The Snake Watch Project began in 2022 to determine which species of snake people encountered in the Pensacola Bay area, where they were seeing them, and when they were seeing them. The project has received more attention this year and the number of encounters has increased. Here are the results of the first quarter of 2023.
During the first quarter of 2023, 57 reports were logged. This included 13 of the 40 known species in the bay area. This is 850% increase in reports and a 160% increase in species over the first quarter of 2022.
| Type | Number By Type | Number by Species |
| Small Snakes | 1 | Florida Red-bellied (2) |
| Mid-sized Snakes | 2 | Eastern Garter (2)
Eastern Ribbon (2) |
| Large Snakes | 5 | Kingsnake (1)
Florida Pine (1) Gray Rat (2) Corn (2) Southern Black Racer (10) |
| Water Snakes | 3 | Banded Water (15)
Brown Water (2) Eastern Green Water (3) |
| Venomous Snakes | 1 | Cottonmouth (10) |
| Exotic Snakes | 1 | Brahminy Blind (1) |
| TOTAL | 13 | 57 |
| Month | Records | Location | Species |
| January | 4 | Ft. Pickens | Cottonmouth
Eastern Ribbon |
| Beulah | Eastern Garter | ||
| February | 19 | Roy Hyatt Environmental Center | Eastern Garter
Banded Water Southern Black Racer Eastern kingsnake |
| UWF Trails | Gray Rat
Banded Water Brown Water |
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| Gulf Breeze | Banded Water
Eastern Ribbon |
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| Ft. Pickens | Banded Water | ||
| FDEP Nursery | Banded Water | ||
| Navarre | Southern Black Racer | ||
| Blackwater | Southern Black Racer
Florida Pine |
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| East Milton | Corn
Eastern Ribbon |
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| Big Lagoon State Park | Cottonmouth | ||
| March | 34 | Blackwater | Cottonmouth
Southern Black Racer Banded Water |
| Bayou Grande | Cottonmouth
Banded Water |
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| Gulf Breeze | Cottonmouth
Southern Black Racer Banded Water Eastern Garter |
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| Beulah | Cottonmouth
Southern Black Racer Banded Water Eastern Green Water |
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| Perdido Key State Park | Cottonmouth
Southern Black Racer |
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| Bayou Marcus boardwalk | Cottonmouth | ||
| Innerarity Point | Southern Black Racer | ||
| East Hill | Southern Black Racer
Brahminy Blind (exotic) |
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| Milton | Southern Black Racer | ||
| Cantonment | Banded Water
Florida Red-Bellied Eastern Garter |
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| Sorrento Road | Banded Water
Brown Water |
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| FDEP Nursery | Florida Red-Bellied | ||
| Navarre | Corn |
Discussion
Just as last year, the large species are most often reported and most likely due to ease of detecting.
Southern Black Racers and Cottonmouths continue to be common. But this year the most frequently encountered snake during the 1st quarter was the banded water snake. This snake was common in 2022 but not until the 2nd quarter.
There are three possible explanations for the drastic increase in 1st quarter reports in 2023. (1) There was less rainfall this winter compared to last, and this may have made snakes move more seeking suitable habitat. (2) With reduced rain and warmer temperatures this year, snakes began their breeding periods earlier. (3) We have more participation in the project and thus more sightings. It could very well be that banded water snakes were moving earlier in 2022 and no one was out looking for them.
One big highlight from the first quarter was the sighting of a Florida Pine Snake. This is now a rare species, and one of concern with FWC. To see one is a special thing.
We are currently logging encounters for the 2nd Quarter. We encourage you to report any snakes you see to Rick O’Connor – roc1@ufl.edu.
Photo: Jessica Bickell
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