If you look at the more popular snake guides of Florida, they only list four species known to inhabit there; and the pygmy rattlesnake is not one of them.  However, I continue to survey for snakes on the islands I am finding species not listed in the guides and the pygmy has been verified in habitats just across the Intracoastal Waterway.  So, it is possible they do exist there.

The pygmy rattlesnake (Sistrurus milarius) is the smallest of rattlesnakes, rarely exceeding two feet.  There are three recognized subspecies.  The Carolina pygmy rattlesnake (S.m. milarius) has been found in northern Alabama, northern Georgia, lower and coastal North Carolina, and much of South Carolina.  The western pygmy rattlesnake (S.m. streckeri) is found in lower-western Alabama, western Tennessee, much of Mississippi and all of Louisiana.  The dusky pygmy rattlesnake (S.m. barbouri) is found in coastal Alabama, lower and coastal Georgia, and all of Florida – it is one from our neighborhoods.

As mentioned, this is a small snake, about two feet in length, usually grayish in color with black patches and an orange stripe along its back.  The rattles are difficult to hear and are often confused with buzzing insects.  They are a bit temperamental – known to strike quick and repeatedly.

Envenomation from this snake is not as large a concern as with the larger rattlesnakes.  They typically inject small does and have short fangs which often cannot penetrate proper clothing and shoes.  Many bitten by this snake experience a reaction similar to a wasp sting.  Others have seen tissue necrosis and even amputations of fingers and toes.  There are no recorded deaths from this snake.  However, bites are very painful, and medical attention is needed.

Pygmy rattlesnakes move during day and night hours but are more nocturnal during the hot summer months.  They particularly like to move during rain and flooding events to avoid water.  They are often found near logs, debris, and open grassy fields.  They can form large, but unprotected colonies.  One study from central Florida found between 400-500 snakes in a 20-acre area.  Habitat preferences include pinewoods, hardwoods, palmettos, grasslands, cedar glades, high ground adjacent to marshes, wet prairies, rivers, lowland flatwoods, lakes, and golf courses with marshy areas.  Of the two I have encountered one was dead on a road near a swamp, and along the bank of a Florida spring.  Again, though I have not heard of them being on our barrier islands, they have been reported just across the Intracoastal Waterway and could very well be on our islands.

They mostly live in warm areas, but some may live in areas where it does get cold and they will respond as any other rattlesnake by seeking a place to hibernate.  They have been reported near crayfish chimneys and will hide in them if need be.  They typically hide during the heat of the day during summer.

Pygmy rattlesnake breed in the fall and breeding occurs every 2-3 years in locations where it gets cold.  In warmer locations it is every two years and annually in the subtropical parts of Florida.  The sperm are stored over winter, and the females will fertilize their eggs in early spring.  Live birth occurs in summer and early fall.  Broods usually have 2-12 offspring around six inches in length.

These small snakes are ambush hunters and feed on a variety of foods.  Frogs are common, lizards, small mammals, and small snakes are part of the menu.  Young pygmies have luminescent tails to lure their prey.  They typically hold on to their prey after biting.

Predators include hogs, skunks, weasels, rats, cats, wading birds, raptors, crows, alligators, snakes, and fire ants are known to kill young pygmy rattlesnakes.

Pygmy rattlesnakes are now considered a species of concern through much of their range.  Though smaller and less deadly than their larger cousins, this snake should be avoided, and medical attention should be sought if bitten.

Though feared, rattlesnakes are part of the southeastern landscape and are rarely encountered.  If encounters occur, keeping a safe distance is obviously recommended and attempting to capture or kill the snake is not.  If you have a rattlesnake on your property it is most likely moving through and it is best to let it go.  If it remains, or returns, we recommend contacting a professional wildlife remover to capture the snake.

Seeing rattlesnakes is an uncommon thing for even professional herpetologists.  Consider yourself fortunate but keep safety measures in mind.  If you have further questions about these animals, please contact your county Extension office.

References

Rubio, M. 2010. Rattlesnakes of the United States and Canada. ECO Herpetological Publishing & Distribution. Rodeo, New Mexico. pp. 307.

Gibbons, W., Dorcas, M. 2005. Snakes of the Southeast. The University of Georgia Press. Athens, Georgia. pp. 253.

Graham, S.P. 2018. American Snakes. John’s Hopkins University Press. Baltimore, Maryland. pp. 293.

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