The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has asked residents to report sightings of the rare and declining rainbow snake, primarily found in southern Florida, according to WBGCU. The agency is seeking valuable data to protect the species and ensure its survival.
Why Is FWC Asking for Reports?
Kevin Enge, a research scientist at FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, emphasized the importance of community involvement:
“Every sighting report gives us valuable data about their current distribution and helps us assess the health of the species in Florida,” Enge said.
Without proper surveys, the federal government declared the rainbow snake extinct in 2011, according to the Center for Biological Diversity. However, the species was later rediscovered.
Rare Rainbow Snake Rediscovered After 50 Years
In 2020, for the first time in five decades, a rainbow snake was spotted in Florida, CNN reported. At that time, the Florida Museum of Natural History stated the species is “highly aquatic” and non-venomous, making it harmless to humans.
Rainbow Snake Facts and Identification
- Average length: 3 feet 6 inches (Florida Museum of Natural History)
- Can grow up to 5 feet 6 inches (CNN)
- Color: Blue-black back with three red stripes, plus yellow and red patches
- Habitat: Aquatic vegetation in South Florida waterways
- Behavior: Harmless, non-toxic, and shy
The Center for Biological Diversity describes it as resembling “a rainbow’s shadow.”
How to Report a Rainbow Snake Sighting
If you spot a rainbow snake:
✔ Take clear photos
✔ Report the sighting on the official FWC website by filling out the sighting form
