There are six venomous snakes found in Florida and they are all on display in the reptile exhibit. Five of the six venomous snakes are known as pit vipers and all use the same anti-venom for bites. The exception is the Coral snake which has a different type of venom and
in turn requires a different anti-venom. The venom of the pit viper is known as a hemotoxin, it attacks skin and muscle tissue and can cause extensive tissue damage. The venom of the Coral snake is known as a neurotoxin which attacks the central nervous system. The following is a list of the six "hot" snakes of
Florida including a brief description of each.
THE COPPERHEAD
Aghistrodon contortrix
The Copperhead is a moderately sized snake with copper colored blotches on a tanish background. It is found throughout hilly areas across the Eastern U.S. They are only found in the extreme northern counties
of Florida along the Georgia border. Their bites are extremely painful however, there are no documented deaths from a Copperhead bite in Florida. Copperheads will often den with Timber Rattlesnakes. They prey on rodents, lizards and insects...especially cicadas. They are inoffensive snakes and are often trod upon.
THE COTTONMOUTH
Agkistrodon piscivorous
The Cottonmouth is a large semi-aquatic pit viper. It is the only one native to the Southeastern United States. The brownish juveniles look superficially like copperheads but lose the pattern as they mature. This snake has a reputation for being aggressive which is only partly true. The Cottonmouth will flee when disturbed unless it is defending its territory. Fish make up most of its diet. Cottonmouth bites are fairly serious. When cornered or nervous individuals will open their mouths to expose the cotton-white interior...hence the name Cottonmouth.
THE EASTERN DIAMONDBACK RATTLESNAKE
Crotalus adamanteus
This is the largest rattlesnake in the U.S. and may
attain lengths up to 96 inches. It makes its home in stumpholes, gopher burrows and other underground cavities. They prey mainly on birds, rabbits and squirrels. Diamondbacks are found in pine flatwood habitats along the coastal plain from N. Carolina to Mississippi and all of Florida. The Diamondback Rattlesnake is thought to be the most dangerous snake in the U.S.
THE TIMBER RATTLESNAKE
Crotalus horridus
Also known as the "Canebrake" rattlesnake the Timber Rattler is unique in that it is the only snake found throughout most of the northeastern United States.
This snake has four recognizable color phases: black, yellow, southern and western. In the north the snakes hibernates while in the south this is not necessary.
This is believed to be the reason why the Timber
rattlers in the south reproduce more often and attain greater lengths. In the north it prefers rocky ledges and oak forests while in the south it prefers floodplains
and swampy areas. This snake is endangered in many of the states where it lives and is becoming more rare. Although these snakes are rarely aggressive they are
a true symbol of the wild and should be left alone.
THE DUSKY PYGMY RATTLESNAKE
Sistrurus miliarius
This small snake is often grayish or tan but may also
be a striking reddish color. They occur throughout
the Southeastern U.S. rarely found far from water. Although these snakes are small their venom is fairly potent. There are no documented deaths. However these snakes are easily annoyed and the rattle is not easily heard.
THE CORAL SNAKE
Micrurus fulvius
Coral snakes are found from the southern U.S. to northern Argentina. They are characterized by the pattern of red yellow and black and often confused with the nonvenomous Scarlet Kingsnake. Their diet includes mainly arthropods, frogs, lizards, small nesting birds and small mammals. Coral snake venom is extremely potent and 10% of untreated bites are fatal.
Since both the Coral snake and the Scarlet Kingsnake can be found in Florida one should know how to distinguish between the two. The color pattern of the Coral snake on the main part of the body is: yellow, red, yellow, black, yellow, red, yellow. You must note the color pattern on the main part of the body because the red is out of the sequence near the face and the tip
of the tail. A good way to tell the difference is the Coral snake always has a black nose.The color pattern of the Scarlet Kingsnake is: red, black, yellow, black, red, black, yellow. The face is generally red. If you can't remember the pattern just remember that a traffic light goes from yellow to red when you should stop. Yellow and red are a very common warning sign in nature.
GOPHER TORTOISE
Gopherus polyphemus
Every known species of the gopher tortoise is considered threatened. These animals are very important to their ecosystem. They dig deep burrows which are used by other animals including the burrowing owl and various snakes. The southeastern species is found throughout Florida. Its carapace coloration is dark brown without lighter areas or markings on the marginal plates.
• The venom of the pit viper is known as a hemotoxin, it attacks skin and muscle tissue
• Coral snake venom is known as a neurotoxin
• Five venomous snakes, known as pit vipers live in Florida.
• When cornered or nervous individuals will open their mouths to expose the cotton-white interior...hence the name Cottonmouth.
• The Diamondback Rattlesnake is thought to be the most dangerous snake in the U.S.
• A Coral snake always has a black nose.
• When cornered or nervous individuals will open their mouths to expose the cotton-white interior...hence the name Cottonmouth.
Park Map - Fishbowl - Museum - Boat dock - Main Entrance