Florida Pine Snake
Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus
A large, pale, burrowing constrictor of Florida's sandhills, associated closely with gopher tortoise burrows.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 1.2-2.1 m (4-7 ft)
- Range
- Florida and parts of southern Georgia and Alabama
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Overview
The Florida pine snake is a large, robust subspecies of pine snake adapted to the sandy uplands and longleaf pine sandhills of Florida and nearby states. It is strongly associated with gopher tortoise burrows, which it uses for shelter alongside its own excavations.
Like other pine snakes, it produces a loud hiss when disturbed and can inflate its body dramatically, though it remains harmless to people.
How to identify it
- Pale tan to cream ground color, often faded overall compared to the northern subspecies
- Faint or muted blotching, particularly reduced anteriorly
- Small head relative to body; pointed snout for burrowing
- Keeled scales
- Round pupils
Habitat & range
Found in longleaf pine sandhills, scrub, and dry upland habitats of Florida and adjacent parts of Georgia and Alabama, often near gopher tortoise burrows.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Diurnal, digs its own burrows and frequently uses gopher tortoise burrows for shelter. Preys on rodents and other small vertebrates by constriction. Displays loud hissing and body-inflating threat behavior. Lays eggs in burrows during summer.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Florida pine snake venomous?
No, it is nonvenomous.
Why is it associated with gopher tortoises?
It frequently shelters in gopher tortoise burrows, an important microhabitat in Florida's sandhill ecosystems.
Is it considered rare?
It is uncommon and considered a species of conservation interest due to sandhill habitat loss in Florida.
Florida Pine Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Florida Pine Snake.
