Only six of Florida's 44 snake species are venomous, the eastern coral snake, southern copperhead, cottonmouth, timber rattlesnake, dusky pygmy rattlesnake, and the eastern diamondback rattlesnake.

WHEN YOU SEE A SNAKE:

• Leave snakes alone. Many people are bitten because they try to kill a snake or get a closer look at it.
• Stay out of tall grass unless you wear thick leather boots and remain on hiking paths as much as possible.
• Keep hands and feet out of areas you can't see.
• Don't pick up rocks or firewood unless you are out of a snake's striking distance.
• Snakes prefer to avoid encounters and usually will flee.

IF YOU ARE BITTEN:

• Wash the bite with soap and water.
• Immobilize the bitten area and keep it lower than the heart.
• Get medical help.

IDENTIFICATION CHART:

• Click an image to see it larger

Cottonmouth		Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake		Eastern Coral Snake
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake		Southern Copperhead		Timber Rattlesnake