As many of you know, Escambia County Extension logs snakes people encounter when out and about during their day. We do not send people out to look for them but rather log those that people encounter when doing their normal activity. The objective of this project is to educate the public about which snakes people typically encounter, when they encounter them, and where.
The number of reports was down in 2025. We are not sure whether this was due to fewer people reporting, or whether there were fewer snakes encountered. Some who regularly report have told me they have not seen as many snakes this year. If this is the case it could be due to the snow event we had in the winter, the intense heat of this past summer, and the drought we have witnessed this summer/fall. We are not sure.
Of the 40 known species that inhabit the Pensacola Bay area – 19 were encountered this year. This compares to other years as follows –
Year
No. of Species Encountered
2022
21
2023
24
2024
21
2025
19
Based on this people typically encounter about 50% of the species that live here. This year we were slightly below that at 47%.
Broken down by size classes we have the following for 2025…
Size class
No. of species known
No. of species encountered
Most common
Small (<12”)
7
3
Florida Red-bellied Pine woods snake
Medium (12-24”)
8
5
Eastern ribbon snake
Large (>24”)
7
5
Southern black racer
Water Snakes
13
2
Banded water snake
Venomous
4
3
Cottonmouth
Non-native
1
1
Brahminy blind snake
TOTAL
40
19
Ribbon snake Southern black racer
Small Snakes
First, small snakes are small; thus, more difficult to see. Most are encountered in gardens and landscaping. They are mostly nocturnal. This year the most common were both the Florida red-bellied snake and the Pine woods snake (both had 3 encounters). When compared to previous years…
Year
Most common small snake encountered
2022
Southern ring-necked snake (3)
2023
Rough earth snake (2)
2024
Southern ring-necked snake (5)
2025
Pine woods snake, Florida red-bellied snake (3)
Medium Snakes
Some species in this group are the most frequently encountered snakes by residents. Like small snakes, most are encountered in gardens and landscaping. This year the Eastern ribbon snake. Not only was it the most encountered medium sized snake, but it also tied for the most common snake encountered all year. As you can see from the numbers below, this snake was encountered more frequently this year than others in the past.
Year
Most common medium snake encountered
2022
Eastern ribbon snake (13)
2023
Eastern garter snake (17)
2024
Eastern garter snake (15)
2025
Eastern ribbon snake (23)
Large Snakes
There are 7 species of large snakes in the bay area and between 5-6 are encountered every year. Most likely this is because they are large, and easier to see. This year, like most years, the most encountered species is the Southern black racer. This snake does not mind humans and is often found in our neighborhoods and common in public areas as well. As you can see below, this is by far the most commonly encountered large snake and is one of the top three most common snakes encountered each year. This is a very common snake.
Year
Most common large snake encountered
2022
Southern black racer (21)
2023
Southern black racer (35)
2024
Southern black racer (28)
2025
Southern black racer (23)
Water Snakes
There are more species of water snakes (13) than any other group. But they are some of the most infrequent snakes encountered in our area. This is most likely because several species only inhabit wetland/riverine systems where few residents venture. Other than the banded water snake, most other encounters have been reported by fishermen fishing on our rivers. This year, as every year, the Banded water snake was the most frequently encountered water snake. This is one of the top three most frequently encountered snakes each year. This is a very common snake here.
Year
Most common water snake encountered
2022
Banded water snake (3)
2023
Banded water snake (26)
2024
Banded water snake (22)
2025
Banded water snake (18)
Venomous Snakes
There are only six venomous snakes reported in all of Florida. That is six out of a possible 46-48 species/subspecies (depending on which guidebook you use). All six have been reported in the Florida panhandle. Two of them only in the Florida panhandle – and they are both rare here; those being the copperhead and the timber rattlesnake. So actually, only four of the six venomous snakes have a good chance of being encountered: those being the cottonmouth, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, pygmy rattlesnake, and the eastern coral snake. Each year at least three of these are encountered. In 2023 all four were. Though each species has been encountered, other than the cottonmouth, the others are not encountered frequently. Encounters with the eastern coral snakes are particularly rare. That is not to say they are not common here, they are just not encountered very often, and that is fine with most people. Like the previous years, the most frequently encountered venomous snake is the Cottonmouth. Not only is the most frequent venomous snake, but it is also one of the top three most frequently encountered snakes overall. Cottonmouths are quite common here. The reason we may encounter it more often is because of its love of water – and most of us live near some source of water. The rattlesnakes prefer high dry semi-opened woodlands away from people. Coral snakes like more dense wooded areas; and almost every encounter of this snake has been in the Gulf Breeze area. However, they are found throughout the bay area.
