Florida Rattlesnake ID

[bergie]

Hello,,,please let me know type of rattler if you know? Is it a Pygmy? Thank you.

 

[stefen]

Have only heard of pygmies living on Catalina Island and the Lost Coast, both in California.

Now there is a difference between a baby and pygmies...not much though as each are dangerous...

Pygmies, in some cases are rattleless...

 

[creskol]

When I lived in Gainsville, Fl., my dog was killed by a snake that the vet said was a pygmy rattler, so that might be a good guess.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

The pic is not clear but yes it appears to be a pygmy rattlesnake. We have them here in South Florida. The largest is about 18 inches and this looks like a large one.. They can have a mean disposition. If approched it may sound its tiny rattle which will sound like a buzzing insect. I have several friends that have been bitten. They are common throughout Florida. The bite is rarely fatal but will require medical attention. I witnessed a man being bitten and I drove him to the hospital after he collapsed.

It has the Pygmy markings and the head is triangular. If it is dead, look for the tiny rattle at the end of the tail.


Heres a very old picture of some not too smart snake handling of a Pygmy Rattlesnake. (pic 1 & 2) Poisonous snakes should not be kept in captivity.

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,9594.0.html

 

[Monty]

I don't think it's a rattle snake at all. The head isn't shaped right. It is long and pointy and a rattle snake has the clasic triangle shape. Monty

 

[stefen]

After doing some research, the pygmy rattler has numerous common names such as Michigan rattler, Massasauga, black massasauga, black rattler, black snapper, gray rattlesnake, little gray rattlesnake (Canada), muck rattler, prairie rattlesnake, pygmy rattler, sauger, spotted rattler, swamp rattler, víbora de cascabel (Mexico), dwarf prairie rattlesnake, eastern massasauga, great adder, ground rattlesnake, Kirtland's rattlesnake, little black rattlesnake, massasauga rattlesnake, massasauger, prairie massasauga, rattlesnake, small prairie rattlesnake, snapper, swamp massasauga, swamp rattlesnake, triple-spotted rattlesnake, and mississauga.

Geographically, the pygmy rattler in North America ranges from southwestern Ontario (Canada) and western New York State, southwest to southeastern Arizona (USA) and northern Tamaulipas (Mexico) and coastal California.

Further research may find that the snake, although classified as a pygmy, has differing characteristics and habits depending on its geographic location.

For instance, the Catalina Island variety (a part of the Channel Islands) is a tree climber and preys on birds, bird eggs, as well as rodents. Its also found without the typical tail rattle.

The attached map shows limited territory...

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

It looks like a common Florida Pygmy Rattlesnake and I have never heard it called any of those other names here in South Florida with the exception of Ground Rattler. I think North Florida is called a Dusky Pygmy or something like that.

Heres a good picture of a typical Florida Pygmy Rattlesnake. Notice the head shape, same markings and tiny rattler.




In the 3rd pic up top it has a triangular shaped head.

 

[bergie]

Thank you. I should have added to the story that this sucker was on our doorstep this morning!

 

[Shortstack]

I'll give you some sage advice. Learn what a King snake and a Garter snake look like; and KILL all others you see. Simple.
The reason is, King snakes kill and eat rattlers, moccasins, and rodents; and Garter snakes kill and eat insects and neither of these snakes are poisonous.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I'll give you some sage advice. Learn what a King snake and a Garter snake look like; and KILL all others you see. Simple.
The reason is, King snakes kill and eat rattlers, moccasins, and rodents; and Garter snakes kill and eat insects and neither of these snakes are poisonous.

Since there are hundreds if not thousands of beneficial snakes, it is easier to learn the few poisonous varieties. Heck there are more varieties of King Snake alone than there are poisonous snakes. In South Florida we have 4, Northern Florida has 6.


Throughout Florida
1-Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
2-Pygmy Rattlesnake
3-Florida Cottonmouth Water Mocassin
4-Coral Snake


North Florida only:
5-Copperhead
6-Canebrake Rattlesnake

 

[jeff456]

I live in NW Florida and I believe what you have is called a "Banded Watersnake". They are often mistaken as a Water Mocassin too. Here is a Google link and I think you will find this is your snake. It is non-poisionous.

http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&...+watersnake&gbv=2&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=

Jeff

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

How long was it Bergie? Do you live near water? If its over 2 feet its not a Pygmy. Is hard to tell with the pictures a bit out of focus. The markings are similar to the banded watersnake but I still think the head is triangular pygmy shaped. In person there is no mistaking the two.

 

[Bum Luck]

It's a live one.........................

 

[Woodland Detectors]

I lived near the glades for 13 years.
I would go bass fishing there often.
Those ground rattlers were the ones you watch for.
Being named a rattler, they actually don't rattle. Or at least you don't hear it. It's more of a erratic twitch.
When they are frightened, the snap and snip. Crazy little snake

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I have a funny feeling this snake is larger than a Pygmy. It sure looks like a Pygmy but pictures can be deceiving. Jeff456 may be correct.

We used to bring them home to observe in aquariums. As kids, we thought it was cool to watch them bite a mouse and sit and watch it until it turned belly up before swallowing. (unlike constrictors) That was until someone got bit. As far as I remeber they actually did make a noise with the tiny rattler. If it was very quiet you could hear a buzz not unlike that of an insect. Myself I dont like them. They give me the creeps. I dont like to see them around camp.

 

[Newt]

Did it have rattles? I looked back and saw no mention of it.
Newt

 

[haybudden2]

I agree with Monty, I don't think the
shape of the head is that of a viper.
More likely a banded water snake.


Hay2

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I agree with Monty, I don't think the
shape of the head is that of a viper.
More likely a banded water snake.


Hay2

We must not be looking at the same pictures.

Dont forget the Pygmy is a very small snake, 18 inches tops, and will not have the large head of the other vipers. But Im starting to change my mind. You may be right. The pics are not very clear.

 

[BADDOG]

Definately a Pygmy. We've got a ton of them around here. Moved up to Broooksville area and 2 things we've never seen in Florida. We've got Scorpians and Pygmy rattle snakes. When I say tons, I've killed 4 or 5 (we have dogs) and seen dozens in the middle of the road. Been here 5 years. The bad thing about them is they won't take off, they stand their ground.

 

[jeff456]

I still think this is a Banded Watersnake. Here is another picture I found which more clearly matches the head shape and coloration of your pic. There are a few more pics on the link too.

http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/snakegallery.html

Here is another link from that site with another pic and more info.

http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/blog/bandedwatersnake.html