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USA Today
3 days ago
- Science
- USA Today
Florida wildlife commission seeks rare rainbow snake sighting, last seen in 2020
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is seeking the public's assistance in documenting the super rare rainbow snake, last spotted in February 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. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle 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
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Science
- Daily Mail
Seen the rare rainbow serpent? The government wants to hear from you…
Wildlife officials are urging Floridians to report sightings of the rare rainbow snake, a nonvenomous species whose population has declined in recent decades. Known for their striking iridescent black or violet-blue bodies with bright red stripes, rainbow snakes are semi-aquatic reptiles that primarily feed on American eels. Experts say declining eel populations and habitat loss have contributed to the species' dwindling numbers across Florida. 'We need help from Floridians and visitors to better understand where rainbow snakes still occur in the state,' said Kevin Enge, research scientist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). '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 typically found near rivers, springs, and brackish marshes. A subspecies was historically spotted in Fisheating Creek, Glades County, but has not been seen there since 1952. The FWC encourages anyone who encounters a rainbow snake to report it online, ideally with photos for confirmation. The snakes are visually striking and difficult to mistake for other species, with three red stripes along their back, yellow-marked lip and chin scales, and adults typically reaching three to four feet in length. They spend most of their time hiding under floating vegetation or burrowing near creeks, lakes, marshes and tidal flats, behavior that makes them uncommon even for herpetologists. The species' rarity has led to legal and conservation debates. In 2010, the Center for Biological Diversity petitioned to protect the South Florida rainbow snake under the Endangered Species Act, along with 403 other imperiled Southeast freshwater species. The following year, federal authorities declared the snake extinct, though experts say no thorough survey supported that conclusion. In 2020, Tracey Cauthen and Rebecca Boyer spotted a stunning four-foot-long rainbow snake while hiking in the Ocala National Forest, the first confirmed sighting in 50 years. While the rainbow snake is welcomed in Florida, the python is a different story due to its enormous jaws, which allow it to eat virtually anything. A study published in 2024 noted that the apex predator can eat anything as long as it can fit in its mouth. 'Burmese Pythons (Python bivittatus) are apex predators that are larger than all but a few snake species, and their prey, which are swallowed whole, cannot exceed the size of their maximal gape,' researchers led by the Conservancy of Southwest Florida wrote. 'Our study quantified the maximal gape of three large Burmese Pythons, including the longest specimen captured in Florida and one specimen that was captured while eating a deer. 'All three specimens had maximal gape diameters of 26 cm that exceeded the previously reported maximal value of 22 cm'. The experts explained that the python has a huge gape as its lower jawbones are not fused at the front, allowing its mouth to stretch wide. Their elastic skin also accounts for more than half the circumference of the maximal gape in large pythons, allowing them to consume prey six times larger than similar-sized snakes of some other snake species. This means that apart from foxes, bobcats, raccoons, these invasive snakes can also swallow deer, alligators and other prey whole in Florida. 'Watching an invasive apex predator swallow a full-sized deer in front of you is something that you will never forget. The impact the Burmese python is having on native wildlife cannot be denied,' the team shared.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Florida wildlife officials urge public to report rare rainbow snake sightings
Florida wildlife officials are seeking residents and visitors to report any sightings of the rare rainbow snake ( Farancia erytrogramma ), a striking semi-aquatic species facing population decline. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has highlighted that public involvement is important to track the species' distribution, monitor its health, and support long term conservation initiatives. Distinctive appearance and habitat Rainbow snakes are easily identifiable due to their vivid coloration and unique markings. Adults typically measure between 3 and 4 feet in length, with iridescent black or violet-blue scales accentuated by three red stripes along their back. Their lips and chin are yellow marked with violet spots, making them unmistakable compared with other snake species. These reptiles are generally found in or near freshwater environments, including rivers, springs, and brackish marshes. Historically, a subspecies in south Florida lived in Fisheating Creek in Glades County, located more than 150 miles south of the nearest known population in Lake County. However, no sightings have been reported there since 1952. Rainbow snakes primarily feed on American eels, a prey species that has also experienced a decline in population in Florida waters. This specialized diet, along with ongoing habitat loss, has contributed to the reducing numbers of rainbow snakes in the state. Adding to the concern, snake fungal disease affecting rainbow snake species in other parts of the country, raising questions about the species' long-term survival prospects. Importance of public reporting Kevin Enge, a Research Scientist with FWC's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, highlighted the critical value of community involvement: 'We need help from Floridians and visitors to better understand where rainbow snakes still occur in the state.' The FWC encourages anyone who encounters a rainbow snake to submit a report online, ideally with photographs to aid in proper identification. Even brief observations are important, providing researchers with information that can inform conservation strategies, monitor population trends, and assess overall species health trends. FAQs: Q1. What is a rainbow snake? A1. A semi-aquatic snake species ( Farancia erytrogramma ) known for its iridescent black or violet-blue body with three red stripes and yellow-and-violet spotted chin. Live Events Q2. Where are rainbow snakes found in Florida? A2. They inhabit freshwater rivers, springs, and brackish marshes, with populations in Lake County and historically in Fisheating Creek, Glades County.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Science
- Hindustan Times
FWC asks Florida residents to report sightings of rare rainbow snake. Here's why
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has urged residents to report sightings of the declining rainbow snake, which is primarily found in the southern part of the state, reports WBGCU. Amid concerns about the reptile's survival, the FWC is currently on the lookout for valuable data. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has urged that the sightings of the rainbow snake be reported(Screengrab/FWC website) Why is FWC asking residents to report sightings? Kevin Enge, a research scientist from FWC's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, called for cooperation from the residents of Florida 'to better understand where rainbow snakes still occur in the state.' 'Every sighting report gives us valuable data about their current distribution and helps us assess the health of the species in Florida,' Enge said, as quoted by WBGCU. Also Read: Tennessee hiker dies from snake bite after picking up venomous reptile Without a thorough survey, the federal government had declared the rainbow snake extinct in 2011, reports the Center for Biological Diversity, which vowed to protect the reptile under the 2010 Endangered Species Act. In 2020, for the first time in 50 years, a rare rainbow snake was spotted in Florida, CNN reported. At the time, the Florida Museum of Natural History had informed that the 'highly aquatic' rainbow snakes were innocuous and poisonless. As per the Florida Museum of Natural History, an average adult rainbow snake is 3 feet and 6 inches long. In case you spot a rainbow snake, you are encouraged to take photos and report the sighting on the official website of the FWC. There is a sighting form that one must fill out. Also Read: Man with balloon in mouth provokes snake to lunge at him for bizarre gender reveal stunt How to recognize a rainbow snake? According to the Center for Biological Diversity, a rainbow snake resembles a rainbow's shadow. Besides a blue-black back and three red stripes, the colorful reptile has yellow and red patches all over its body. Mainly found in South Florida waterways, the species likes to hide among aquatic vegetation. While an average rainbow snake is around 3 feet and 6 inches long, some rare ones can go up to 5 feet and 6 inches, per CNN. While they appear intimidating, rainbow snakes are nontoxic. FAQs: Are rainbow snakes venomous? According to the Florida Museum of Natural History, rainbow snakes are not venomous. Where can rainbow snakes be found? Rainbow snakes are mainly found in South Florida waterways. What is the average size of a rainbow snake? The average size of an adult rainbow snake is 3 feet and 6 inches. What to do if I see a rainbow snake? If you see a rainbow snake, take pictures and report your sighting to the FWC
