Episode description

How do you feel about snakes? Not a fan? Well, while we believe snakes are friends, not foes, we recognize it may be comforting to know that the vast majority of snakes in Florida are non-venomous and largely cannot hurt you or your family. On today's episode, we go on a deep dive about Florida's venomous snakes.

Learn more:

• Read about identifying the water moccasin and the banded water snake (non-venomous) OR watch this video
• Need a refresher on 3 common snakes in residential areas? Listen here: Three Common Snakes in Residential Areas (Podcast Episode)
• Dealing With Snakes - Emergency Planning
• Preventing Negative Encounters with Snakes
• Florida Snakes (Youtube Video)

Calls to action:

• Spread the word! Snakes are friends, not foes. They provide a critical link in our food web and are both predator and prey. MOST snakes you see are non-venomous.
• Avoid Snake-bite Kits: The only snake-bite kit you need is your cell phone! If you are bitten by a venomous snake OR a snake you can't identify, call 911. Do not wait for symptoms to develop, this is an emergency and time is of the essence.

Sources:

• https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/dealing_with_snakes.shtml
• https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/venomous_snake_identification.shtml
• https://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/wildlife/snakes/