Year
Most common venomous snake encountered
2022
Cottonmouth (15)
2023
Cottonmouth (52)
2024
Cottonmouth (38)
2025
Cottonmouth (21)
Non-native Snakes
There is only one reported non-native snake in the Pensacola Bay area; the Brahminy blind snake – also known as the “flowerpot snake”. This Asian snake is about the length and diameter of a toothpick. It is blue to gray in color, and the tiny black eyes are barely visible. It is, for the most part, blind, and does not seem to be invasive. Most who encounter this snake are gardening or working in landscaping. I have them in my yard, and they are pretty common. Most who first see it will confuse it with a worm, until you notice the scaled body – then you know you are not dealing with a worm.
Year
# of Brahminy blind snakes encountered
2022
0
2023
5
2024
2
2025
2
Number of Encounters by Species by Year
Species
2022
2023
2024
2025
TOTAL
Rough earth snake
2
2
4
Smooth earth snake
1
1
Marsh brown snake
Florida red-bellied snake
1
5
4
3
13
Southeastern crowned snake
1
1
2
Pine woods snake
2
2
3
7
Southern ring-necked snake
3
5
1
9
Scarlet snake
3
1
1
5
Rough green snake
1
1
3
2
7
Eastern ribbon snake
13
10
9
23
55
Eastern garter snake
3
17
15
5
40
Eastern hognose
1
2
1
4
Southern hognose snake
Mole kingsnake
Scarlet kingsnake
1
1
Eastern kingsnake
1
1
2
2
6
Florida pine snake
2
2
Gray rat snake
3
9
11
7
30
Corn snake
3
7
5
6
21
Southern black racer
21
35
28
23
107
Eastern coachwhip
5
12
17
4
38
Eastern indigo snake
Black swamp snake
1
1
Glossy crayfish snake
1
1
Queen snake
Midland water snake
1
1
Banded water snake
3
26
22
18
69
Gulf salt marsh snake
3
2
5
Yellow bellied water snake
Diamondback water snake
1
1
Brown water snake
2
4
6
Eastern green water snake
3
1
4
Western green water snake
1
1
Eastern/Western mud snake
Rainbow snake
Copperhead
Cottonmouth
15
52
38
21
126
Timber rattlesnake
Eastern diamondback rattlesnake
5
8
11
8
32
Pygmy rattlesnake
5
6
1
12
Eastern coral snake
1
2
3
Brahminy blind snake
5
1
2
8
TOTAL
91
222
176
133
622
Discussion
The first statement is that 30 of the 40 known species found in the area have been encountered at least once. That is 75%. Most are medium sized to large sized snakes. There are only two species that have been encountered 100+ times over the last four years; those are Cottonmouth (126) and the Southern black racer (107). These are followed by two snakes that have been encountered between 50-100 times; those are the Banded water snake (69) and Eastern ribbon snake (55).
Those encountered between 25-50 times include:
Eastern garter snake (40)
Eastern coachwhip (38)
Eastern diamondback rattlesnake (32)
Gray rat snake (30)
Those encountered between 10-25 times include:
Corn snake (20)
Florida red-bellied snake (13)
Pygmy rattlesnake (12)
Those encountered between 2-10 times include:
Southern ring-necked snake (9)
Brahminy blind snake (8)
Pine woods snake (7)
Rough green snake (7)
Eastern kingsnake (6)
Brown water snake (6)
Gulf salt marsh snake (5)
Scarlet snake (5)
Rough earth snake (4)
Eastern hognose (4)
Eastern green water snake (4)
Eastern coral snake (3)
Southeastern crowned snake (2)
Florida pine snake (2)
Some of these species have populations of concern, and it is good they have been seen.
