ORLANDO, Fla. \u2014 The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is asking the public to report sightings of the elusive rainbow snake, a nonvenomous species whose population has declined over recent decades.<\/p>\n
Rainbow snakes, known for their striking iridescent black or violet-blue bodies with red stripes, are semi-aquatic reptiles that primarily feed on American eels. The decline in eel populations, along with habitat loss, has contributed to the reduction of rainbow snake numbers in Florida.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need help from Floridians and visitors to better understand where rainbow snakes still occur in the state,\u201d said Kevin Enge, Research Scientist with FWC\u2019s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute.<\/p>\n
Rainbow snakes are usually found near water sources like rivers, springs, and brackish marshes. A subspecies was once located in Fisheating Creek, Glades County, but has not been seen there since 1952. <\/p>\n
The FWC urges anyone who sees a rainbow snake to report it online, especially with photos for confirmation. This helps conserve the species and aids researchers in gathering data on their distribution and health in Florida.<\/p>\n
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