Florida Officials Seek Public Help to Track Rare Nonvenomous Rainbow Snake Last Seen in 2020

Florida wildlife officials, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), are seeking public assistance in tracking sightings of the rainbow snake, a rare and nonvenomous species whose population has declined over recent decades. The elusive, semi-aquatic reptile was last reported in 2020 and has not been seen in southern Florida since 1952. Authorities emphasize the importance of reporting any sightings or photographic evidence to help monitor and potentially aid in the conservation of this species. The effort highlights ongoing concerns about invasive reptiles in the region, exemplified by recent reports such as an iguana found in a South Florida woman's toilet, underscoring challenges in managing nonnative species in residential areas.