I fell backward. All I could see was a swarm of black snakes! What had terrorized me, of course, was not a nest of vipers. There was nothing back there except for the swirling crisscross of black wires and hoses connected to the appliances. As the sun set, we noticed that our black snake had begun to wriggle back toward the house, under the edge of the oak tree. Bad idea. We watched in amazement as a tiny mockingbird — either protecting a nest, or just having fun — dropped from a branch and hovered like a drone over the snake, sending him racing toward the bushes for cover.
One, two, three times, the mockingbird — our official state bird! That bird is kicking its asp. You may be wondering if I have ever touched a snake. Subscribe Manage my subscription Activate my subscription Log in Log out. Regions Tampa St. Letters to the Editor Submit a Letter. Investigations Narratives Pulitzer Winners. Connect with us. About us. Obituaries Homes Jobs Classifieds. Careers Advertise Legal Contact. Log in. Account Manage my subscription Activate my subscription Log out.
Feel free not to hiss. A look back at the snakes that have slithered through his life. By Roy Peter Clark. Published Jul. Planning your weekend? Explore all your options. Up next: Tampa Bay churches slowly return to in-person services.
Roy Peter Clark Contributing Writer. Snakes are important predators that help control rodent populations that can spread disease to humans. They are also important prey for birds, mammals, alligators, and even other snakes. Some non-venomous snakes, such as the Eastern Indigo Snake and Common Kingsnake , even eat venomous snakes! Florida has also been invaded by four species of non-native snakes, three of which have established breeding populations. These snakes are native to tropical and sub-tropical habitats and are able to survive in Florida's hospitable climate.
However, there are just a few species that are commonly seen in developed area, although any snake may occasionally be found in urban settings.
Snakes occupy a valuable place in Florida's ecosystem. For example, snakes help reduce rodent populations, which destroy crops and sometimes carry diseases which can infect people. Non-venomous snakes also consume venomous ones, and can help maintain ecosystem balances. Venomous snakes are also beneficial; for example, some rattlesnake species have been reported to consume ticks in their native ranges. Only six of Florida's 44 snake species are venomous: the eastern coral snake , the southern copperhead, the cottonmouth , the eastern diamondback rattlesnake , the timber rattlesnake, and the dusky pygmy rattlesnake.
Most Florida snakes are harmless and beneficial and remove extra rodent populations. Even the venomous species are not particularly dangerous unless stepped on or otherwise provoked. Most snakes you encounter are most likely to be non -venomous. By recognizing common non-venomous snakes and understanding something of their habits, you can take a more relaxed attitude toward them and appreciate them as an integral part of Florida's wildlife.
Learn more about Florida's native snake species.
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