Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus
Average size: 48-66 inches; Record 90 inches. Young are 19-20 inches at birth.
Range: From around Lake Okeechobee north throughout rest of state.
Diet: Pocket gophers, small mammals and birds.
Status: Special Concern. Rare. Population is decreasing mainly from habitat reduction. Seldom seen spending up to 85% of its life in gopher burrows.
Hisses loudly. When first encountered will hold its own by striking vigorously. A large, powerful constrictor. This is my favorite Florida snake.
