EASTERN CORAL SNAKE
Regardless of what some people say, Florida snakes are not aggressive, and unless they are cornered, most will flee when they see you. If you find a snake in your backyard, swimming pool, or garage, do not try to kill it – instead, try to identify it, and if it is non-venomous, appreciate it and leave it alone.
All snakes are carnivorous and a benefit to humans. Many larger snakes eat rodents like mice and rats. If the snake is a small species, it can be helpful in your garden, where it will eat pesty little insects.
People are sometimes confused when identifying the colorful snake often found in our area – is it the eastern coral snake (venomous) – or the scarlet kingsnake (nonvenomous)?
One of the venomous snakes found in southwest Florida is the eastern coral snake. Its coloring is alternating rings of black, yellow, red, yellow, black…red never touches black. The eastern coral snake bite contains neurotoxic venom. This venom attacks the central nervous system that results in difficulty breathing, speaking, walking, etc. It usually results in paralysis, unconsciousness and often death.
Most adult scarlet kingsnakes are about 14-20 inches in total length. It is a thin-bodied snake, with alternating yellow, black, red, black, and yellow rings that encircle the body. However, the red and yellow rings do not touch. The small head is barely distinct from the neck and has a red snout. The coloration of juveniles is the same as described for adults, but the yellow rings may be white.
Remember: “Red touching black, safe for Jack. Red touching yellow, kill a fellow.”
