Snakes In Pensacola Florida - For the past two years I have been studying snakes in the local community on Perdido Key. Residents were concerned about the number of cottonmouths they were seeing and advice was sought on how to deal with the situation. Many are surprised by the number of cottonmouths that live on barrier islands, which we think of as "swamp" dwellers. But they exist here together with several other species, some of which are poisonous. Let's look at some that have been reported over the years.
(published 1981), Ray and Patricia Ashton list nine species that grow on coastal dunes or marshes. Not considered any of them common, cottonmouths were considered rare - they are more common today. In the latest issue (
Snakes In Pensacola Florida
2005) repeats what Whit Gibbons and Michael Dorcas Ashton published, but adds several other species, many of which I also discovered. Their list leads to a total of 15 species. I have seen four other species frequently at Gulf Breeze and Big Lagoon State Parks that neither publication includes, but since they are close to the islands, that brings the total to 19 species that residents can encounter.
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). Although listed as "rare" by Ashton, they are commonly seen on Pensacola Beach and Perdido Cay. There are several subspecies of this snake - the eastern mouth is endemic - and the water moccasin and cotton mouth are one species of snake. This snake can grow up to 74 inches (6 feet) in length. They are often confused with their cousin (
). Both begin life in a "copper" color stage and a tail with a luminescent green tip. But as they grow, the cotton mouth turns dark (sometimes completely black), and the copper head remains "copper". Cottonmouths have a "mask" on their eyes that coppers do not. Believe it or not, cottonmouths are not prone to biting. When they are agitated, they wag their tails, open their jaws, show their "cotton mouths," show their fins, and turn their heads to warn them to retreat. Attacks or pursuits are rare. I see them resting in the open in the morning and looking for cover for the rest of the day. Flip boards (with a rake - don't use your hands) I see them trying to hide. Most of those I found were minors. These are opportunistic eaters - eat any animal, but they prefer fish. They hunt at night. Reproduction is done in spring and autumn. Females are born alive in the summer. As mentioned above, they appear common in our islands.
). These long, slender snakes can reach up to 102 inches (8 feet) in length, move very quickly on the ground - often raising their heads like a cobra - and bite aggressively, although not venomously. They get their name because of their colour. Their head and neck are dark brown, and their body is pink - it looks like an old whip. They prefer hilly environments and are excellent climbers. They eat lizards, small birds and mammals, and even other small snakes. They are active during the day, but I usually find them under tables and other debris. They have always been on the islands, but last year they met more often. They lay eggs and do so in the summer.
) is very similar, but has a beautiful deep black color. They can reach 70 inches (6 feet) in length and are very fast. Like their cousin, they are not poisonous but bite aggressively - often waving their tails like cottonmouths to warn them to stay behind. They are useful for tracking amphibians, reptiles and mammals. They are also summer egg layers.
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There are a few freshwater snakes that do not like salt water, such as cottonmouths, but are found on islands. These belong to the genus Nerodia and are not poisonous. Two species (Mid and Banded water snake) can be found here. They resemble cottonmouths in size and color and are often confused with them. They are characterized by vertical black stripes running along their sides and round pupils. Although not poisonous, they bite aggressively. One member
). This snake loves salt water and is found in salt marshes on the island. Black with four longitudinal stripes, two yellow and two dark brown. It reaches only 36 inches (3 feet) in length, is nocturnal, and feeds on estuarine fish and invertebrates.
Other species mentioned by the guides or that I have seen are the lesser crowned snake, southern snake, pine snake, pine wood snake, and rough green snake. I will mention here the species that I have seen in Gulf Breeze or Big Lagoon State Park that can be found on the island: Eastern Coral Snake, Eastern Garter Snake, Pig Snake, Eastern Snake, and Corn Snake (also known as Red Rat Snake). Only two of them (Eastern and Pygmy Coral) are poisonous.
). It is the largest venomous snake in the United States, reaching 96 inches (8 feet) in length. It is a diurnal hunter, eating mainly small mammals, but large ones can take rabbits. They prefer dry areas of the island with good cover. Palmettos, pines, and the edges of wetlands are their favorite resting places. Although they prefer a dry, sandy environment, they - like all snakes - are good swimmers, and large snakes have been seen swimming in Santa Rosa Sound and the Grand Lagoon. Before you get too close, they will freak out and you will have to surrender to this animal. They have an impressive striking range of 33% of their body length, you have to give these guys a wide berth. I've met a few people who never flinch, I've seen them by accident. Again, give them plenty of space as you pass.
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It's understandable that people worry about snakes around popular holiday spots, but to be honest, they really don't like being around people. We give them trouble and they know it. Many encounters take place in natural areas of the islands. Stay on marked paths and in open areas where you can see them - and don't forget to look down when walking, you should see them and stay out of trouble. For more questions about native snakes, please contact me at the county extension office.
Rick is the Sea Grant Extension Agent for Escambia County. Its programs include invasive species and coastal nuisances, habitat and fisheries restoration, water quality and biological monitoring, and community marine literacy. ... Beachgoers near the Fort Pickens area of Pensacola Beach were shocked when a donoticea snake washed ashore around 4 p.m.
East Hill resident Rhonda Saunders said she didn't know how she got there, but was surprised to see her. He thought that the snake's visit had tired him a bit.
"I was with my girls and we saw a few people taking pictures of something that washed up on the beach. We walked over and we couldn't believe it," said Saunders. "(The snake) was tired. Trying to keep its head above water. Too tired to go out on the sand."
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Saunders says some people are starting to seek professional help, which is good because it's getting closer.
"Fighting like that, we felt sorry for him," said Saunders. "But I wouldn't help him."
Saunders estimated that the snake was about three feet long. According to him, the crowd around him announced a diamond rattlesnake for him.
Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission were unable to positively identify the snake based on a photo of Saunders emailed to the News Journal Wednesday afternoon.
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"He picked it up with a long-handled net and threw it into the carrier," Saunders said. "There's not much fight left in him."
Saunders noted that there were no lifeguards in the area when the snake was seen. He said it was near the 22B walkway and the parking lot near the condo buildings. Over the past few weeks I have received several questions and comments regarding the Eastern Indigo Snake. I was wondering why there were so many in such a short space of time - maybe there is a public television program about them or something? Unbelievable, but this is an amazing snake, and I love talking about them. So let's talk about them.
) is the longest native snake found in North America. It can grow up to 9 feet long and weigh up to 11 pounds. It is beautiful. Glossy black, iridescent with smooth scales that produce beautiful color patterns and give a shiny appearance similar to the shine seen when gasoline is poured on water when reflected by sunlight. Its beautiful, non-toxic color and tame attitude have made it very popular as a pet - it can only grow up to 9 feet in length.
Their chosen habitat is high sand ridges
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