The state of Florida is a hub of snake activity. These cold-blooded slitherers thrive in lush environments that span a variety of tropical and subtropical climes. There are 46 native species and four invasive species.
Even though there are six different types of venomous snakes, bites are uncommon, and fatalities are mostly a thing of the past thanks to decades of research and medical advances. Having saying that, encountering a snake basking on the shore of a local swimming hole or, worse, brushing up against one in the water can be an unsettling experience. So use caution near these snake-infested waterways.
1. Lakes of the Everglades
The big and powerful Burmese python has controlled the Florida Everglades for decades. Because of a combination of intentional releases by dissatisfied pet owners (pythons are popular exotic pets in this region) and the destruction of a breeding facility by Hurricane Andrew in 1992 (which released untold specimens into nearby swamps), the population of these snakes has grown at unmanageable rates.
Given their aggressive reproductive behaviors and the fact that they may grow to be over 15 feet long and weigh over 200 pounds, these sneaky constrictors are one of the world’s worst examples of invasive species. Everglades National Park, which has numerous tiny lakes, has so far borne the brunt of the invasion, but as these ravenous snakes grow in size and number, they are beginning to spread their dominion west to Naples and north to our next target.
2. Lake Okeechobee
Lake Okeechobee is the largest lake in the state, the tenth largest freshwater lake in the country, and ranks second only to Lake Michigan among freshwater lakes fully within the United States. This 730-square-mile, shallow body of water, sometimes known as “Big O” or “Florida’s Inland Sea,” is located in the state’s south-central region, about an hour’s drive west of West Palm Beach.
Lake Okeechobee is well-known for its largemouth bass and speckled perch, as well as bluegills, Okeechobee catfish, and black crappies, but several lesser-known species can also be found nearby. Central and southern Florida features 34 or 35 native snake species (four of which are venomous), as well as three invading species.
The epidemic of Burmese pythons has even been linked to West Palm Beach and the surrounding area of Lake Okeechobee. However, the most usually seen snakes are Florida green watersnakes, brown watersnakes, the Eastern kingsnake, Brahminy blind snakes, and the Florida king snake.
3. Lake Seminole
Lake Seminole in Northwestern Florida/Southwestern Georgia (not to be confused with Lake Seminole on Central Florida’s west coast) is a long and narrow reservoir that serves as the main attraction in Three Rivers State Park. It was named after the area’s original occupants, the Seminole Indians, and is well-known for its abundant fishing.
Snakes, on the other hand, are known to seek out bodies of water. In Northern Florida, this includes 45 of the state’s 46 identified native species, as well as all six venomous types. Three types of rattlesnakes have been reported around Lake Seminole: timber, diamondback, and pygmy, as well as the cottonmouth (commonly known as the water moccasin), which is occasionally confused with non-venomous watersnakes. Yes, even reticulated pythons have been removed from this region and euthanized.
4. Lake Iamonia
Lake Iamonia, located just north of Tallahassee in Leon County, is another Northwestern Florida lake that approaches the Georgian border. This seven-mile-long prairie lake drains via a natural sinkhole during the dry season and reforms when the rains come (despite an unsuccessful attempt to dam and regulate the levels between 1939 and 1980).
Although the presence of many alligators makes this location unsuitable for swimming, photographers, paddlers, and nature enthusiasts still flock to Lake Iamonia (which also bears the name of the Seminole Indians).
Even if it weren’t for the known ambush predators, tourists should be cautious about splashing around in this lake because to the region’s high snake population. Species discovered include banded watersnakes, Florida green watersnakes, cottonmouths, Eastern kingsnakes, corn snakes, red-bellied snakes, Southern ribbon snakes, ringneck snakes, and scarlet snakes.
5. Lake Talquin
Lake Talquin, located just southwest of Lake Iamonia and less than half an hour west of Tallahassee, is our penultimate destination on our snake-swarming Florida lake tour. Cottonmouths, red-bellied watersnakes, and brown watersnakes are the three most prevalent species found in this 15-square-mile lake and along its 40 miles of shoreline.
At the same time, this former floodplain-turned-manmade reservoir is extremely well-stocked with fish, attracting eager fisherman who are clearly unconcerned by the slithering company. Birdwatchers are also excited to visit Lake Talquin and see the approximately 100 different bird species that come and go throughout the year.
Snakes may strike a primeval chord with many people, and they may be one of the most unpleasant sights during a summer vacation at the lake, but they are also (for the most part) a crucial element of the ecology. The Burmese python is a notable exception, but in general, snakes help control disease-spreading rodent populations and provide food for many local animals higher up the food chain. Snakes prefer to avoid humans, so keep a respectful distance when we do meet paths.