Melbourne, FL — Continuous heavy rainfall across Florida’s Space Coast has forced venomous cottonmouth snakes out of their flooded habitats and onto higher ground — creating unexpected encounters for local residents. Wildlife officials are warning people to be cautious as the snakes seek drier shelter in yards, businesses, and public areas.
The surge in rainfall has disrupted life along the Space Coast, a region near the Kennedy Space Center, where residents of Brevard County say they’re seeing more snakes than usual.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), cottonmouths — also known as water moccasins — are native to the state and commonly found in swampy or marshy areas. But with much of their habitat under water, they are now appearing in unusual and populated places.
Rising Waters Push Snakes Toward People
During heavy flooding, cottonmouths seek refuge on dry patches of land — sometimes right next to homes, restaurants, or local businesses.
“This is your warning: What you’re seeing is a child-killing cottonmouth snake,” warned the owners of Camp Holly Airboat Rides in Melbourne, who posted a photo of a snake on Facebook to alert visitors.
The owners wrote that snakes were now “occupying every inch of dry ground out in the marsh,” urging residents not to assume any spot of land is safe.
According to Yahoo News, Camp Holly’s owner, Curt McKinney, shared his own frightening experience.
“It almost killed me,” McKinney said. “It took six months out of my life immediately because my legs were swollen up.”
McKinney, who was bitten by a cottonmouth in his 20s, said he now feels compelled to warn others after seeing several of the snakes near his property this month.
Identifying the Cottonmouth Snake
Cottonmouths are found throughout Florida, Georgia, and other southeastern states. They’re named for the white, cotton-like interior of their mouths, which they display when threatened.
The species can range from 30 to 48 inches in length and has dark, thick bodies with triangular heads. They are often confused with nonvenomous water snakes, which share similar coloring but are skinnier, lighter, and have round pupils instead of the vertical pupils found in cottonmouths.
While cottonmouths are venomous, wildlife officials say they rarely bite humans unless provoked. However, any bite from a cottonmouth should be treated as an emergency requiring immediate medical attention.
“These snakes usually avoid human contact, but when flooding forces them onto dry ground, the chances of encounters increase significantly,” the FWC said.
Safety Tips for Residents
Experts recommend Floridians take the following precautions until flooding subsides:
- Avoid tall grass, piles of debris, or flooded areas where snakes may hide.
- Use a flashlight at night when walking outdoors or near water.
- Do not attempt to handle or kill snakes, as this increases the risk of bites.
- Keep pets and children away from flooded marshes or standing water.
- If bitten, call 911 immediately and seek emergency medical care — do not attempt home remedies.
Officials are reminding residents that cottonmouth snakes are an important part of the ecosystem but should be treated with caution and respect, especially during extreme weather events.
What are your thoughts on this unusual wildlife problem in Florida? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.
