Discover the Largest Florida Kingsnake Ever Found

Written by Jeremiah Wright
Updated: March 28, 2023
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Key Points

  • Kingsnakes are easily distinguishable by their yellowish crossbands and chain-like pattern along their sides.
  • Non-venomous themselves, they are immune to venom, an ability that stands them in good stead since they enjoy eating copperheads and rattlesnakes.
  • They are clever escape artists, a quality that prospective pet owners will need to take into account since they will attempt to wriggle out of their enclosures.

Whether youโ€™d like it or not, snakes are pretty common in Florida. So, itโ€™s not a surprise anymore if you find one in a yard, a golf course, a park, a garage, or even in a house if youโ€™re living here or just visiting. Florida serves as home to about 46 species of native snakes, with only six of those being considered venomous. Although they seem to be a lot, most snakes here arenโ€™t a threat to humans and are not venomous.

Kingsnakes are among the 46 species of snakes thriving in the land of Florida. They got their name because they constantly engage in cannibalism by eating other snakes and venomous snakes such as copperheads and rattlesnakes since they are surprisingly immune to snake venom. They are only medium-sized snakes, killing by constricting their victims rather than biting them.

Given that theyโ€™re only โ€œmedium-sizedโ€ snakes, other kingsnake species have the chance to grow into abnormally large sizes, just like the most common kingsnake in Florida, the Florida kingsnake.

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Today, weโ€™ll find out about the largest Florida kingsnake ever found, its length, the kingsnake diet, where it could be found, and many other species in Florida to look out for.

What are Florida kingsnakes?

Florida kingsnakes appear brown and yellow with more than forty yellowish crossbands down their backs.

ยฉiStock.com/tome213

Florida kingsnakes are only found in, of course, Florida. They are primarily identified by their color, as they appear brown and yellow with more than forty yellowish crossbands down their backs and a chain-like pattern along their sides.

Their scales between the crossbands lighten and are shiny and smooth as they age. Young Florida kingsnakes are mostly black with white or yellow crossbands throughout their bodies.ย 

They are solitary and non-venomous snakes, meaning they do not pose a threat or danger to people or pets, yet they bite to defend themselves when needed. Florida Kingsnakes are mostly โ€œshyโ€ and avoid contact with people and pets and will only bite if people intentionally and constantly bother them.

They will typically flee when confronted, as they are not aggressive and rarely attack people.

How big is the largest Florida kingsnake ever found?

The largest recorded size of a Florida kingsnake is about 69.4 inches.

ยฉiStock.com/Duangphorn Wiriya

The average length of a Florida kingsnake ranges between 36 to 48 inches(3-4 feet), yet the largest recorded size of a Florida kingsnake is about 69.4 inches(almost 6 feet). While there is no exact date or location of when and where the largest recorded Florida kingsnake was found, a news report in 2018 shows a seriously burned 6-foot male Florida kingsnake named Felix.ย 

The snake was dehydrated and had deep burns almost throughout its body when the authorities found it. It was left and abandoned by its owner in an enclosure that was too small for it and was next to a heat lamp because he didnโ€™t have enough money for its medical treatment. After three months of treatment at the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA, Felix is ready to be adopted, and only expert snake handlers can apply.

Where to find Florida kingsnakes

Florida kingsnake
Florida kingsnakes are found throughout the peninsula and its cypress strands, grasslands, prairies, marshes, estuaries, and pinelands.

ยฉBond JP/Shutterstock.com

Florida Kingsnakes are found throughout the peninsula and its cypress strands, grasslands, prairies, marshes, drainage canals, estuaries, and pinelands. They can be located south of Volusia County to Key Largo in Pinellas.

Florida Kingsnakes are also commonly found in the sugarcane plantations surrounding Lake Okeechobee. These snakes are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. If there are hot summer nights, nocturnal activity may happen.

What do Florida kingsnakes eat?

They are commonly called โ€œchain kingsโ€ or โ€œchain snakesโ€ for having a diverse diet and their ability to be immune to snake venom. They have a broad diet that includes birds, small mammals, lizards, amphibians, venomous snakes, and other kingsnakes. But, their most preferred prey is reptiles, especially their eggs. Larger prey is killed by constriction, while smaller prey is swallowed whole immediately.

Do Florida kingsnakes make good pets?

