Florida Pinesnake

Appearance

Adult Florida pinesnakes are large, handsome, heavy-bodied snakes that can vary considerably in size, averaging 48–66 inches long, with the largest recorded snake reaching 90 inches (about 7 ½ feet). Adult Florida pinesnakes have a variable pattern of dark brown or rust-colored blotches on a light cream to tan background (and belly) color. These markings are more distinct and vividly colored toward the tail and more indistinct or faded in appearance toward the head, which often has variable darker markings. Young Florida pinesnakes look much like the adults, but the dark markings are more defined. Throughout the southeastern U.S. there are regional variations in the color of pinesnakes, with individuals of some populations being extremely pale, whereas others are exceptionally dark.

Distribution

Florida pinesnakes are found in the extreme Southeastern Coastal Plain of the United States, in the area from the southern tip of South Carolina west through southern Georgia and extreme southeastern Alabama, and south through most of peninsular Florida.

Habitat

Florida pinesnakes favor dry, upland areas with well-drained, sandy soils. Their preferred natural habitats include upland pine forests and sandhills, but they are also found in scrubby flatwoods, oak scrub, dry oak forests, old fields and agricultural borders. Unfortunately, the development and fragmentation of these native habitats for residential and commercial use have caused Florida pinesnakes to become much less common in the landscape.