Snake and Florida

[Newfiescotian]

Just read online today that a man is in ICU after being bit by a poisonous snake. According to the article, he was going for a walk close to a
lake and stepped on the snake. Now, I am not really familiar with snakes and, must admit a little nervous of encountering one so, what advice do any
do people have about places to avoid, what to do if I do encounter one and if my fears are valid. Should I be scared based on this latest attack?

 

[kirrrby]

Sure, I hate snakes but there is no reason to be afraid of them. But to be familiar with the snakes is good knowledge. Here is a list of venomous snakes indigenous to Florida http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/herpetology/fl-guide/Venomsnk.htm. You shouldn't be afraid of getting bit unless you're going off the beaten path. If you choose to go off paved areas just use precautions. I don't think one report of a man getting bit should prevent you from having fun.

 

[high meadows]

All of the United States except Hawaii have some poisonous snakes, mostly rattlesnakes. Wherever you are, donn't go lifting up logs with your bare hands, don't chase any snake, don't sit down in the woods in the dark. Snakes are generally determined to get away from you, not chase after you, so they avoid heavily populated places; that would be WDW.

 

[Art 1]

You have absolutely nothing to fear, forget about it.

 

[tednvon]

Hi, I agree that there is nothing to worry about. A whole more folks in Florida have scary interactions with Alligators than they do snakes, at least if you compare articles in the papers. But the Alligator interactions are almost always folks that were in pretty risky areas near big bodies of water.

Just walk away if you happen to see one, Alligator or snake!!!

Ted

 

[Pineapple Whip]

Don't go sticking your hands and feet where you can't see and you'll have no worries. I wouldn't worry about the wildlife. I moved here from NY where you could get eaten or bit by other stuff and never worried about it my entire life there, mainly because I knew what I was up against. Just forget everything you've heard, read up on them, and relax.

Step a little heavier when walking at night around dark brush / bushes, drag your heels on the pavement a bit, chances are the snakes will move away from you or stay still. You should still be aware of your surroundings, especially when in quiet, undisturbed areas.

There are around 60 varieties of snake in FL, 6 are poisonous. Most all of them bite when threatened or startled. In the unlikely event you are bitten, dial 911 and get to a hospital, but don't freak out. If you can do so safely, get a picture of the snake and its markings, or get a real good look at it or tell the first responders where it went in case they're interested in finding it.

They're hiding in cool shady spots or from people most of the time. If you have to go into bushes and brush where you might step on a hidden snake, do so with extreme caution and use a light if necessary. Unless you're doing yardwork on your vacation, it is not likely you'll have an issue. If you see one in the area of kids, keep the kids away from it and bring it to the attention of management / staff ASAP in case they're concerned about this snake. Doesn't hurt to peek under your car(s) as you approach them in case of the occasional snake or gator that made it there. In the back seat and under your front seats in case your car has a hole in it.

I've been up close and personal with a couple. Walked right past this guy under a bush, about 2 feet from me. It was more interested in a rat walking towards it. Got in my car, turned on the headlights and watched him lunge for dinner. Security was quite interested in relocating it. What's the first thing kids wanted to do when they walked past us? Run to the bush and see the snake. I cowered in my car, providing light and shooing children away, the guard jumped into the bushes to pull it out. Claimed he had been bitten a few times in the past (wonder why). Venomous cottonmouth.

Met this guy at Fantasia Gardens while mini-golfing, about 6 feet away in the brush by the lake. WDW keeps them around to control the rat population for free, since they are natives. Black eastern racer. What's the first thing the kids want to do? Run to the bush and see the snake. (see a pattern here?) Staff knows the snake and is not concerned. Mention it to a CM in case they want to relocate it and avoid a panic.

So as most kids who grow up around snakes learn, some after they are bitten, don't eff with the snake and you won't get bit. Distance is your friend since they can only strike about the length of their body (watch out for 50 foot snakes) Chances are if there are a lot of people around, the snake is cowering in a hidden spot, and will not be coming out any time soon.

 

[dioxide45]

You shouldn't be afraid of getting bit unless you're going off the beaten path.

The problem was, the guy that was bitten WAS on the beaten path.

 

[safetymom]

Florida is no different than anywhere else. Just be aware when walking.

 

[dawnpisces]

Well I've never even thought of encountering a snake while in Florida but now I would be a little more vigilant! Anyway as you say the snake is usually more interested in getting away from you not attacking. I did come across one while on holiday in Thailand a few years ago, I went to use the bathroom at the poolside and the snake was quite happily slithering around in there. I was startled and it was also but I just retraced my steps and tried not to scare it anymore. Then I alerted the staff and my hubby and I watched as they had a high old panic on trying to get someone who was brave enough to shift the poor thing! I must say staff appeared from all over the place, we just continued sipping our cocktails by the pool!!
Btw we did come across an alligator at the Beltz malls way back in 2000 but it was only small about 2 1/2 foot long. hope its not still there!!!!

 

[Art 1]

Well I've never even thought of encountering a snake while in Florida but now I would be a little more vigilant! Anyway as you say the snake is usually more interested in getting away from you not attacking. I did come across one while on holiday in Thailand a few years ago, I went to use the bathroom at the poolside and the snake was quite happily slithering around in there. I was startled and it was also but I just retraced my steps and tried not to scare it anymore. Then I alerted the staff and my hubby and I watched as they had a high old panic on trying to get someone who was brave enough to shift the poor thing! I must say staff appeared from all over the place, we just continued sipping our cocktails by the pool!!
Btw we did come across an alligator at the Beltz malls way back in 2000 but it was only small about 2 1/2 foot long. hope its not still there!!!!

I see a large gator from time to time in the retention pond along I-4 in that area, maybe he grew some in the last 10 years.

 

[Pineapple Whip]

The problem was, the guy that was bitten WAS on the beaten path.

Well it wasn't out in the woods, but I'm willing to bet it was a quiet and romantic path the snake was getting cozy on. The cottonmouth, not the tourist.

Eff romance, bring a flashlight. If you can't see where you're stepping, that's the first sign of danger.

http://www.examiner.com/headlines-in-providence/poisonous-snake-bites-ri-man-near-marriott-pool-venomous-cottonmouth-water-moccasin-video

 

[winterman]

All of the United States except Hawaii have some poisonous snakes,

Incorrect. There are no poisonous snakes in Maine.

 

[Pineapple Whip]

I find it amazing that AK, HI, and ME do not have poisonous snakes.

Well, AK and ME don't surprise me, but Hawaii?? I thought for sure they'd have a snake or two in the jungle. I guess the keyword here is poisonous.

You hear that OP, no poisonous snakes in AK. You'll be fine in AK, just not in MK, EC, DHS, or the rest of FL.

 

[Frothy]

It's very unlikely you will see a snake IMO. You have more chance of seeing a gator.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

You are more likely to get struck by lightning in Fl than you are to get bitten by a snake. Yes, it happens. Then again, it happens all over the United States. You just normally do not hear about it because it did not happen while walking on a resort property.
Yes, we have snakes, gators and lots of insects here in Fl. It is a part of our State