Watch Your Step, More Venomous Snakes Are Emerging From Their Dens Around Florida

When the temperatures begin to climb in Florida, that’s when nature thrives. But oftentimes the nature that is thriving can also be quite dangerous to humans. During spring, snakes begin to come out of hibernation in order to eat and mate while the weather is warm. This can be trouble for Florida residents who aren’t aware of what to do when coming across snakes, especially venomous ones. Here are a few tips and tricks regarding how to handle snakes in Florida this spring.

If you spend time outdoors in Florida, whether it be hiking or exploring the wild, then there is a good chance you’ll come across a snake.

Snakes in Florida will be out more during the spring months as they emerge from hibernation to feed and mate.

It’s important to remember that the odds of a snake hurting you are much lower than you think, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared.

There are six venomous species of snakes in Florida, which include a Pygmy rattlesnake, Cottonmouth, Diamondback rattlesnake, Eastern coral snake, Timber rattlesnake, and Southern copperhead.

The easiest rule of thumb to remember when you come across a snake in the wild is to not get too close—snakes likely attack when they feel cornered or threatened.

A few ways you can protect yourself from snakes at home is by keeping your grass mowed, keeping shrubs and branches trimmed, and remove any debris from your yard.

It’s also helpful to keep pests and rodents away from your home since this is the main source of food for snakes and will attract them.

Just remember to respect the snakes boundaries, never getting too close, and if you do happen to get bit, contact 911 immediately as most counties have anti-venom resources if necessary.

Have you ever come across snakes in Florida before? Share with us your experience in the comments section! Or if you want to learn more about the types of snakes you'll find in Florida and how to identify each, check out this handy Florida Hikes guide.