With such a vast and diverse landscape that covers 65,000 square miles and has 1,350 miles of coastline, itโs not surprising that Florida is home to thousands of unique and wonderful animals. ย Amongst these are snakes, and Florida is home to more than 50 different species โ including six that are venomous. ย Although some snakes are secretive and rarely seen, and some are endangered, there are some that we are more likely to come across than others. ย So join us as we discover some of the most common (and non-venomous) snakes in Florida!
1. Eastern Kingsnake

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Also known as the common kingsnake, eastern kingsnakes are usually between 36 and 48 inches long. ย They have shiny scales and are dark brown with white crossbands down their back and a chain-like pattern down their sides. ย These snakes prefer open habitats such as grasslands, deserts, prairies, swamps, and alongside rivers and streams. ย However, they are also sometimes found in pine forests. ย They are found across much of Florida, with the exception of the eastern Apalachicola lowlands. ย These nonvenomous snakes are constrictors and eat a range of rodents, birds, lizards, frogs, and other snakes (including venomous copperheads and coral snakes).
2. Ring-Necked Snake

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Although secretive, the ring-necked snake is one of the most abundant and common snakes in Florida. ย There are twelve subspecies, of which two occur in Florida โ Key ring-necked snakes and southern ring-necked snakes. ย Ring-necked snakes are only 8 to 14 inches long but are glossy black on their dorsal side and bright red, orange, or yellow on their bellies. ย They also have a bright ring of color around their neck which is what they are named for. ย Ring-necked snakes prefer areas with plenty of vegetation or cover for them to hide underneath โ such as woodlands or rocky hillsides. ย Although they produce a mild venom-like substance, they are not truly venomous and pose no threat to humans or pets. ย This substance is produced in the Duvernoy gland and is used to immobilize prey such as salamanders.
3. Eastern Rat Snake

ยฉPatrick K. Campbell/Shutterstock.com
Despite also being known as yellow rat snakes, eastern rat snakes in Florida are a yellowish-orange color with four darker stripes down their bodies. ย They are 36 to 72 inches long and are found east of the Apalachicola River and as far south as Key Largo. ย Eastern rat snakes prefer to live in hardwood forests and swamps, hibernating underground during the winter. ย They are harmless and usually flee when threatened. ย Their diet includes birds, rodents, frogs, and lizards.
4. Eastern Coachwhip

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Despite there being six subspecies of coachwhip snakes, only the eastern coachwhip occurs in Florida. ย Eastern coachwhips are long, thin snakes that can reach up to 72 inches long. ย They have black heads and brown bodies, which gradually lighten towards their tail. ย Eastern coachwhips live in several habitats, although swamps, marshes, and pine woodlands are preferred. ย They are widespread throughout mainland Florida but are thought to be absent from the Florida Keys. ย Eastern coachwhips eat rodents, lizards, and small birds. ย They are diurnal (active during the day) and hunt by scanning the nearby area with their head raised above the ground. ย Despite being rumored to attack and whip people with their tails, eastern coachwhips are not aggressive and usually flee when disturbed.
5. Southern Black Racer

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One of eleven subspecies of eastern racers, southern black racers are easily one of the most widespread snakes in Florida and across the Florida Keys. ย Another subspecies โ the Everglades racer โ is found in the Florida Everglades. ย Southern black racers are 20 to 56 inches long and are bluish-black with white markings under their chin. ย They live in a wide range of habitats and are one of the most commonly seen snakes in Floridaโs residential areas. ย Southern black racers are fast and agile and have keen eyesight. ย They eat a wide range of birds, rodents, lizards, and frogs.
6. Rough Green Snake

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One of the most brightly colored common snakes in Florida is the rough green snake. ย Rough green snakes are usually between 14 and 33 inches long and bright green on their dorsal side with yellow or cream bellies. ย They prefer to live in meadows and woodlands, although they are never very far from a permanent water source. ย Although rough green snakes are capable swimmers, they are also excellent climbers, typically spending much of their time in trees. ย Rough green snakes are widespread throughout Florida and the Florida Keys. ย They mainly eat insects and spiders, and their main predators are other snakes โ particularly eastern racers and eastern kingsnakes.
7. Florida Green Water Snake

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Originally classified as a subspecies of green water snakes, Florida green water snakes are now their own individual species. ย They are the longest water snakes in North America, reaching 30 to 55 inches long. ย Florida green water snakes are greenish-brown with dark speckles and lighter bellies. ย They live in slow-moving water such as ponds, lakes, and swamps, where there is plenty of vegetation for them to hide in. ย They are found across much of mainland Florida, although they are absent from the Florida Keys. ย Florida green water snakes are not venomous or aggressive towards people, nor are they constrictors. ย Instead, prey such as fish, frogs, and salamanders are grabbed and swallowed alive. ย Their main predators are kingsnakes, hawks, and alligators.
8. Brown Water Snake

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One of the most common species of water snakes in Florida is the brown water snake. ย Brown water snakes are 30 to 60 inches long and have heavy bodies with a neck that is distinctly narrower than their head. ย They live in flowing water such as rivers, streams, and canals and are found throughout most of Florida but not in the Florida Keys. ย Brown water snakes typically flee into the water when they are approached, but although they are not venomous, they will bite if they are cornered. ย They feed on fish, and young catfish make up most of their diet.
9. Florida Banded Water Snake

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A subspecies of the banded water snake, Florida banded water snakes are endemic to Florida and southeastern Georgia. ย They are 24 to 42 inches long and are light brown or yellow with brown or black crossband markings. ย They live in shallow freshwater areas such as swamps, marshes, and ponds throughout mainland Florida. ย Florida banded water snakes are nocturnal, and their main diet consists of fish and frogs, which are both swallowed alive. ย Although they are nonvenomous and prefer to flee in the face of danger, they strike when threatened. ย They also vibrate the tip of their tail as a warning.
10. Corn Snake

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Easily one of the most common and nonvenomous snakes in Florida is the corn snake which is found right across Florida and in the Florida Keys. ย These large snakes are 30 to 48 inches long and are incredibly popular as pets. ย Corn snakes are typically brown or orange with large red blotches on their bodies. ย They live in a range of habitats such as overgrown fields, forest openings, trees, and abandoned farms. ย Corn snakes earned their name due to their continued presence around grain stores, where they keep rodent populations in check. ย This actually makes them very beneficial, as the rodents would otherwise damage crops. ย Corn snakes are not aggressive, and if threatened, they usually vibrate the tip of their tail as a warning signal.
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