Florida wildlife officials ask residents to help locate the rare rainbow snake, a nonvenomous species declining across the state. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) launched an initiative to collect sighting reports of rainbow snakes, which have become increasingly rare in recent decades. FWC research scientist Enge explained that each report provides critical data on the snakes’ current distribution and helps evaluate their health in Florida.
Causes of Population Decline
FWC attributes the rainbow snake’s decline to multiple factors, including its specialized diet. These semi-aquatic snakes primarily consume American eels, which also face decreasing numbers in Florida waters. Habitat loss further stresses the species, limiting safe areas for hunting and reproduction. Conservation efforts face additional challenges as snake fungal disease has started affecting rainbow populations in other states, raising concerns about their long-term survival in Florida.
Identification and Reporting
Rainbow snakes display iridescent black or violet-blue bodies with three red stripes along their backs. They feature yellow lip and chin scales marked with violet spots and usually grow three to four feet long. These aquatic snakes inhabit rivers, springs, and brackish marshes. A south Florida subspecies once lived in Fisheating Creek in Glades County, over 150 miles from the nearest Lake County population, but sightings stopped after 1952. FWC urges anyone spotting a rainbow snake to report it, emphasizing that photographs help confirm identification.
