Scarlet Kingsnake in Central FL

I don't usually go looking for reptiles (I'm more of an insect collector) but I do encounter them in the field. Yesterday I was checking logs to find Rhinoceros beetle larvae and inside an old oak stump I found a beautiful adult Scarlet Kingsnake. I find it strange I found it here since I was in an Oak hammock and they are usually found in pine flatwoods under bark. However, there are lots of skinks in the area so the food source is there. This is probably the nicest snake I have ever found in the wild. Usually the only snakes I see are Black racers, yellow rats and sometimes pygmy rattlers. Its hard to tell on the picture but the bands look more apricot than yellow.



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Beautiful!! Thanks for sharing!

Great find. I found a little baby yesterday. They are more white. Very surprised how these guys are turning up in the cold weather.

Yes and they are very good burrowers. I'm surprised they aren't deeper underground with the weather and all.