I'm a believer!

Just thought I'd pass this along to all of you who so enjoy the warmth of central Florida in the winter.... and so do the Florida Snakes! While here in Florida I've become interested in knowing what types of critters we need to pay attention too. I'm not really fond of snakes but I am interested in learning about them because Florida does have a number of venomous snakes. As you know I like to carry my camera with me most of the time. Last year I drove into Lake Magic Resort late at night after work and there was a snake on the street and I didn't have my camera. Well, I didn't have it with me tonight but you can bet I beat a path to the house grabbed the camera, hopped on the bike and make it back before any one drove over him or he made it to the grass. (Oh, and I did shut the garage door!) Here are a couple of pictures of a fine specimen who happened to be taking his time crossing Citrus Parkway in the evening just as I was returning home from the Clubhouse at Lake Magic Resort...

This fellow was in no hurry to go anywhere. I think he was enjoying the warmth of the pavement; which is what I've been told is what snakes like to do down here as the evenings cool.

I believe he is a Florida Cottonmouth, and yes venomous! You can check out the many species of snakes in FL at this great web site: http://www.floridabackyardsnakes.com/

I will be following this post up with an email to the web site above to verify if I have correctly identified this snake.

This fellow is nearly three feet long and (as you can see) very muscular. His body appeared to be about three inches in diameter.

As you might expect, this guy caused quite a stir among the neighbors when they saw me photographing him. There was one neighbor working his garden when I told him about this guy making his way toward his yard.

I rousted Brian, the HOA V.P. out to see this guy and see if he knew what it was. After checking this guy out, Brian (with the help of a long handle spade) literally shoveled him across the street, through the parking lot of the pool/clubhouse parking lot and then into the woods.

I've gotta tell ya, getting to witness (first hand) a snake of this nature has made me "a believer!"

Never leave your doors (especially garage doors) open, stay out of the grass at night, and walk the center of the street once the weather gets hot and inviting for snakes to warm up... so to speak!

This guy even looks nasty!