Only six of Florida’s 46 natural snake species are poisonous, in addition to the state’s five established non-native snake species.
These three invasive species—African Rock Pythons, Burmese Pythons, and Boa Constrictors—are altering the natural ecology.
With the ability to outcompete even apex predators like crocodiles and alligators, Burmese pythons are by far the most invasive species in Florida.
These Florida locations with the highest snake infestations are listed here, along with potential explanations for the populations.
Tampa Bay
The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, the Timber Rattlesnake, and the Water Moccasin are three of the most prevalent poisonous snakes in Tampa.
Because of the bay’s hot, muggy subtropical climate and the convenient access to food, water, and shelter, these snakes flourish there.
It’s critical to avoid falling into common misconceptions about these potentially fatal creatures. Although they tend to avoid people and are rarely aggressive, they will bite if they are agitated or startled.
It is a common misconception that rattlesnakes usually rattle before striking, but they actually prefer to hide in rocky crevices and behind logs.
The Florida Cottonmouth, often known as the water moccasin, frequently cools off in swimming pools and other bodies of water.
Peace River Area
The Peace River Wildlife Center has reported 18 snake species along the Peace River, including the deadly Eastern Coral Snake and six venomous snakes.
One of the most poisonous snakes in North America, the Eastern Coral Snake is one of the few cobra-family snakes found in the United States.
Farmers looking to use the same land for agricultural production frequently run with coral snakes, which like to live in places with good drainage, such as the area surrounding the Peace River.
But like the majority of snakes, these are not inherently hostile toward humans and will run away if given the chance.
Apalachicola
Many of the 41 snake species present in northern Florida can be found on the bluffs, ravines, and woodlands of Apalachicola.
Although the majority of snake species flourish in this subtropical environment, the Eastern Indigo Snake almost completely disappeared from the area.
The endangered Gopher Tortoises, which established the habitats for the snakes and other creatures, were directly responsible for the abrupt decline in Indigo Snake populations.
Other species were left without a primary predator as a result of the decline in Indigo Snakes.
By raising Indigo snakes at the Central Florida Zoo and releasing them to the Apalachicola Bluffs, researchers have swiftly addressed the problem.
126 Indigo Snakes have been returned to the wild thus far. All of this demonstrates how significant snakes may be to an environment.
Manatee River Area
The Southern Black Racer, Corn Snake, Yellow or Eastern Rat Snake, and Gray Rat Snake are common non-venomous snakes around the Manatee River.
Since snake prey animals come to the river in search of water, the river serves as a wonderful source of food. Additionally, the moist atmosphere is ideal for snake nesting.
The Water Moccasin, Eastern Diamondback, Pygmy Rattlesnake, and Coral Snake are among the poisonous snakes found in the region.
Experts warn against this 36-mile river because it is home to American alligators, which are frequently found as snake predators, in addition to water moccasins.
Because of the temperature and water availability, snakes continue to flourish in the region despite the predators.
Lake Istokpoga Area
A typical waterhole covering approximately 27,692 acres, Lake Istokpoga is plagued with snakes such as the non-venomous Eastern Mud Snake and the Water Moccasin.
The large number of osprey nests here is a common source of food for the snakes. Even though ospreys are possible predators, snakes frequently get into bird nests and eat the eggs intact.
Although there are many snakes in this region, alligators, which number close to 10,000, are by far the most common predators.
However, the local alligators start to face competition for the top rank as the non-native Burmese Python invasion spreads further north, upsetting natural ecosystems.
The Function and Prospects of Snakes in the Ecosystem of Florida
In Florida, snakes play a crucial role in the environment as both prey and predators. However, the introduction of non-native species, such as pythons, left them without any natural predators.
They became the dominant species in Florida’s most snake-infested areas, upsetting the natural ecosystems.
While fighting back against the invasive snake species, conservation efforts have mainly been effective in restoring balance to many locations and reviving endangered species like the Indigo Snake.
Since the introduction of even one or two invasive species into an ecosystem can have catastrophic consequences, those who keep snakes as pets should be careful to secure them in the event of a storm.