Mangrove Salt Marsh Snake

Scientific name: Nerodia clarkii compressicauda

Range: In Florida, it is found along the Gulf coast from central Florida south to the keys, and north to around Brevard Co. on the Altlantic coast. It is not found outside of Florida.

Habitat: Commonly found along the coast in brackish and saltwater estuaries, salt marshes, and tidal mud flats.

Comments: . The mangrove salt marsh snake is frequently seen basking above the water on the limbs of mangrove trees. It is active primarily at night, depending on tidal patterns and seasons. It inevitably ingests salt from its estuarine habitats. Since it does not have salt glands to help it get rid of excess salt, it must occasionally obtain freshwater, such as from rain, coastal streams, or body fluids of their prey.

It feeds on small fishes, crabs, shrimp, and other invertebrates trapped in isolated pools of water by the falling tide.

This picture was taken along our mangrove trail boardwalk in March 2006..