Seeing red!

Susan Warmer (Class of 2006) shared this photo of a substantially sized red rat snake (Pantherophis guttatus) that she took at the 4-13-2016 Wednesday work day at the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area. As you can guess from its common name, this non-poisonous snake eats rodents. Also known as a corn snake, it is a constrictor, usually 1.5 to 3.5 feet long, according to the University of Florida, with a maximum length of 6 feet.

Usually, this snake is seen sunning itself along the limbs of mangroves or other vegetation. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission describes it as the “best climbing species of snake in Florida”. Click here to find out more about this stunning snake.

April is breeding season, and males undulate on the ground as part of their courtship ritual.