus miliarius barbouri
Also found throughout Florida this snake measures 18 inches or less, although they have lesser quantities of venom it is more potent then that of the diamondback. Grey background coloration coupled with its small size can make it difficult to spot. The pygmy also has alternating reddish-copper colored markings along its back. Pygmy rattlers tend to be more aggressive and quick to strike, their rattle can only be heard for a few feet and resembles an insect buzzing.

Cottonmouth or Water Moccasin Agkistrodon piscivorous conanti Grows to over 5 feet in length, with somewhat variable coloration, they range from a bland brownish color to near black & may or may not have visible darker cross bands. As the name implies this is a water snake found around swamps, marshes, lakes and ponds. A nocturnal hunter, it usually rests near the water during daylight hours. The Cottonmouth is unpredictable in that some individuals are very aggressive while others are almost docile.

Coral Snake Micrurus fulvius fulvius
Unlike the other venomous snakes listed here the Coral snake is more shy and secretive by nature, spending most of its time burrowing under leaf litter or fallen trees looking for its prey... small snakes, frogs, and lizards. Most bites from the Coral snake come about as a result of handling the snake. The body is banded with black, yellow and red rings with the red and yellow bands touching. The poison is similar to Cobra venom, it is a neurotoxin. Symptoms of a bite may be somewhat delayed and include slurred speech, double or blurred vision and difficulty swallowing, possibly progressing to respiratory and cardiac collapse.

For more photographs and information about these and other native Florida snakes visit this online guide developed by Florida State University and the Florida Museum of Natural History.