Those only seen ONCE in four years include:
Smooth earth snake (1) question identification – could have been rough earth snake
Scarlet kingsnake (1)
Black swamp snake (1)
Glossy crayfish snake (1)
Midland water snake (1)
Diamondback water snake (1)
Western green water snake (1)
Most of these are water snakes that live in habitats which few people visit. Others are smaller and harder to find.
AND THEN THOSE SPECIES THAT HAVE YET TO BE ENCOUNTERED IN FOUR YEARS.
Marsh brown snake
Southern hognose snake1
Mole kingsnake
Eastern indigo snake1
Queen water snake
Yellow bellied water snake
Eastern/Western mud snake
Rainbow snake2
Copperhead3
Timber rattlesnake3
1 species that are currently listed, or species of concern, and are rare in general.
2 species considered rare and under consideration of listing.
3 species that are common further north, but not as much in Florida.
We would like to thank all of you who have reported encounters in the Pensacola Bay area to myself. If you would like to participate, or have any questions, please contact me at Rick O’Connor – roc1@ufl.edu.
It is understood that rattlesnakes are carnivores and will select some form of meat for their food. The general principle is to select something that is easy to kill and requires less energy to do so. Most rattlesnakes will select rodents but depending on the species and the part of the world they are in, some will select lizards or other prey.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake. Photo: Bob Pitts.
Due to their long periods of hibernation and/or aestivation, their feeding seasons are shortened. If you add low prey availability when they emerge from hiding, the feeding season is shorter still. They respond by binge eating – basically gorging on prey as often as they can. They may consume massive meals that will take over a week to digest.
Rattlesnakes who feed on rodents over lizards will grow larger. Many species have young with bright pink or yellow tips on their tails, much like cottonmouths and copperheads. These are used to lure small prey such as lizards and toads. They are predominantly ambush hunters, lying in wait for selected prey to wander into striking range. They like spots where they are half in the shade, half in the sun to do this.
Here is a scenario…
In the spring, when the temperature reaches 70°F, rattlesnakes will leave the hibernacula they used for hibernation. Having not eaten in a while, food is on their mind. They will use their sense of smell to find the trails of their potential prey, find a good ambush spot, and wait. Some studies suggest they sleep while waiting. They may first detect their prey by seeing it. It could be by hearing or smelling. Or by a combination of these. They will begin to flick their tongues – using the Jacobsen’s organ – to further identify the target. When within range, the facial pits can help “see” the target and assist in accuracy of their strike.
The strike is extremely fast. The snake injects their venom, releases, re-coils, and folds their fangs back into their sheath. The target often will run but is usually dead within a minute and not far away. The rattlesnake will now find the scent trail with their tongue and follow its meal. It can take several minutes to an hour to find it. Once found the prey is dead and already in the process of digestion due to some of the enzymes within their venom. In some prey the rattlesnake may not release and rather hold on to the prey after the bite. This often happens when they select birds, possibly due to the difficulty of finding them because they may fly before they die. Another interesting twist to this scenario holds for the timber rattlesnakes, who sometimes lie at the base of a tree with their heads facing up the trunk waiting on an unaware squirrel coming down.
Swallowing the prey involves “unhinging” their lower jaw making the diameter of their mouths larger. This way rattlesnakes can swallow large prey such as squirrels and rabbits. They have six rows of smaller pointed teeth in their mouths. There are two rows on the lower jaw, two on the upper, and two on the roof of their mouths. With the fangs folded back in their sheath, they begin to grab the prey with one set of jaws (the right or left) pull in, then alternate with the other jaw. It appears they are “walking the prey down” their throat. There is a tube called the glottis on the forward portion of the lower mouth that is used for breathing while their mouth is full. They have been seen taking breaks and resting while this process is ongoing. After swallowing, they re-align their lower jaw and find a place to rest and digest the meal.
Being ectothermic they will need to find warmth to digest their meal. They require internal temperatures between 80-85°F for proper digestion, so, they will need to find a location where there is good sunlight but enough cover to hide them. Depending on the size of the meal, digestion can last up to a week.
This scenario can be altered if prey density is low. If it is, rattlesnakes may move, and forage more than they typically do. As you can see, an approaching human during any part of this scenario would be unwanted by the snake.
