Florida Pine Snake
TYPE: Reptile
STATUS:
Least Concern
QUICK STATS
Body size
6–7 feet (231cm) long
native habitat
Pine woodlands and scrubland of Florida, southern Georgia and Alabama
life expectancy
Up to 20 years
diet
Pocket gophers, small mammals, lizards, snakes and their eggs
Reproduction
4–8 large eggs per clutch
predators
When young, preyed upon by birds and mammals
natural defenses
Inflate its body, raises its head high, hisses loudly
About the Species
FIND ME UNDERGROUND
This large, brown and cream colored, nonvenomous snake can have an intimidating look and sound. They have a big rostral (nose) scale and spade-shaped head to help excavate burrows of their favorite prey: pocket gophers.
Most predators are intimidated by the pine snake’s defensive antics.
Not only do Florida pine snakes have a loud hiss, they will also strike in a sweeping motion to appear more intimidating and scare off predators.
They are commonly found taking shelter in pocket gopher holes or gopher tortoise burrows. Anywhere underground to escape the Florida summer heat is a good place for a pine snake. As their name implies, they like the well-drained areas of pine woods.
During the mating season, males can be found fighting other males, while a female may be found excavating a new tunnel to lay her eggs.
Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus
Florida pine snakes use a cartilaginous keel in their throat to make a loud hissing/bellowing sound to scare off threats.
