Are there brown snakes in Florida? If so, how do you identify them? Read this article to learn how to identify them. You may be surprised to learn that they are endemic to the state. Despite the name, these snakes are not venomous.
These snakes are found primarily in Florida and Georgia. While some species of them are venomous, the Storeria victa is not dangerous.
The male Florida brown snake has a small, indistinct head and a yellowish underside.
This snake is a nonvenomous species that was first found in Southeast Asia and was likely brought to Florida as a pet. While their wild population was small in the 1970s, a trapping attempt in 2003 failed to collect solid population data.
These snakes can reach 10 to 16 feet long and are often seen in wetlands.
The diet of a Florida brown snake is primarily comprised of earthworms and slugs. It also feeds on fish, salamanders, and small reptiles. In addition to eating these creatures, it also preys on birds, fish, insects, and frogs.
This snake prefers habitats with overhanging vegetation and muddy bottoms. And it will latch on to any animal that crosses its path.
There are two main types of brown snakes in Florida
- One type is called Dekay’s brown snake and is found in the panhandle region. This snake is nonvenomous and has square spots on its body.
- The other type is called a brown water snake and is usually found in or near water. Its dark brown body and huge head are characteristic of brown water snakes.
These snakes can grow to be 30 to 60 inches long and are commonly found in Florida’s panhandle.
Another type of snake found in Florida is the mud snake.
- Mud snakes are small and can be found throughout Florida. Their color can range from a light tan color to a dark brown color. Mud snakes are easy to identify because of their spine line and the row of dark spots on their sides.
- Mud snakes tend to have dark heads and necks.
- These snakes are usually found in moist areas near swamps and are prone to getting into homes.
The Burmese python is a non-native species of snake found in Florida.
- These snakes are brought here as pets by people from other states and then released in the state after they were raised as pets. They are not native to Florida, but they have adapted to the state by living in the Everglades.
- They are active on land and in trees, and they need a constant source of water to survive. They are good swimmers and can stay in the water for 30 minutes.
The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is the smallest of the three types of venomous snakes in Florida.
- It grows up to 24 inches long and has a diamond-shaped pattern on its back.
- This snake can live in any county in Florida, but it prefers lakes and forests near the coast.
- It is found throughout the state and has been spotted on barrier islands in other states as well.
Are Brown Snakes Harmless?
You may have heard of the brown snake, but are you sure that these snakes are harmless? Their brown-grey scales help them blend in with the foliage, dirt, and rocks they inhabit.
They are not venomous and feed primarily on rodents.
But, they have been known to eat frogs as well. The brown snake, also known as the Dekay’s brown snake, is a small, non-venomous colubrid snake.
Although snakes are often seen during the summer, they are more likely to be hidden and avoid contact with humans. Most snakes do not bite and are not dangerous to humans, but a baby brown snake may give you a fright.
If you do encounter a snake, make sure you are wearing gloves and protect yourself. If you do happen to come across a brown snake, you should avoid it. Moreover, snakes are not dangerous to children or pets.
The Dekay’s Brown Snake is a common snake species in Florida and the United States. It is shy and comes out only during nighttime.
It is a non-venomous snake and is often kept as a pet by reptile lovers. If you are unsure about whether or not this snake is safe for your home, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
There are other ways to protect a brown snake.
How to Identify a Brown Snake
First, you should know what a Brown snake looks like.
This species is brown in color with a light stripe down the center of its back. In addition, brown snakes have black spots on each side, under the eye, and on the neck.
They can reach one foot in length and have keeled scales. The following pictures show different identification marks of a Brown snake.
The Eastern Brown Snake mate during mid-to-late spring.
When this happens, the male snakes often engage in ritual combat to get access to the receptive female. Combating snakes will entwine and press down each other for up to 30 minutes.
Female Eastern Brown Snakes develop their yolking follicles between late spring and early summer, and oviducal eggs are laid from mid-spring to early summer.
If you are bitten by a brown snake, be sure to seek medical care immediately. Their venom can lead to uncontrolled bleeding. While their fangs are relatively small, their bite can cause uncontrolled bleeding and consumption of coagulopathy.
Bottom Line…
Brown snakes are dangerous, but don’t panic – you can safely avoid them with a little knowledge.
If you spot one in your yard or are concerned that you’ve seen one in your neighborhood, get medical attention right away!
Learning to recognize different types of snakes is similar to knowing your family members and friends.
If you are unsure about the appearance of a snake, you can look at its fangs and look at pictures and videos of it.
Online snake identification guides are an excellent way to learn about snakes.
You can find a reference guide by region or even city. Then, you can begin to distinguish between venomous and non-venomous snakes in your backyard.
