Local

Rare-colored snake found by hikers in Florida

Rare-colored snake found by hikers in Florida (BD Jogerst and Bill Love/FWC)
(BD Jogerst and Bill Love/FWC)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A group of hikers had a slithering encounter when they found an unusually colored rattlesnake.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said that these hikers had found a baby eastern diamondback rattlesnake.

However, the snake lacked black pigment in its skin, making it amelanistic.

Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are normally brown, yellow or tan with distinct black, brown and cream diamonds down their back.

Read: SEE: FWC’s conservation efforts show success for native fish species

They are the largest rattlesnake species in the United States by length and weight, according to FWC.

Amelanism can affect fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.

Read: Orlando International Airport expects busiest weekend of the year with holiday rush of travelers

See more from FWC below:

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

0