Florida wildlife commission seeks rare rainbow snake sighting, last seen in 2020
The elusive rainbow snake, scientifically known as Farancia erytrogramma, is a nonvenomous species, whose population has declined in recent decades, according to the FWC. Their populations have been affected by habitat loss and declining food source. Rainbow snakes primarily feed on American eels, a prey species that has also declined in Florida waters, according to the wildlife commission. Snake fungal disease is also impacting rainbow snake populations in other states, raising concerns about the species' long-term survival.
FWC spokesperson Jonathan Veach told USA TODAY on Aug. 18 that it is possible there were other rainbow snake sightings in Florida since 2020, but either "they weren't reported or we never learned of them."
Rainbow snake features
With bright, colorful scales, rainbow snakes are visually striking and can easily be identified. They are usually iridescent black or violet-blue and have three red stripes along their back, according to the commission, with their lip and chin scales yellow, marked with violet spots. Adult snakes typically reach 3 to 4 feet in length.
These semi-aquatic reptiles are usually "found in or near water, including rivers, springs and brackish marshes," the commission says, adding one south Florida subspecies was historically found in Fisheating Creek in Glades County, more than 150 miles south of the nearest known population in Lake County. However, that species hasn't been documented since 1952 and researchers are hoping to confirm their existence.
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How to report rainbow snake sighting
'We need help from Floridians and visitors to better understand where rainbow snakes still occur in the state,' FWC research scientist Kevin Enge said in a statement. 'Every sighting report gives us valuable data about their current distribution and helps us assess the health of the species in Florida.'
Rainbow snakes are highly secretive and are rarely seen. They can occasionally be found crossing roads between bodies of water, usually on rainy nights, according to the University of Florida's Florida Museum.
"Swimmers and divers occasionally report seeing them slowly crawling along the bottom of clear, spring-fed rivers," the museum said.
The FWC is requesting those who spot a rainbow snake to report the sighting to the commission online.
"Photographs are especially helpful in confirming sightings and can be included when you submit your sighting online," the commission said. "By sharing sightings, the public can play an important role in conserving this unique species."
Florida python challenge
FWC's request comes just days after the 2025 Python Challenge wrapped up Aug. 13 after a 10-day hunt in South Florida. The challenge made history this year on two fronts with the first woman to win the grand prize and the most total snakes caught since the competition began in 2013.
Taylor Stanberry, a 29-year-old Naples resident, was announced the challenge winner Aug. 13. She's taking home the grand prize of $10,000 for catching 60 snakes. She is the first woman to win the grand prize in Florida's Python Challenge.
Overall 294 pythons were captured marking the most in the contest's history.
Florida Python Challenge: New python hunting queen makes history and catches 60 snakes
How many people are bitten by snakes per year?
While rainbow snakes are not venomous, snake bites are not uncommon in the United States, with approximately 7,000 to 8,000 people bitten by venomous snakes in the United States annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
About five people die from venomous snake bites in the United States each year, the CDC says, warning that the number would be higher if those bitten did not seek medical treatment.
Contributing: Kimberly Miller, USA TODAY NETWORK
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