In the next article we will take a closer look at the venom of these snakes.
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.
We will begin with a statement most know, but bears repeating… Snakes are just another animal trying to get through the day. They need to eat, avoid being eaten, find a place to sleep, and – at some point in the year – find a mate. They are no different than raccoons or hawks. But our reactions to these animals are very different to our reaction to raccoons and hawks. When hiking in the woods when someone says “bald eagle” the reaction is uplifting, maybe get a photo. But if someone says “snake” the reaction is different. If they say “rattlesnake” that reaction increases several magnitudes. In Manny Rubio’s book on rattlesnakes, he mentions that 50% of our population is “uneasy” about them and 20% are terrified of them – ophidiophobia is a real thing. That said, rattlesnakes are part of the barrier island ecology, and it is good to learn more about them.
This eastern diamondback rattlesnake was seen crossing a dirt road near DeFuniak Springs shortly after the humidity dropped. Photo: Lauren McNally
Rattlesnakes are only found in the new world. There are 30 species listed in the U.S. and Canada and three of those live in Florida. One of them, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, lives on our barrier islands. The pygmy rattlesnake may as well, but I have not encountered it (nor have heard of others encountering). The canebrake/timber rattlesnake is not common in Florida, and I have never heard of them on our islands.
These snakes differ from others in that they possess modified scales at the tip of their blunt tails we call rattles. Many snakes vibrate their tails when alarmed but this snake’s vibrations can be heard at a distance (up to 20-30 feet sometimes) to warn potential predators they are there. Each time the snake sheds its skin it will leave a new segment on the rattle. This is not a good way to age the snake however because they may shed several times in one year and older segments can break off. There have been reports of rattlesnakes with deformed tails and no rattles at all, but this is rare.
They also possess facial pits that have cells which can detect temperature radiating from an object, including “warm blooded” prey, while hiding. These thermal receptors lie along the bottom of the facial pit and are connected to the optic nerve; thus, they can sort of “see” heat.
Their eyesight is not as good as birds and mammals, and they have an elliptical pupil. They appear to use their eyesight in determining the size of the approaching animal and thus, their reaction to it.
They have nostrils but smell does not seem to play as important a role as Jacobsen’s organ does. This organ is found on the roof of their mouths. Rattlesnakes (all snakes) will flick their forked tongues to collect air molecules and stick the tip of each fork into a groove in the roof of their mouths that lead to this organ. Here they can taste/smell what is within their environment. The “taste” of potential prey will increase the frequency of tongue flicks and could cause the snake to move forward.
The fangs are the part of this animal we are most concerned about. They are hollow tubes connected to a venom gland which are located behind each jaw and give the snake the triangular head shape they are known for. These fangs are folded in a sheath so that they can close their mouths. Whether only one or both fangs are extended during a bite is controlled by the snake. Fangs often break off but smaller new ones are ready to replace them when needed. They will replace these fangs every two months, one at a time.
The strike involves opening the mouth, extending the fangs 90°, opening the mouth 180°, thrusting forward, bite down, inject, recoil, re-fold fangs, and back into the attack position. There are “offensive” and “defensive” strikes. Venom is “expensive” for snakes to produce and is meant for killing prey. The amount injected (if any at all) is controlled by the snake. A “defense” strike is slightly elevated. The upward angle reduces thrust and penetration depth.
Other general characteristics of rattlesnakes includes a triangular shaped head, most have a dark “mask” over their eyes, scales protruding over the eyes, keeled scales giving them a dry/rough appearance, and the males have longer tails than the females.
In our next post we will look at rattlesnake predation.
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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The Snake Watch Project is one that is helping residents in the Pensacola Bay area better understand which species of snakes are most encountered, where they are encountered, and what time of year. The project began in 2022 and over the last two years between 50-60% of the 40 species/subspecies of snakes known in the Pensacola Bay area have been encountered. The majority of these encounters have been in the spring, with garter snakes, black racers, banded water snakes and cottonmouths being the most common.
