Shannon Carnevale
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Snakes in Central Florida

11/13/2014

 
Snakes in C. Florida, a blog post from www.shannoncarnevale.comLike what you see? Consider pinning the above image to share with others.
This month, I've been teaching a community workshop on "Snakes in Polk County." To my great surprise, my class has sold out or resulted in a full classroom at both locations! Why am I surprised? I didn't think so many people were interested in snakes. Clearly, I was wrong.

For that reason, I thought it might be helpful to post some of the information I discussed at my class here. Snakes are a fascinating group of critters but tend to evoke all levels of fear and trepidation in the average resident or tourist. Let me assure you... you scare them as well! Below, I've listed some of the information we cover in the class.


Snake Facts:

  • There are 36 species of native snakes in Central Florida; of those, only four are venomous. In all of Florida, there are 46 species of snakes. Of those, only six are venomous.
  • The four venomous snakes in Central Florida are: pygmy rattle snake, diamond back rattlesnake, coral snake, and cottonmouth (aka water moccasin). 
  • All of Florida's venomous snakes, including the two not found in Central Florida, are in the pit-viper family except the small coralsnake. The coralsnake is in the Elapidae family. Snakes in the pit-viper family produce a hematoxin while snakes in the Elapidae family produce a neurotoxin.
  • Most water snakes people encounter in Central Florida are not actually the cottonmouth but are one of our many native non-venomous water snakes like the Florida banded water snake or the green water snake. The non-venomous snakes are thought to mimic the cottonmouth as a defensive strategy.
  • There are no snake repellents on the market that are scientifically proved to be effective. Don't waste your money.
  • This statement includes the use of mothballs as a snake repellant. Mothballs contain potent insecticides and are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As such, placing them in your home or yard is both illegal and illogical. Using mothballs in your yard and home as a snake repellent doesn't work, can be dangerous for children and pets, and contaminate soil and water. 
  • The best defense for snake encounters in your yard or home is good maintenance and landscape design. Details on this strategy can be found in this University of Florida document: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw260
  • Snakes play a critical role in pest control in agricultural, urban, and suburban communities. Without snakes, our rodent and insect populations would be much higher.
Shannon Carnevale while participating in a radio interview with Tampa's 88.5 WMNF
In addition to the great turnout for the classes, the media was interested too! I am so thrilled to say that I was contacted to do an on-air interview with Tampa's 88.5 WMNF about snakes in Central Florida. The radio station is a local National Public Radio affiliate and the show I appeared on is called "Radioactivity with Rob Lorei" The recording of the show is posted online, in their archives, if you're interested in listening. It was so exciting!

For more information on dealing with snakes in residential areas, check out the document series from University of Florida IFAS Extension.
Or, check out Florida Fish and Wildlife's website at: 

http://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/wildlife/snakes/

Picture
Scarlet Kingsnake, source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
If you're interested in some books for further study, the ones I use in my office are:
  • Peterson's "A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians: Eastern and Central North America" 
  • Ashton's "Handbook of Reptiles and Amphibians of Florida: Part 1 The Snakes"
Like what you see? In the interest of full disclosure, I may earn a small commission when you purchase items through the links provided here. There is no increase in cost, to you or anyone else, associated with these links.
Both snake photos on this page were used under thecreative commons license 2.0 in an unaltered form. Clicking on either photo will take you to the source's Flickr page.

The Dry Tortugas

11/4/2014

 
"Tortuga, Jack?" - Mr. Gibbs
"Yes, general rule: it's never not a good idea to sail to Tortuga.
" - Captain Jack Sparrow
While the Tortuga mentioned by Captain Jack Sparrow and these Tortugas are undoubtedly different, it's a fitting quote for this southern gem. It took my family and I about 5 years to make it to Fort Jefferson, but we finally went. When you're at Fort Jefferson, you are truly isolated and it is gorgeous. I am so glad I had the chance to see this historic landmark in person; photos truly do not do it justice. Thinking about taking a trip to our southernmost National Park? Read on for some of my take-aways from the trip.
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Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas National Park is a gorgeous piece of our tumultuous naval history. First designed to be the biggest and baddest of all the Union Forts, Fort Jefferson ran into problem after problem after problem. From building a faulty rain catchment system to malaria outbreaks and prison escapes, construction was neither quick nor easy. While rich in history, the Dry Tortugas are poor in resources. Outside of fantastic views and unlimited seafood, there isn't much to work with. Rain is the only source of fresh drinking water and the weather is consistent with what you would expect of hot, subtropical islands. Add to that the common Union uniform of the times, a wool suit with long sleeves and pants, and you've got yourself a pretty uncomfortable situation.

Getting to Fort Jefferson requires a little bit of pre-planning because it is located 70 miles west of Key West, FL; it is not an easy place to venture! Most people travel to the National Park via high-speed ferries operated by a vendor contracted by the National Park Service for $170 per adult but you can also take a personal vessel or a sea plane charter. You'll want to arrive in Key West the night before because you need to check in for the ferry at 7:00AM for a 7:30 departure. I recommend checking the major events happening in Key West prior to scheduling your adventure ... or else you may accidentally book your family trip the final weekend of Fantasy Fest. It was a life experience for sure, but wow. That's all I have to say about that. 
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For the modern visitor, the ferry quickly transports you to the island and includes breakfast, lunch, bathrooms, drinking water, and snorkeling equipment because you still can't get any of those items on the island. The National Park Service has done a fabulous job at preserving Fort Jefferson's remote nature. If you're a visitor, keep this in mind and enjoy the solitude. There is no cell service, no concession operators, extremely little electricity (reserved for park staff only), and no wi-fi. Enjoy it.

Things to know:
  1. The ferry ride is 2.5 - 3 hours long in good weather and you'll spend approximately 4 hours on the island.
  2. Bring your own non-drowsy motion-sickness medicine and start taking it at least 24 hours in advance. Trust me on that one... 
  3. Bring and wear plenty of sunscreen. While you're at it, bring a hat and sunglasses as well.
  4. Trips are not cancelled for poor weather. Plan accordingly and go in good spirits. It rains in Florida, life goes on.
  5. It is illegal to fish or spear-fish in National Park waters. Don't do it.
Unlike most of our National Parks, you really can see most of the Fort in the two - three hours you'll have on the island. However, if you want to snorkel or explore the islands other natural attractions you may want to stay overnight. Primitive camping is permitted on the Dry Tortugas but as mentioned previously, you must bring everything with you. This includes water, firewood or cooking supplies, and food. While there are some fire rings and primitive restrooms, read: semi-permanent porta-johns, the rest of the experience is completely primitive. 
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Personally, I can't wait to return for a two-night camping excursion. Visiting for a few hours provided just enough history and scenery to make a primitive camping trip on a National Park island sound perfect to me. If you are interested in seeing some unique Americana, a gorgeous island, and the Florida Keys then I highly recommend taking the ferry out to Dry Tortugas National park for the day. If you're the adventurous type - go camping and let me know how it is. I would love to hear what you thought of the experience.

Like what you read? Share the image below!
 Want to visit the Dry Tortugas? This lovely National Park is dripping with gorgeous scenery and fascinating history. Read this blog post for some travel tips! from www.shannoncarnevale.com

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