NON-VENOMOUS

Other common names

Pine Woods Snake

Basic description

Most adult Pine Woods Littersnakes are about 10-13 inches (25-33 cm) in total length. Adults are slender and typically reddish-orange to reddish-brown in color. The lips are whitish-yellow, and there is a thin dark line that runs through the eye to the corner of the mouth. Juvenile coloration is similar to that described for adults but often more vivid.

Range in Florida

Pine Woods Littersnakes are found throughout most of the Florida peninsula south to the Lake Okeechobee region, but they extend further south to Broward County along the east coast. There are isolated populations along the southern tier of the Panhandle west of Franklin County. They do not occur on the Florida Keys.

Assessment of risk to people and pets

Non-venomous. Pine Woods Littersnakes are not dangerous to people or pets.

Comparison with other species

Florida Brownsnake (Storeria victa) Non-venomous

two images side by side - Image 1: Florida Brownsnake - small brown snake with tan under neck. Image 2: Pine woods Littersnake - orange brown snake.
Florida Brownsnake. Photo courtesy of Luke Smith.
Pine Woods Littersnake. Photo courtesy of Todd Pierson

Rough Earthsnake (Haldea striatula) Non-venomous

two images side by side - Image 1: Rough Earthsnake - brown snake coiled on a log. Image 2: Pine woods Littersnake - orange brown snake.
Rough Earthsnake. Photo courtesy J.D. Wilson
Pine Woods Littersnake. Photo courtesy of Todd Pierson

Smooth Earthsnake (Virginia valeriae) Non-venomous

two images side by side - Image 1: Smooth Earthsnake - gray snake with light lines. Image 2: Pine woods Littersnake - orange brown snake.
Smooth Earthsnake. Photo courtesy of cassiethegardener/iNaturalist
Pine Woods Littersnake. Photo courtesy of Todd Pierson

Share your observations

You can help scientists better understand the biology and distribution of this species by sharing your observations. Send photos or videos of interesting observations, along with associated information, by emailing the herpetology staff at the Florida Museum for documentation in the Museum’s Herpetology Master Database. You can also post your observations on iNaturalist.

Additional helpful information

Do you have snakes around your house? Learn how to safely co-exist with snakes.

Still have questions about snakes or identifications? Feel free to email the herpetology staff at the Florida Museum with your questions or feedback on this profile.

Banner photo courtesy of Todd Pierson. Please credit any photographers on the page and see our copyright policy.