Panther Island Adventures!

Panther Island is 2,800 acres of restored wetland and upland habitats situated in the northwest corner of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary's 13,000 acres. It is home to numerous plants and animals including the Florida panther and the iconic wood stork.
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Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Critter of the week: Peninsula ribbon snake (Thamnophis sauritus sackenii)

I know it is hard to think of a reptile as cute, but I would have to classify this particular species as "cute"! This relatively common snake is found throughout the state of Florida. This is a semiaquatic critter and can be found in a variety of habitats including pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks, cypress stands, marshes, etc. This is one of the more frequently seen snakes around residential areas as well as along canals and ditches. But these cuties are NON-VENOMOUS!!!
They forage on frogs, salamanders, small fishes, and even earthworms. During the late spring (April -June), they breed. This species is live-bearing so they give birth to about 20 newborns from July into September.

The person holding this snake has experience in snake identification and handling! Do NOT attempt to pick up snakes on your own! It should be done only by someone with training!!!

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