06/12/2026
Can you spot it? 👀 See if you can identify these Floridean snakes.
🐍 The other day, I nearly walked right past this highly venomous cottonmouth hiding in plain sight.
Knowledge is power! If we spend enough time outdoors in Florida, we're bound to encounter snakes. Most are harmless and actually do us the favor of controlling rodent and insect populations, but it's important to know which species deserve a little extra space.
I'm also sharing a link at the bottom to an antivenom resource that can help you quickly locate veterinarians in your area if, God forbid, a pet is ever bitten by a venomous snake. If you're anything like me, your pets are family, and having a plan before an emergency happens can make all the difference.
These are some of the snakes I've encountered throughout Central Florida over the last few years. Stay safe, friends!
🐍 Florida Snakes: Friend or Foe? 🐍
📸 Southern Black Racer (Non-Venomous)
Fast, active, and usually gone before you even realize they're there. Black racers are excellent natural pest control, feeding on rodents, lizards, frogs, and large insects. They usually run away from me and startle me in the process. In the video, you'll see one rattling its tail in the leaves outside of my house—a clever defensive behavior that mimics a rattlesnake to discourage predators.
📸 Eastern Yellow Ratsnake (Non-Venomous)
Another beneficial species that helps keep rodent populations in check. This one decided my outdoor seat looked like a comfortable place to hang out and sat upright as if it was waiting for company. Despite their size, ratsnakes are harmless to humans and are excellent climbers.
📸 Eastern Coral Snake (Venomous)
One of Florida's most beautiful snakes and also one of its most venomous. Fortunately, coral snakes are not aggressive and bites are rare. They usually stay hidden in woodlands, marshes, and areas with loose soil and leaf litter. I always remember the little jingle, "Red touches yellow, kill a fellow; red touches black, you're okay, Jack."
📸 Florida Cottonmouth / Water Moccasin (Venomous)
This was the largest wild venomous snake I've personally encountered in Florida. Most cottonmouths are around 30–48 inches long, but this one looked closer to 5 feet. I spotted it in the woods of Marion County while photographing wildlife and immediately gave it plenty of space, especially since I had my husky with me. Using my 300mm lens, I zoomed in rather than getting closer.
Cottonmouths are often found in or near water, but they can also be encountered in forests, swamps, and along trails. This snake blended almost perfectly into the fallen leaves and pine needles—a good reminder that while I'm usually staring up into the trees looking for owls, birds, and raccoons, it's important to keep an eye on the ground too!
You'll also see an image of a cottonmouth swimming. If you ever encounter one in the water, don't panic or splash. Calmly and smoothly move away, giving the snake plenty of room. Cottonmouths are defensive animals, not aggressive ones, and they generally prefer to avoid conflict whenever possible.
Respect all snakes, give them space, and remember that most are valuable members of Florida's ecosystems. Understanding them helps protect both wildlife and people.
https://veterinarysnakebite911.com/antivenin-locator/
