In 2022 Escambia County Extension began the Snake Watch Project. The objective of this project was to log which snakes people encounter when they are out and about, where they encountered them, and what time of year. The purpose of this was to help educate new residents to the area what they most likely will encounter, where these snakes are often found, and what time of year.
In 2022 there were 91 reports logging 21 of the 40 known species (53%). The top three encountered species were (1) Southern Black Racer, (2) Cottonmouth, (3) Eastern Ribbon Snake. All three were found in both the north and south ends of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
In 2023 there were 215 reports (more people participating) logging 24 of the 40 known species (60%). The top three encountered were (1) Cottonmouth, (2) Southern Black Racer, (3) Banded Water Snake. Again, these were found across the bay area.
As of the end of the 2nd quarter of 2024 there have been 112 reports logging 19 of the 40 known species (48%). The top three encountered so far this year have been (1) Cottonmouth, (2) Southern Black Racer, (3) Banded Water Snake. All three have been found throughout the bay area.
Other species logged so far this year…
- Small snakes (<12”) – Rough earth snake, Florida red-bellied snake, Ring-necked snake.
- Medium snakes (12-24”) – Scarlet snake, Rough green snake, Eastern ribbon snake, Eastern garter snake, Scarlet kingsnake.
- Large snakes (>24”) – Eastern kingsnake, Gray rat snake, Corn snake, Southern black racer, Eastern coachwhip.
- Water snakes – Banded water snake, Gulf salt marsh snake, Eastern green water snake.
- Venomous snakes – Cottonmouth, Eastern diamondback rattlesnake.
- Exotic snakes – Brahminy blind snake.
Though most snakes in our area are nonvenomous, all will bite and residents should be cautious near them. If you encounter a snake in Escambia or Santa Rosa counties and would like to submit a report, email the information and a photo to Rick O’Connor at roc1@ufl.edu.
We will post the 3rd quarter update in October.
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