THE WOLVES OF WILLISTON      

  

                         VENOMOUS SNAKES 

                               

 Snakes can be found in every natural habitat in Florida. Most are harmless. We're home to 45 species of snakes. Only six are venomous, and of those all but one, the coral snake, are pit vipers.

Pit vipers have large, triangular heads wider than their necks and/or a rattler. Their venom thins out blood, can cause swelling, bruising, vomiting, weakness, bleeding and shock.

Unlike fanged pit vipers, the coral snake chews on victims with tiny hooked teeth. Hours later, its venom attacks the central nervous system, resulting in difficulty speaking, swallowing or breathing. Eventually it can cause permanent paralysis or death.

If you see a snake, leave it alone. Most are as afraid of you as you are of them! But if they're cornered, they will bite. They can jump half the length of their bodies when striking. Also, do not handle a newly killed venomous snake. Its reflexes continue to work for a short time after death. Poking the snake can cause a convulsive contraction and bite.

Canebrake (timber) rattlesnake

 

  • Varying shades of gray brown with dark bands; brownish black tail and orange stripe down its back; averages 3 to 5 feet long.

  • Found in northeast Florida fields and in swampy areas in hot weather.

 

Eastern diamondback rattlesnake

 

  • Largest native Florida snake (up to 8 feet long, 5-foot average); yellow-brown diamond-shaped markings.

  • Doesn't necessarily rattle before striking.

  • Statewide, all habitats.

 

Pigmy rattlesnake

 

  • 18 inches long, gray with gray-brown circular markings and small rattle that sounds like an insect buzz.

  • Statewide, all habitats.

 

Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin)

 

  • Up to 5 feet long, olive-brown to black with white (cotton) mouth interior.

  • Statewide, ponds and streams in pine Flatwoods and along any freshwater habitat.

 

Copperhead

 

  • Tan to golden brown with broad alternating light and dark brown bands; averages less than 34 inches.

  • Found mostly in Florida Panhandle, in wooded areas near water

 

Coral Snake

 

  • Banded black, yellow and red with black nose; up to 24 inches long.

  • Statewide; seldom seen; most common along edges of woodlands and wetlands.

To prevent snake bites

  • Don't allow your animal to blindly investigate woodpiles, deep grass or crevices. 

  • Carry a flashlight and wear shoes when walking your animal after dark.

  • Keep your property free of debris that provides shelter and possible food sources for rodents.

If your animal is bitten*

  • Forget outdated first aid treatments such as ice packs, cutting and sucking, tourniquets. They can worsen damage.

  • Don't pick up or try to capture the snake. Absolute identification is helpful but not necessary.

  • Wash the bite with soap and water, and remove collar or harness if near the bite site.

  • Immobilize the bitten area and keep a bitten limb at or below heart level.

  • Don't allow animal to eat, drink or engage in strenuous physical activity.

  • Get prompt medical attention.

Every bite from a poisonous snake or unidentified creature should be evaluated. Call your Veterinarian immediately