Florida Pine Snake
Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus
The Florida Pine Snake is a large, nonvenomous burrowing snake of sandy uplands, marked with dark blotches and a pointed snout.
Florida Pine Snakes spend much of their time underground in pocket-gopher burrows, stump holes, and self-dug tunnels. They need open, fire-maintained uplands with deep sandy soil.
Loss and fragmentation of sandhill, scrub, and longleaf pine habitat have reduced populations. Road mortality creates another serious threat.
Habitat:
Pine Flatwoods and Sandhills, Scrub and Dry Prairie, Forests and Woodlands
Area / Range:
Florida Panhandle, North Florida, Central Florida, South Florida
Diet:
It eats pocket gophers, mice, rats, rabbits, squirrels, lizards, other snakes, and eggs.
Behavior:
Most activity occurs on or below ground during daylight. The snake uses its reinforced snout for digging and often retreats into burrows when disturbed.
Day
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Warm daylight hours in spring and fall, especially in sandy uplands near gopher mounds.
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Florida state-designated Threatened. Federally not listed. Habitat loss and road mortality remain major threats.
Safety Level:
Low Risk
Safety Information:
This species is nonvenomous. Do not handle, corner, or attempt relocation. Keep pets away and contact FWC or a qualified wildlife professional if the snake faces immediate danger.
Benefits to Property:
It controls rodents and uses natural underground habitat without damaging sound buildings.
Property Concerns:
The snake creates little direct damage. Clearing sandy uplands, removing old stumps, and destroying burrows eliminate essential shelter.
Fun Fact:
Its loud hiss comes from a specialized structure in the airway. The sound often causes people to mistake this harmless snake for a dangerous species.
Wildlife Laws:
The Florida Pine Snake is state-designated Threatened and protected under Florida law. It must not be captured, killed, possessed, or relocated without authorization.
Identification:
This heavy-bodied snake has a pale tan to brown ground color with dark blotches, keeled scales, a small pointed head, and a pale belly. When threatened, it may hiss loudly and vibrate its tail but is not venomous.
Credits:
Facts: authoritative species reference. Images: primary and secondary, Wikimedia Commons.