Pine Snake (Pituophis melanoleucus)
The Florida pine snake is a magnificent animal that primarily inhabits pinelands. Its numbers appear to have declined significantly because of habitat loss; road mortality has also contributed to its demise. They are creamy blackish-brown in color with reddish bands and blotches that are more prominent toward the rear of the snake. They also have a relatively pointed snout with a triangular-shaped scale. When threatened, pine snakes will try to flee, but if retreat is not an option they will coil, rear up, and hiss loudly in an attempt to intimidate their attacker. They will often enter pocket gopher burrows in search of the small burrowing mammal – one of their favorite foods.
