Episode description

On today’s episode, you’ll learn about three non-venomous snake species common to residential areas in Florida. Slithering into a neighborhood near you, these common snake species are found all over Florida.

Learn More:

• Red Cornsnake: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/florida-snake-id/snake/red-cornsnake/
• Black Racer: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/florida-snake-id/snake/north-american-racer/
• Ring-necked Snake: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/florida-snake-id/snake/ring-necked-snake/
• Learn all about Florida’s Snakes, here: https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/snakes/florida.shtml

Call to Action:

• Let them be, let snakes live! They provide so many ecosystem benefits for us. Can you imagine how different the rodent, lizard, and insect populations might be without predators like snakes?
• Prevent encounters rather than trapping or killing snakes. Reduce snake encounters with these tips from UF/IFAS Wildlife Extension: https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/preventing_encounters.shtml
• Identify snakes you see using this handy guide: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/florida-snake-id/ Or, If you’re ever unsure, snap a picture from a safe distance and email us!

Sources for the show:

• UF IFAS Wildlife’s Johnson Lab: “Florida’s Snakes” https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/snakes/florida.shtml And https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/dealing_with_snakes.shtml
• Florida Fish and Wildlife’s “Living with Snakes” https://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/wildlife/snakes/
• Snake Bites: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/snakes/default.html