FWC: Public To Report Rare Snake Sightings
MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) – If you happen to come across a snake, and it is one of three rare species, wildlife officials want you to take a picture—or at least report the snake sighting.
Residents and visitors alike are being asked by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to report sightings of three rare nonvenomous snake species: Florida pine snake, southern hognose snake and the short-tailed snake.
Ken Enge, a research biologist, says the reports of sightings can help determine where the snakes live and their status. The three species of snakes have been petitioned for federal listing.
These snakes are found in dry habitats and spend most of their time underground, only occasionally seen moving along the surface or crossing a road.
The public can provide the information online. Photos can also be uploaded to the FWC site to verify identification.
For more information about snakes and to submit a rare snake sighting, visit MyFWC.com/Conservation, select "How You Can Conserve," and choose "Snakes" under "Living with Wildlife."
Reports can include live or dead animals.
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