Preserving the Beauty – Florida Pics (Ocala, Ormond Beach: sick, homes, adult)

[cmsvmom]

Forgot to mention the pic with the flower and the bee(?) in it is really beautiful.

[Florida Impressions]

Did somebody say snake?



BTW, can anybody tell me the easy way to tell if this is a venomous or non-venomous snake?

[MyHomeIsInOcala]

Originally Posted by Florida Impressions

Did somebody say snake?



BTW, can anybody tell me the easy way to tell if this is a venomous or non-venomous snake?

Florida,

That looks like a "Black Racer" snake, it is one of the most familiar snakes in Florida. They are FAST and can grow to 70 inches long, but usually are 3 foot to 60 inches. They like Brush and Shrubbed areas, as well as gardens. The like to eat mice and bugs.

Not a venomous creature, but will bite it threatened and can not get away.

PS: They DO move FAST!

[Florida Impressions]

Thanks, Ocala. It's definitely a black racer, and I did have a heck of a time chasing it through the trees to get a good pic.

You did identify it as non-venomous, which is correct. But, if you didn't already know what kind of snake this was, how would you know that it's non-venomous?

(BTW, I do know the answer to the question, I'm just throwing out a fun question for our newer residents.)

[lovelucy]

I believe that it is a non-venomous snake because of the shape of the pupil. It is a round shape versus a pointy? shape???

We had a black racer under our trailer home three years ago, and yes, he was fast!!! We read up on them and they will bite if they can't get away!!! We tried to keep our 7 yr. old away from the area the snake liked to sun in.

[Florida Impressions]

Originally Posted by lovelucy

I believe that it is a non-venomous snake because of the shape of the pupil. It is a round shape versus a pointy? shape???

Bingo!

In Florida all of you're non-venomous snakes have a round pupil, and the venomous snakes have an elliptical (cat-like) pupil. The only exception to this is the coral snake, which has a round pupil, but is easily recognizable by it's black, yellow and red striped color configuration (remember, black on yellow, kill a fellow.)

[vpcats]

I can't see having enough time to figure out the shape of the pupil to figure out if I should run or not. I think I'll run and ask questions later. :-)))

[Jammie]

Those are beautiful. What area of Highlands Co. is that? I mean which town is it closest to? I may have a chance to go to that place in the near future.

Oh and snakes~they're my biggest fear.

[Cougar31]

Miami Beach vicinity.

[MyHomeIsInOcala]

Oh, it is just a Wonderful Day!
75, Sunny and Breezy!!! I had to stop and take a few snapshots of these Cactus in Bloom and thought I would share them!!