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Water Moccasin (Eastern Cottonmouth)
Licensed
Bonded
Insured
Phone #
239.246.9534
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| Lee County
Inspection Services,llc |
| Greetings!
As a state licensed home inspector it is a daily occurrence for me to come across one of many species of snakes here in Southwest Florida, whether it be while inspecting the exterior A/C unit or just doing a perimeter walk around. Springtime is when the reptile is mating as well as having babies, making the local snake more aggressive and visible February through May. Of vital importance for all of us who reside here full or part time is to understand which snakes may be poisonous as well as their daily routines outside our homes. Please take the few moments to read on and understand more about our Southwest Florida Snakes...
The Southern Black Racer, pictured above, may be the most common snake seen in Lee County, non venemous and averaging between 2' and 4' in length and moving with extraordinary quickness. A black racer is basically harmless unless cornered, then he may choose to make a stand and bite. The bite although non venomous should still be cleaned out and treated for infection.
The Florida Banded Watersnake, pictured above, can be found in nearly all freshwater habitats, preferring the shallow waters of lakes, ponds, marshes, streams and rivers. This non venomous snake is frequently mistaken for the dangerous and venomous
Water Moccasin or Eastern Cottonmouth, pictured here on the left. Sizing varies between 2'-4'... just like other snakes if given a healthy distance they will keep to themselves and eat unwanted critters such as rodents and insects adding to a healthier balance in our ecosystem.
Other venomous snakes you may encounter in Southwest Florida include The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, pictured below.
Rarely and more infrequently seen due to habitat reduction, this is a large snake averaging 3' -6 ' in size. The Diamondback is capable of striking 2-3 times it's body length so if you encounter one stay a healthy distance from it!
The Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake, pictured on the left is a more common, smaller version of the Diamondback. Only 1'-2' in length, they are commonly found in lowland pinewoods, prairies and around lakes, ponds and freshwater marshes, it is very aggressive and will hold it's ground. The bite is not life threatening but immediate medical attention is required.
These snakes represent what you will more commonly see in our part of the state, to read more detail about other species click below.
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Always be aware of your surroundings when gardening, playing or milling about outdoors, these critters will surprise you when least expected. Again, given a healthy distance and some respect, our Florida snakes are more then willing to move on and find something to eat, rest assured it doesn't include you!
Sincerely,
John P. Brooks
President/Licensed Home Inspector
Lee County Inspection Services
FABI,Registered Professional Inspector
Florida State Lic # CHI-637
Proudly Serving Southwest Florida! |
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