The eastern garter snake is one of the few who are active during the cold months. Photo: Molly O’Connor
The 1st quarter reports cover the winter months, and you would expect fewer encounters – but encounters do happen. In 2022 there were only 6 encounters during the winter months. There was one mid-sized snake (between 12-24” maximum length), 2 large snakes (greater than 3’ maximum length), 1 water snake and 2 cottonmouths for a total of five species. In 2023 there was a significant increase in 1st quarter reports. There were 57 encounters (26% of the total for the year) and 13 species logged.
Two species of small snakes (less than 12” maximum length) were encountered three times.
Three species of mid-sized snakes were encountered nine times, this included an encounter with the eastern hognose snake.
Six species of large snakes were encountered 17 times. These include the rarely seen eastern kingsnake and Florida pine snake.
Three species of water snakes were encountered, including the green water snake.
The cottonmouth was encountered 10 times during the 1st quarter of 2023.
This increase in sightings may be more a result of more people interested in the project than a true increase in snake activity, but it does provide us with information on snake activity during the winter months. Eastern garter snakes, eastern ribbon snakes, banded water snakes, and cottonmouths were the most frequently encountered.
A cottonmouth found on the trail near Ft. Pickens. Photo: Ricky Stackhouse
Snake encounters during the 1st Quarter of 2024 are down. This year 27 encounters occurred logging eight species. The cottonmouth continues to be the most encountered snake in our area and the only one who was encountered in double digits (n=11). Other species encountered included the eastern garter snake, eastern ribbon snake, gray rat snake, corn snake, southern black racer (encountered every month), eastern coachwhip, banded water snake (encountered every month), and the cottonmouth (also encountered each month this quarter).
We will continue to log encounters during the spring. If you see a snake, please let Rick O’Connor know at roc1@ufl.edu.
I began this project in 2022 wanting to know which of the 40 species of snakes known to inhabit the Pensacola Bay area were encountered by people. I also wanted to know where they were encountering them and what time of year. This information would be used in my Living with Snakes program and provide better information than field guides and publications that covered a broader area. The 40 local species were divided into six categories: small snakes (<12”), mid-sized snakes (12-24”), large snakes (> 24”), water snakes, venomous snakes, and non-native snakes.
The red rat snake, or corn snake.
Photo: Molly O’Connor
Which snakes did people encounter?
In 2023 there were 215 snake encounters between Jan 1 and Dec 10. This is a 136% increase over 2022. This is probably not because of more snakes but rather more residents participating in the project.
Of the 40 species possible, 24 (60%) were encountered. This is a 13% increase over 2022. Again, I feel this is due more to increasing participation.
The most frequently encountered species were:
Cottonmouth – 49 records (23%)
Southern Black Racer – 35 records (16%)
Banded Water Snake – 26 records (12%)
Eastern Garter Snake – 17 records (8%)
Eastern Coachwhip – 11 records (5%)
The Southern Black Racer was the most frequently encountered snake in 2022 (23%), followed by the cottonmouth (16%). As you can see, the frequency of encounters remained the same this year, but the species flipped. The Eastern Ribbon Snake, which was third at (14%) in 2022 did not make the top five this year.
The rarest snakes – those encountered only once or not at all – included:
Encountered once:
Rough Green Snake
Eastern Kingsnake
Eastern Coral Snake
NOT Encountered at all:
Smooth Earth Snake
Marsh Brown Snake
Southern Hognose Snake
Mole Kingsnake
Scarlet Kingsnake
Eastern Indigo Snake
Black Swamp Snake
Glossy Crayfish Snake
Queen Snake
Midland Watersnake
Yellow Bellied Water Snake
Diamondback Water Snake
Western Green Water Snake
Western/Eastern Mud Snake
Rainbow Snake
Of the four species only encountered once, each is considered quite rare for encounters. The Eastern Kingsnake was once common but has declined over the years. The Eastern Coral Snake is quite common, but its behavior and activity make it rare to encounter. Some snake experts have never seen one in the wild.
Of the 16 species not encountered at all, three are small snakes whose size and habits make them difficult to detect. Two are mid-sized but their habits also make them hard to detect. Nine are water snakes who live in swampy environments along our rivers. You would have to be out there to encounter them, and few people are. Two species, the Southern Hognose and the Eastern Indigo Snake, are state and federal listed and are extremely rare.
