Authorities After 2 Reptiles Found in Hurricane Debris in Milton, Fla. Warned Residents About Poisonous Snakes

A coral snake and a diamondback rattlesnake were found hiding among the debris, officials said

Florida’s Martin County residents grapple with damage Hurricane Milton Authorities warned them to be wary of potential danger lurking in the debris.

More specifically, animal control officials with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office are urging people to be careful with snakes. This warning came after two different poisonous species were seen around debris left by the storm.

“Last week we received two poisonous snake calls in one day,” animal control officer Amanda Heffron said in footage shared by the local CBS affiliate. WPEC.

“The first one was a coral snake and it was in a greenhouse-like state, so it was dark, it was warm and it was big. It was one of the biggest snakes I’ve ever seen,” Heffron continued. “And later in the day, there was a six-foot-long diamondback rattlesnake hanging out on the porch of a home with children and pets, just below the slider.”

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The animal control officer said the increase in sightings of snakes like these two, which have been captured and moved to a less populated area, is no coincidence. WPEC.

“Everyone is trying to clear vegetation and property damage from their homes, so warm, dark places are especially great for snakes,” he said, “because that’s where their prey goes and they follow them.”

How can you avoid encountering a snake? Heffron advised being careful and aware. “When walking your dog, always be aware of what your dog is smelling,” he told another local ABC affiliate. WPBF.

And if a “bigger snake” (like the diamondback rattlesnake that was relocated last week) is around, “it will make a rattle sound” and “you’ll hear it,” he added.

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But just listening is not enough; You should also look above. “Don’t talk on your phone while walking your dog so you can be aware,” Heffron told WPEC. “There’s all kinds of wildlife around us, especially coyotes and bobcats; it’s not just snakes.”

“With growth and development, everything is in motion, everything is chasing its prey because its prey is being chased from its homes,” he concluded.

But Martin County residents don’t seem too worried as they deal with tornado devastation — at least not the two who spoke to WPBF.

“They’re here, but you have to know the signs. I know when to run,” said resident Philip W. Harvey, while another named Steven Newkirk said: “Snakes are more scared of people than anything, but no, I’m not worried.”