Rattlesnakes are venomous snakes that have large bodies and triangle-shaped heads. They are called rattlesnakes because they have a rattle at the end of their tail that they shake when they feel threatened. There are about 32 species of rattlesnakes found across North America.
That said, there are only 3 types of rattlesnakes found in Florida: eastern diamondback rattlesnakes, dusky pygmy rattlesnakes, and timber rattlesnakes.
Each of these species is venomous and bites can result in life-threatening effects among humans. Because of this, you should always contact a wildlife removal expert if you come across a rattlesnake in your home or on your property.
What Types of Rattlesnakes Are Found in Florida?
Florida is home to 44 species of snakes and only six of them are venomous. Some examples of venomous snakes found in Florida include the coral snake, cottonmouth, and Southern copperhead. The other 3 venomous snakes are rattlesnakes, also known as pit vipers.
The types of rattlesnakes found in Florida include:
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest in the United States by both length and weight. These snakes are large and heavy-bodied with dark distinctive diamond shapes along their backs that are outlined in lighter colors. They have a triangular head with a dark stripe running diagonally through their eyes.
This rattlesnake species is brown or tan in color and has vertical pupils and facial pits between their eyes and nostrils. Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes can grow to be 8 feet long.
You might find eastern diamondback rattlesnakes in pine flatwoods, forests, or coastal areas. They can come into urban areas, however, they prefer more rural environments. If you are worried about finding them in your yard, they will probably stick to wood piles, brush, and other hiding places.
Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake
Dusky pygmy rattlesnakes are a snake that relies on camouflage to avoid detection from their prey and other predators. They have short and thick bodies with a dark line running through each eye. You can also identify them by looking for circular spots down the middle of their backs, reddish-orange stripes along the mid-body line, and dark spots on their white bellies.
The color of dusky pygmy rattlesnakes ranges from light to dark grey. They tend to grow between 12 to 24 inches long. While they are smaller than eastern diamondback rattlesnakes, their bite is venomous and can lead to life-threatening effects.
You can find these snakes in rural habitats like pine flatwoods, prairies, freshwater marshes, and cypress swamps. If they come into urban areas, they will hide in brush piles, debris, and gardens. A good way to tell if a dusky pygmy rattlesnake has been in your yard is by looking for the skin it sheds, as snakes shed their skin once a month.
Timber Rattlesnakes
Timber rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) are only found in 12 counties in Northern Florida. While they are not common, you should still be aware of them if you live in this area. These snakes can grow to over 5 feet long, but they are usually between 2.5 to 5 feet.
These types of snakes can range from tan, gray, yellow, and brown. However, they have distinctive dark chevron-shaped bands. They tend to be black-tailed and have a rattle at the end of their bodies.
Timber rattlesnakes can be found in wooded areas, rocky outcrops, ridgelines, and bluffs. Because they are often found in higher elevations, they aren’t as common in Florida. They also tend to be shy around people, which means you are less likely to find one on your property or inside of your home.
What To Do if You Find a Rattlesnake
If you find a rattlesnake outside, you should:
- Stay Calm- avoid panicking or making sudden movements as this could scare the snake and cause them to strike.
- Provide Space- back away slowly and carefully until you have 10 feet of distance between you and the snake.
- Avoid Agitating- do not throw objects or try to move the snake, as this will cause them to bite.
- Alert Others- let others in the area know there is a rattlesnake so they can avoid it and remove small children or pets from the area.
- Call for Help- contact animal control or a wildlife removal expert to contain the snake and call 911 or poison control if anyone was bitten.
If you happen to find a rattlesnake inside your home, you should use the above-mentioned steps and keep your family away from the snake. If you can, block off the area to keep the snake contained without coming close to it. Once the snake is contained, call a wildlife professional like Nuisance Wildlife Rangers to trap and relocate it.
Get Connected to a Snake Removal Company
If you or a loved one comes across a rattlesnake in your home or yard, it’s time to call for help. Rattlesnake venom can be fatal if the bite is not treated immediately. In other words, you should never try to remove a snake on your own.
Instead, contact Nuisance Wildlife Rangers for help. We can trap and remove the rattlesnakes without harming humans, pets, or animals in the process. Contact us today for more information on how snake removal works.
