In the sun-kissed state of Florida, where the warm breeze carries the scent of citrus and the sun-soaked landscapes beckon, there's a hidden world of slithering creatures that both fascinates and terrifies. Among the over 40 native snake species, only six are venomous, and three of these are rattlesnakes. As the summer heat intensifies, these venomous snakes emerge from their brumation, ready to prowl the marshes, woods, and river bluffs. But what makes Florida's rattlesnakes particularly intriguing is their ability to be mistaken for more harmless species, a detail that could save or ruin your day. So, where are these rattlesnakes most commonly found, and what makes them so fascinating? Let's explore.
The Rattlesnake Hotspots
Florida's rattlesnakes are not just scattered across the state; they have specific hotspots where they're more frequently spotted. According to WorldAtlas, these six areas are the most rattlesnake-filled in Florida:
The Suwannee River: On the river bluffs and within the river itself, one can find all three of the rattlesnake subspecies in Florida. Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes, though fairly rare near the Suwannee River, are the largest rattlesnake species in the U.S. Pygmy and timber rattlesnakes, on the other hand, are both common sights. Pygmies hang out near the river bluffs, while timber rattlesnakes have been spotted on the Florida Trail running by the Suwannee River.
Osceola National Forest: All three of the rattlesnakes in Florida can be found here, including the timber rattlesnake. Hikers have taken pictures of these snakes slithering along trails in the forest.
Gulf Islands National Seashore: Although most believe snakes can only be found inland, there is a wide variety of snakes that hide by the shoreline or swim through the waters. Although the Gulf Islands are outside of the range of timber rattlesnakes, you can find both pygmy rattlesnakes and the massive eastern diamondback rattlesnake here.
Big Cypress National Preserve: Throughout the swamplands are many types of snakes, from the massive Burmese python to the venomous cottonmouth. Hikers have also reported encountering diamondback rattlesnakes here.
Everglades National Park: The pygmy rattlesnake and diamondback rattlesnake both prowl the marshes and woods of the Everglades. The pygmy can be very difficult to find, both because of their small size and their even smaller rattle, which is often not heard from very far away.
Orlando Wetlands Park: There are around 20 miles of trails through the woods of the park, and many animals that roam its borders, from birds to alligators to rattlesnakes. After all, its marshy lands and woods are ideal for the pygmy rattlesnake and diamondback rattlesnake. They can dip into the water to stay cool or bask in the sun by the rails. Hikers have reported seeing large numbers of diamondback rattlesnakes and even an occasional pygmy rattlesnake right by the trails.
The Three Kinds of Rattlesnakes
Florida is home to three kinds of rattlesnakes: the eastern diamondback, the timber rattlesnake, and the dusky pygmy. Each of these snakes has its own unique characteristics and behaviors.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Named for their pattern, eastern diamondbacks can be brown, yellow, or tan and all have a very distinct black diamond pattern on their backs. Hopefully, you don’t come close enough to one of these to see the black and white stripe that runs diagonally along the side of their heads, from the eyes to the neck. This is the largest rattlesnake species (by length and weight) in the U.S. and they can be found throughout the entire state of Florida, according to the FWC.
Rattlesnakes, like many animals, would prefer to silently leave a dangerous situation. When given the opportunity, rattlesnakes will flee from human encounters. If a rattlesnake is ever observed in the wild, it is best to give it space or let it slither away on its own.
Timber Rattlesnake
Timber rattlesnakes are often also called canebrakes or canebrake rattlesnakes. Timber rattlesnakes have a pinkish-gray or tan body, with a pattern of large, black, chevron-like crossbands and a reddish-brown stripe running down the middle of their back. Their tails are usually black. These snakes are less common than their diamondback cousin and have only been confirmed in 12 counties in north Florida, according to the Florida Museum.
Timber rattlesnakes are not aggressive and avoid direct contact with people and pets. Most bites occur when the snakes are intentionally molested or accidentally stepped on. This is a snake that should be simply left alone and not bothered.
Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake
Dusky pygmy rattlesnakes, also known as pygmy rattlesnakes, have a dark or light gray body, with a row of black or charcoal blotches along the length of its body and a reddish-brown stripe running down the middle of the back. Their bites are very painful, but not life-threatening. They can be found throughout the entire state, but aren’t known to occur in the Florida Keys, according to the Florida Museum.
Look-Alikes
The worst part about sharing space with these venomous snakes is that they can be easily mistaken for more harmless species. If you encounter a snake you aren’t sure is safe, keep your distance and walk the other way. If you have to get close enough to identify it, here are some key differences between the venomous snakes of Florida and their look-alikes.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Timber Rattlesnake, Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake: All three of Florida’s rattlesnakes are often confused for a gentle giant that isn’t packing any venom in its fangs: the eastern indigo snake. It’s easy to tell the difference if you pay attention to the coloring of the snake. Eastern indigo snakes don’t have the iconic patterns that Florida’s rattlesnakes have along their body. These snakes are glossy black and often have a blue or purplish iridescent hue to their scales, according to the Florida Museum. They can be confused for rattlesnakes because of their behavior, though. When threatened, they’ll flatten their heads, hiss, and vibrate their tails like rattlesnakes.
Cottonmouth: Cottonmouths are very easy to mis-identify, because adult cottonmouths are often too darkly colored to see the pattern on their scales. Many people often confuse them for harmless water snakes. Some water moccasins look browner than others, striking a resemblance to the banded water snake, which has a patchy brown body. When on land, dark black adult cottonmouths can also be easily confused with harmless black racer snakes. Remember that if you see a snake that looks like a water snake slithering with its head tilted upright, it’s more than likely a cottonmouth.
Copperhead: If you see what you think is a copperhead snake in Florida, but you aren’t in the Florida panhandle, it’s likely a harmless hognose snake. Pay attention to the sound, copperheads don’t make a sound when threatened, but hognose snakes hiss and strike, but don't usually attempt to bite. Sometimes called ‘puff adders,' these snakes are harmless. They mimic vipers when threatened by raising and ‘puffing up’ their heads with air while coiling their bodies.
Eastern Coral Snake: As mentioned above, these red, yellow, and black snakes are often confused for the harmless scarlet kingsnake. Remember the saying: “Red on yellow, kill a fellow. Red on black, you’re okay, Jack.”
In conclusion, Florida's rattlesnakes are not just venomous snakes; they are fascinating creatures that have adapted to their environment in unique ways. Whether you're exploring the Suwannee River, hiking through the Osceola National Forest, or simply enjoying the sun-kissed landscapes of Florida, keep an eye out for these slithering neighbors. Remember, while they can be easily mistaken for more harmless species, it's always best to give them space and let them slither away on their own.
