Venomous Snakes

• In Florida, there are six kinds of venomous snakes. These snakes fall into two types, the Crotalidae, or pit vipers, and the Elapidae. Pit vipers found across Florida are the diamondback rattlesnake, pigmy rattlesnake, and the cottonmouth (or water moccasin). Canebrake rattlesnakes are common only in northern Florida. Copperheads are found in the Panhandle. The venom of pit vipers destroys the red blood cells and blood vessels of the victim. The coral snake is the only kind of Elapidae snake found in Florida. Elapidae venom is a neurotoxin that causes paralysis. Never approach a venomous snake.
  
  

Nonvenomous Snakes

• There are several kinds of nonvenomous snakes that can be found in all areas of the state. Most of these snakes serve a beneficial purpose, such as eating small rodents. They are seldom aggressive toward humans unless cornered. They are green snakes, scarlet snakes, Southern ringneck snakes, Eastern hognose snakes, Southern hognose snakes, brown water snakes, banded water snakes, Eastern indigo snakes, Eastern garter snakes, Southern ribbon snakes, black racers, Southern black racers, coachwhip snakes, Eastern coachwhip snakes, mud snakes, pinewood snakes, crowned snakes, red rat snakes, yellow rat snakes, Florida king snakes and the Florida brown snake.
  
  

Northern Peninsula Nonvenomous Snakes

• Florida red-bellied snakes, Florida pine snakes, short-tailed snakes, gulf hammock snakes, crowned snakes, rainbow snakes and Eastern king snakes can be found in northern Florida. These nonvenomous snakes can be found in yards, swimming pools, woods or even public spaces. Since it is easy to mistake a nonvenomous snake for a venomous snake, it is always best to leave any snake alone. There are safe ways to capture a snake if, for instance, it is in a swimming pool and invading your space. Consult a specialist or your local animal control for the correct procedures for trying to capture a snake.
  
  

Nonvenomous Snakes on the Panhandle

• Some species of nonvenomous snakes that are found in the northern areas of the peninsula are also found in northwestern Florida, or the Panhandle. These species are the Florida red-bellied snakes, Florida pine snakes and Eastern king snakes. Snakes found only in the northwestern areas of Florida across the Panhandle are black pine snakes, gray rat snakes and rainbow snakes. Some nonvenomous snakes will bite. Snakes can have death reflexes that include biting, so always be cautious even with a nonvenomous snake even after it has been killed.