Florida Kingsnakes are good pets due to their docile temperament and undemanding nature. Although hatchlings might be aggressive, their bites are not poisonous and can be tamed immediately. They are a good pet choice for beginners and expert handlers alike.

They are somewhat considered โ€œtalented escape artists,โ€ meaning that they would always find a way within tight spaces to escape, so Florida kingsnakes in captivity need a tight-fitting enclosure with a securely-locked lid. These kingsnakes are also the happiest under warm temperatures, so setting the cage of heating pads and keeping the temperature under control is also the best way to care for them.

Florida kingsnakes in captivity are also often fed with fresh and disease-free rodents or store-bought frozen meat. Hairless mice are also one of the best choices to feed them. Rodents in the wild are not suggested as they may carry diseases that will put your pet kingsnakeโ€™s life at stake.

What are other kingsnakes found in Florida?

1. Eastern Kingsnake

Eastern Kingsnake
The eastern kingsnake ranges from 36 to 48 inches in length.

ยฉiStock.com/JasonOndreicka

The eastern kingsnake is one of the kingsnake subspecies, and they are recognized for having smooth black scales with white or yellow chain-link bands that cross the back and connect to the sides. They also range from 36 to 48 inches in length, which is closely similar to that of a Florida kingsnake.

2. Scarlet Kingsnake

close up of scarlet kingsnake
Scarlet kingsnakes are recognized for their bright red, black, and yellow markings.

ยฉRadiant Reptilia/Shutterstock.com

Also known as the โ€œscarlet milksnakeโ€ and the โ€œscarlet snake,โ€ scarlet kingsnakes are recognized for their bright red, black, and yellow markings that make them frequently mistaken for coral snakes. Scarlet kingsnakes are the nocturnal kind of kingsnakes that hunt primarily at night and eat small lizards, snakes, and rodents. They can burrow and also climb very well, unlike other kingsnakes. They are also considered one of the most beautiful snakes in the state due to their color.

3. Mole Kingsnake

Northern Mole Kingsnake
Mole kingsnakes eat other snakes, lizards, birds, and amphibians.

ยฉKrumpelman Photography/Shutterstock.com

Growing 30 to 40 inches, mole kingsnakes spend their time underground and arenโ€™t seen very frequently. They are recognized for having very smooth scales that are light or dark brown with reddish-brown spots. Mole kingsnakes eat other snakes, lizards, birds, and amphibians like other kingsnakes.

4. Apalachicola Kingsnake

Apalachicola Kingsnake
Apalachicola kingsnakes range from 36 to 48 inches in length.

ยฉLeft Handed Photography/Shutterstock.com

Like other kingsnakes, Apalachicola kingsnakes range from 36 to 48 inches(3-4 feet) in length, while the largest recorded was more extensive than a Florida kingsnake, at 82 inches(6.8 feet). They are distinguished from other kingsnake species as they have a lighter coloration of bands throughout their bodies, although they look much like Florida kingsnakes in the wild.

The Evolution and Origins of The Kingsnake

Kingsnakes are a group of non-venomous snakes found in the Americas, primarily in North and Central America. The origins of the kingsnake are uncertain, but it is believed that they evolved from a common ancestral species in the Americas. Over time, they have diversified into several distinct species and subspecies, each with its own unique physical and behavioral characteristics.


Kingsnakes are known for their adaptability and ability to thrive in a variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, and grasslands. They feed on a variety of prey, including other snakes, lizards, birds, and small mammals. They are also known for their resistance to the venom of other snakes, which has helped them to become one of the most successful and widespread groups of snakes in the Americas.


The evolution of the kingsnake has been shaped by a variety of factors, including genetic variation, natural selection, and adaptations to different habitats and climates. Over time, they have developed a variety of physical and behavioral adaptations that have allowed them to survive and thrive in their environments.

Today, kingsnakes are a valuable part of the ecosystems in which they live, playing an important role in controlling populations of other reptiles and small mammals.

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The Featured Image

Florida Kingsnake
The Florida Kingsnake is immune to the venom of other snakes in its habitat, including rattlesnakes.
ยฉ David Huntley Creative/Shutterstock.com

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About the Author

I hold seven years of professional experience in the content world, focusing on nature, and wildlife. Asides from writing, I enjoy surfing the internet and listening to music.

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