5-foot diamondback rattlesnake caught in urban area of Lake Mary

LAKE MARY, Fla. — A trapper caught a 5-foot Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake in an urban area of Markham Woods Friday in Lake Mary.

Trapper Bob Cross said he wants residents to be aware that the snakes are being seen in neighborhoods.

“My main concern right now is Halloween safety for trick or treaters. I have caught several venomous snakes in front yards, streets and sidewalks at night, which is when the trick or treaters will be running from house to house, through the yards in the dark,” said Cross.

Cross said the rattlesnakes “are not creating a problem, it’s the people that are killing the rattlesnakes are the problem.”

"All of the venomous snakes that I capture, I donate to reptile facilities who produce antivenin.
My feelings are that by me saving the life of a venomous snake, then that snake will save other lives with the antivenin," said Cross.

Cross said he recommends that parents either go trick or treating during daylight hours, or keep their children on the sidewalks and use flashlights, saying the “snakes are dark in color and just won't be seen in the grass until it is too late.”

Cox Media Group