Florida's Snakes A Guide To Their Identification And Habits [Paperback]

The Bartletts have synthesized and distilled the very latest natural history information regarding our native ophidiofauna, added a liberal sprinkling of their vast field experience, and supplied some of the very best photography. Once again, they are poised to influence a new generation of herpetologists and herpetoculturists. --Gregory C. Lepera, curator of herpetology, Jacksonville Zoological Gardens

This book belongs in the field pack, under the front seat of the car, or on a table near the door where it can be consulted quickly to identify the rapidly retreating snake on the road, canal bank, hiking trail, or backyard. --Richard Franz, Florida Museum of Natural History

Because Floridas human population has increased so dramatically over the past three decades, residents are more likely than ever to encounter a snake or legless lizard. This book is designed to dispel some of the apprehension from these encounters by providing a comprehensive, illustrated guide to the 86 species and subspecies of snakes and legless lizards living within the state.

?Each reptile is illustrated with a color photograph accompanied by a range map detailing where it can be found. The descriptions of each animal provide specific details on appearance, size, behavior, and venomous qualities. Additional text addresses captive care, how to find snakes, legal issues, reproduction modes, prey and prey procurement, and an explanation of classification.?

??Because of introduced species, there are actually more snake species living in the state today than when Florida was truly wild. The 2-to-6-foot snakes are most commonly encountered, such as the green snake, yellow rat snake, and diamond?backed rattlesnake, but Floridas ophidiofauna range in size from the earthworm?sized Brahminy blind snake (also called the flowerpot snake, after one of its favorite habitats) to the Burmese python, which reaches a length of 15 feet or more. Both are introduced species. lsB