They are currently afforded no protected status in Florida. When encountered, this is a species that must be respected. At any given time, they can strike up to 1/3 the length of their body. (FWC) and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) are working together to protect this critically endangered species.
Table of Contents
Can I kill a rattlesnake in my yard?
Don’t kill it — not only is it illegal, it increases the chance of the snake biting you. Shelter in your yard can be provided by brush, rock piles, and tree trunks. If you do decide to kill a snake, be sure to do so humanely.
Don’t use a knife or other sharp object to cut off its head or tail. Instead, place the head and tail in a plastic bag and place it in the freezer for at least 24 hours. This will prevent the venom from entering your body.
Can I shoot a snake on my property in Florida?
You can kill snakes with a gun if it’s on private property and you have homeowner’s permission, but don’t try to kill a rattlesnake with your bare hands.
How do I get rid of rattlesnakes in Florida?
Fencing of aluminum flashing, hardware cloth (1/4″), or silt fencing 2–3 feet high buried 6 inches in the ground should deter most snakes from gaining access to certain areas of the property.
What’s the biggest rattlesnake found in Florida?
An eastern diamondback rattlesnake is eight feet and three inches long. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, the largest snake recorded in Florida would be an 8-foot 3-inch snake. (FDACS) has a list of the most venomous snakes in the state. The most dangerous snake is the black mamba, which can kill a person in a matter of minutes.
What snake is illegal in Florida?
The following species, including their taxonomic successors, subspecies, hybrids or eggs, are listed as Prohibited snakes and lizards: Burmese or Indian python (Python molurus) Reticulated python (Python reticulatus).
What happens if you kill a rattlesnake?
The majority of snake species can be hunted. It is legal to kill two snakes of the same species at the same time. You don’t need a license to do that. (CDFW) is responsible for the regulation of all wildlife in the state of California. The regulations for hunting and trapping vary from county to county and state to state. For more information, please visit the Department’s website at www.dfw.ca.gov.
What snake keeps rattlesnakes away?
The california department of fish and wildlife that gopher snakes help keep rattlesnakes away because they compete with them for food and territory. The snakes eat small mammals and birds. Gopher snake venom is highly toxic to humans and other mammals, and can cause severe pain and even death, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
