TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee is seeking the public’s help in documenting sparkling but elusive reptiles.
Rainbow snakes are large, intolerant aquatic snakes found throughout the panhandle. The population has declined over the last few decades, but is sometimes found in drainage channels on the St. Mary’s, St. John’s and the Suwanney River, according to the FWC.
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It once had a subspecies population, a rainbow snake in southern Florida, which was only discovered in Fish Fever Creek in Glaze County, but has not been documented in the area since 1952 and is likely extinct.
As adults, the snake grows to 4 feet long and is a shiny black that turns into a rainbow blue, primarily in the sunlight. There are three pale red strips running through the length of the body, with yellow or pink colours disappearing into the red belly and yellow chin and throat. The rainbow snake has a pointy scale at the tip of its tail, which is completely harmless.
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Rainbow snakes have impressive rainbow glitter when they are in the sun, making them easy to recognize nocturne, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History, but are usually closer to water.
They eat mostly American eels and other species that are experiencing a decline in population. Reducing prey, habitat loss, and secret nature all make it difficult for scientists to study rainbow snakes and protect the remaining populations.
That’s why the FWC is asking Florida residents and visitors to keep an eye on this colorful, shy snake. If you spot a rainbow snake, take a photo if possible and report the sighting to the FWC.
