Florida's population is rising at nearly the fastest rate in the United States, and that means thousands of new residents are unfamiliar with the state's wildlife.
In light of a coral snake bite that sent a Florida man to the hospital this week, questions were asked about how to distinguish potentially dangerous snakes from harmless ones. So, we're offering some help.
The Sunshine State has more than 50 types of snakes, but only six are venomous.
Photo guide to the six venomous snakes in Florida
When you find a snake, it is always best to leave it alone. Even a dead snake's reflexes will often continue to work for a little while after its death. So, don't try to put your hands on a newly-deceased snake either. A Texas man found that out the hard way this week when he was bitten by a four-foot rattlesnake after it was beheaded.
Antivenom for coral snakes is already in short supply because Pfizer/Wyeth has halted production -- at least until a later date.
For help identifying all Florida's snakes, including the non-venomous ones, click here.
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