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The Four Native Venomous Snakes of West Central Florida – Printable

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Click the above link to open the pdf (portable document format) file, which is the best quality for print.

West Central Florida’s Four Venomous Snake Species [Native]

There are four venomous snakes that flourish in central and southern Florida, namely the eastern diamondback, the eastern coral snake, the dusky pygmy rattlesnake and the Florida cottonmouth, also known as the water moccasin.

 Florida offers ideal weather conditions and habitat for dozens of snake species, but only four of those snake species are classified as venomous. Venomous snakes inject venom when they bite. Although venomous snakes are often described as poisonous, venomous snakes aren’t actually poisonous since poison must be ingested rather than injected. Technically, there’s no such thing as a poisonous snake. Venomous snakes, on the other hand, are dangerous and should be avoided.

Florida residents shouldn’t be overly concerned about non-venomous snakes, but it’s important to note that it can be difficult to distinguish between the previously mentioned venomous snakes and certain non-venomous snake species. It should also be mentioned that north Florida is home to the timber rattlesnake and the copperhead.

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake species in the United States. The average length of an eastern diamondback is between five and six feet. This dangerous venomous snake will strike from a classic coiled position and can extend half of its body length to reach a target. Never go near an eastern diamondback to avoid serious injury.

Eastern Coral Snake

The eastern coral snake is distinguished by a red and yellow coloration pattern. The venom of the eastern coral snake is neurotoxic, affecting the nervous system and causing paralysis of the diaphragm.

Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake

The dusky pygmy rattlesnake is a small rattlesnake with an average length of between 15 and 22 inches. The rattle is so small it sounds like a buzzing insect. This venomous snake is gray with colored blotches running along its back. The venom of the dusky pygmy rattlesnake is painful but not lethal. This particular snake accounts for more Florida snakebites than any other venomous snake species.

Florida Cottonmouth

Also known as a water moccasin, the Florida cottonmouth is a venomous water snake. This dangerous venomous snake is characterized by its solid dull black or patterned coloration. The most common way to identify a water moccasin is to watch for the black eye line running from the side of the snake’s eye and down the side of its head. Even baby cottonmouths have this distinctive eye line.

To see our summary page of the snakes and the images click here.

Related posts:

  1. Scientist ‘becomes immune to snake venom’ [News Blog]
  2. What is the Most Venomous Snake in the United States? [Parrish, FL]
  3. How Can You Tell if a Snake is Poisonous or Not? [Lakewood Ranch, FL]
  4. Miramar Residents Concerned – Numerous Venomous Snakes [News Blog] Trapping & Removal Bee Ridge

2 comments on “The Four Native Venomous Snakes of West Central Florida – Printable”

  2. Great comment Stan. Copperheads are found in Northern FL only. Not in central Florida, which is what this document addresses.

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  5. […] Most snakes are reluctant to bite because they use their energy or their venom to acquire food, and they don’t see humans as a food source. The vast majority of snakes in Florida are non-venomous and harmless to humans. To read our special article on the venomous snakes of Central Florida click here>> VENOMOUS. […]

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