Figuring out which snake you found
Identifying a snake is about getting all the information you can and putting it together to form a whole picture. We have a list of the 10 most common black snakes in Florida, along with some helpful information that can narrow things down. Our identification elements are as follows:
AppearanceDistribution within FloridaHabitatDanger level
Each snake entry will include this information to aid you in identifying the black snake you stumbled across! Here are the 10 most likely options.
Eastern Indigo
Eastern indigo snakes are some of the most beautiful snakes around. Jet black and sleek as can be, these snakes are known as the longest snake in North America. Seeing one of these is a treat. Appearance: Glossy black. Sleek scales. Occasionally has a red marking on the chin. Can reach over 8 feet in length. Distribution: Most of Florida and into Key Largo. Habitat: Forests, pine stands, prairies, usually around water. Danger level: Low. Nonvenemous and disinclined to bite humans, preferring to be left alone.
Eastern Hognose
The eastern hognose is one of the most interesting-looking snakes around, as you may be able to tell from its name. They are usually dark grey to brown, but some snakes can be so dark as to appear black. Famous for “death-feigning” when threatened in the hopes of dissuading potential predators. Appearance: Dark grey, brown, occasionally black. Identifiable through its long pointed snout that turns upward. Can grow up to 3 feet long. Distribution: Almost all of Florida except the Keys. Habitat: Scrubland, fields, agricultural regions, meadows, forests, and sandhills. Danger level: Medium. Venom is only powerful enough to sedate a frog and would only cause irritation in a human. Reticent to bite.
Black Racer
The black racer is one of the most common snakes in the US and one of the most common black snakes in Florida. They can be found all over, but most encounters with humans happen in suburban areas. They get the “racer” part of their name from their speed, and they are known to swim and climb trees to escape predators; a real triathlete! Appearance: Dark grey to black. Long and thin with small, teardrop heads and large eyes. Distribution: Most of Florida, including the Keys. Habitat: Forests, pine stands, scrub, sandhills, and suburbs. Danger level: Low. Nonvenomous, but will strike if threatened.
Eastern Kingsnake
The eastern kingsnake gets its name from its habit of eating other snakes, especially venomous ones. The kingsnake can come in many colors, but black with white stripes are most common. Kingsnakes have the strongest constriction relative to their size of any snake in the world. Appearance: Usually black with white or yellow bands around the body, but coloration can vary drastically. Can grow up to 4 feet in length. Distribution: Peninsular Florida and into the panhandle. Population declines through most of the state. Habitat: Pine stands, marshes, and cypress stands. Usually found near water. Danger level: Low. Kingsnakes are often kept as pets and are nonvenomous.
Southern Ringneck
The southern ringneck is one of the prettiest snakes in the US. These small snakes are characterized by a small ring around their neck, much like a collar. Their bellies are usually flashed as a warning to predators and come in bright shades of red, yellow, and orange. Appearance: Usually black or grey with a colorful ring around the neck. Bright and vibrant belly that is flashed as a defense mechanism. Can grow to 10 inches in length. Distribution: All of Florida, including the Keys. Habitat: Meadows, pine forests, prairies, and fields. Danger level: Low. Mildly venomous, but it’s not dangerous to people.
Brahminy Blind Snake
The Brahminy blind snake is truly unique. Tiny and adapted to burrowing, these snakes are totally blind. Their size and appearance often result in them being mistaken for earthworms. They aren’t native to Florida, however, and arrived from Asia as an invasive species. Still, if you find a small black snake that doesn’t look like a snake, it’s likely this guy. Appearance: Small black bodies with small heads. No visible eyes and rounded snout, giving the appearance of an earthworm with scales. Can grow to 6 inches in length. Distribution: All of Florida, including the Keys. Habitat: Urban, suburban, and agricultural regions. Danger level: Low. Won’t bite, but will occasionally rub smelly stink glands found in the base of the tail.
Black Swamp Snake
The black swamp snake has two subspecies in Florida, but both of them can come in shades of black. These beautiful snakes are known for their vibrant bellies and for how they give birth to live young. Appearance: Sleek black with thick bodies, Bright and vibrant red or orange bellies. Distribution: Almost all of mainland Florida. Habitat: As the name denotes, found near water, preferably swamps. Danger level: Low. Nonvenomous.
Eastern Coachwhip
The eastern coachwhip is known for its flat black coloration (although the exact color can vary) and its climbing ability. Coachwhips are fast, agile, and can be easily confused with black racers and eastern indigo snakes. Appearance: Black, brown, tan, or grey. Some have solid colors, but many have darker heads and lighter bodies. Can grow to 6 feet in length. Distribution: Most of Florida except the Keys. Habitat: Pine stands, sandhills, scrublands, and along beaches dunes. Danger level: Low. Nonvenomous and more likely to run away.
Glossy Crayfish Snake
The aquatic glossy crayfish snake is usually seen after heavy rain but can also be found near water sources. They aren’t super common and eat a diet based on crayfish and other aquatic creatures (frogs, salamanders, and fish). Appearance: Olive, brown, or black bodies with a lighter belly. A triangular pattern along the belly is a great tell. Can grow to 2 feet in length. Distribution: Central Florida and in parts of the panhandle. Habitat: Swamps, creeks, ponds, streams, and marshes. Danger level: Low. Rare snakes that don’t often bite and are nonvenomous.
Eastern Mud Snake
The eastern mud snake is easy to identify due to its unique coloration. With black backs and red bellies with black stripes and striations, most people know an eastern mud snake when they see one. Appearance: Black backs with red bellies. Black patterns underneath on belly. Thick bodies with short heads. Can grow to 3.5 feet in length. Distribution: All of Florida except the Keys. Habitat: Swamps, marshes, drainage canals, rivers, lakes, and ponds. Pretty much anywhere there is mud. Danger level: Low. Nonvenomous and famous for being docile.