The gray rat snake, also known as the oak snake.
Photo: Nick Baldwin
Where did people encounter these snakes?
I divided the bay area into four regions: North Escambia, South Escambia, North Santa Rosa, and South Santa Rosa.
North Escambia – 13 species (54% of the total 24 species found this year).
South Escambia – 16 species (67% of the total).
North Santa Rosa – 17 species (71% of the total).
South Santa Rosa – 11 species (46% of the total).
There is not much difference between these. In Escambia County more encounters occurred in the southern portion of the county. For Santa Rosa County it was the opposite. Whether this is because there are more snakes in these locations, or more participants in the project cannot be said. We will pay more attention to this next year.
Species that were found in ALL four regions included:
Eastern Garter Snake
Gray Rat Snake
Corn Snake
Southern Black Racer
Coachwhip
Cottonmouth
Species only found on one of the four regions included:
Eastern Kingsnake
Florida Pine Snake
Brahminy Blind Snake
Rough Earth Snake
Pinewoods Snake
Eastern Coral Snake
What time of year were these snakes encountered?
Winter – 57 encounters; 13 species
Spring – 80 encounters; 20 species
Summer – 52 encounters; 18 species
Fall – 17 encounters; 10 species
There was an obvious decline in encounters in the fall. Many species are beginning to settle in for the winter this time of year, but many others breed, and thus should be moving (at least the males). I know some volunteers ceased looking, but others I know who search weekly, or daily, did not encounter as many snakes.
Only one species was encountered every month of the year. This was the cottonmouth.
The Eastern Garter Snake was seen every month except June and October; it seems to be active year-round.
The Southern Black Racer was missing in January, November, and December – suggesting a dislike for the cold.
NOTE: many of these hibernating snakes will emerge on warmer sunny days during winter and can be encountered.
SPRING was the time of year with the highest encounter rate and species encountered. This would make sense in two parts; (1) they are emerging seeking food after non-feeding during winter, (2) they are emerging looking for mates because it is breeding season for many. Five species were only encountered in the early part of the year. Two species were only found in winter and one species was only found in the spring.
Eastern diamondback rattlesnake crawling near Ft. Pickens Campground.
Photo: Shelley Johnson
What about the venomous snakes?
As expected, most are concerned more about the encounters with venomous snakes. There are six venomous species listed in the state of Florida, four inhabit the Pensacola Bay area. All four were encountered in 2023.
Cottonmouth – was encountered in all regions, each month of the year, it was the most commonly encountered snake in our area this year.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake – was encountered seven times, only during the spring and summer, and in three of the four regions in our area. This snake is pretty common but not commonly encountered where people most often reside and play. Though encounters do occur in residential neighborhoods, they are rare.
Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake – was encountered six times, during spring, summer, and fall, and two of the four regions in the bay area.
Eastern Coral Snake – was encountered once, during the spring, and in only one of the four regions in the bay area. Again, this snake is actually quite common, but its behavior makes it difficult to encounter. So, encounters with this species are rare.
Summary
In 2023 60% of the known species of snakes that inhabit the Pensacola Bay area were encountered by residents at some time during the year. Most encounters occurred in the spring and summer and encounters occurred throughout the entire region. The cottonmouth was the most frequently encountered species this year but rare species, such as the Eastern hognose, Eastern kingsnake, and the Florida pine snake were seen – and that is pretty exciting. The snake diversity in the Pensacola Bay area seems good. There is concern that a non-native parasite decreasing the populations of some species in central and south Florida may make its way to the panhandle. We are participating in a project entitled Snake Lungworm Alliance Monitoring (SLAM) that collects deceased snakes for examination by researchers. If you find a deceased snake in good enough condition to be dissected, place it in a plastic Ziplock bag, label with the date, location (GPS preferred), and your contact information. You can then bring it to the Escambia County Extension office or freeze it and call me – (850-475-5230) or email roc1@ufl.edu and we will arrange pick up.
We plan to continue the Snake Watch Project in 2024 and encourage all who see snakes to contact me at the above email address. We will also be offering the Living with Snakes presentation. If your community group is interested in this talk, contact me.