Snakes can be found all over the world, with the exception of Antarctica. However, some regions have a much higher diversity and density of snake species than others. In this article, we will explore where the highest concentrations of snakes are found globally, nationally, and at the state level.
Global Hotspots for Snakes
On a global scale, tropical regions tend to have the highest diversity of snake species. This includes rainforests in South America, Africa, and Asia. According to one estimate, there are around 3,400 species of snakes worldwide. Of these, a whopping 1,500 species are found in the Amazon rainforest alone.
Some key global hotspots for snakes include:
- The Amazon Basin – Over 250 species identified.
- Sub-Saharan Africa – Over 270 species in the Congo River basin.
- Southeast Asia – Particularly diverse in Indonesia, with over 270 species.
- Australia – Has around 170 snake species, despite its dry climate.
In the Americas, tropical South America stands out for its diversity, followed by Mexico and Central America. In Africa, the tropical rainforests are richest, along with the savannas. Southeast Asia is a standout, especially the islands of Indonesia and the Philippines.
In general, snakes thrive in warm, humid environments with plenty of places to hide and abundant prey to eat. The tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world provide these ideal conditions.
Snake Diversity in the United States
Within the United States, the states with the highest diversity of snake species are generally in the southeastern part of the country.
According to data from the Florida Museum of Natural History, the states with the most snake species are:
| State | Number of Snake Species |
|---|---|
| Texas | 115 |
| Florida | 50 |
| Georgia | 45 |
| Alabama | 43 |
| North Carolina | 37 |
| South Carolina | 35 |
| Virginia | 32 |
As you can see, Texas has by far the most snake diversity, followed by other southeastern states like Florida, Georgia, Alabama and the Carolinas.
In contrast, states in the northeastern U.S. tend to have lower snake diversity, with Maine and New Hampshire having only 9 species each. States out West like California also have fewer species at around 25.
Why the Southeast U.S. Has More Snakes
There are a few key reasons why southeastern states have the most snake species:
- Warm climate – The humid subtropical climate provides ideal conditions for many snake species.
- Habitat diversity – Varied habitats like swamps, marshes and forests allow more niches for snakes.
- Geographic history – Pleistocene glaciations had less impact here, allowing snake diversity to persist.
Texas in particular has an enormous diversity of ecosystems including piney woods, coastal wetlands, arid deserts and more. This variety of habitats allows for a wide array of snakes with different adaptations.
Snake Populations by U.S. State
While the southeast has the most snake species, there are certain states that stand out for having high snake populations and densities.
According to statewide estimates, here are some top states for snake populations:
- Florida – Over 25 million snakes, including up to 1.5 million Burmese pythons.
- Texas – Estimated to have over 20 million snakes in total.
- Georgia – Over 45 different species and plentiful populations.
- Alabama – Dense populations in wetland regions like the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta.
- Arizona – Booming populations in the Sonoran desert, estimated at 7.5 million rattlesnakes alone.
States like Florida and Texas have enormous populations of native species like rat snakes, water snakes, garter snakes, and more. They also harbor large invasive populations like Burmese pythons in the Everglades and rattlesnakes in the Southwest.
Snakes Prone to Overpopulation
Certain snake species are more likely than others to reach nuisance levels of overpopulation. Some of the main culprits include:
- Rattlesnakes – Birth rates as high as 5-10 babies per litter.
- Garter snakes – Can give birth to 30-80 babies in one go.
- Water snakes – Very high reproductive rate and low mortality.
- Brown snakes – Can reproduce 4-5 times in one season.
- Racers and rat snakes – Have large clutch sizes of up to 30 eggs.
Fast breeding snakes like these can experience population booms and become a headache for homeowners, gardeners, or agricultural operations. This often happens when development encroaches on snake habitats.
Venomous Snakes by State
While most U.S. snakes are non-venomous, every state has at least one native venomous species. The states with the highest numbers of venomous snakes are located in the southwest.
Here is an overview of top states for venomous snake species:
- Arizona – 13 species including rattlesnakes, coral snakes, copperheads and more.
- Texas – 12 venomous species such as different rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, copperheads.
- California – 10 venomous species including pacific rattlesnakes, coral snakes and sea snakes.
- New Mexico – 9 species including western diamondbacks, Mojave rattlesnakes.
- Nevada – 8 venomous snake types like Mojave greens, sidewinders, and speckled rattlesnakes.
In contrast, states in the northeast have as few as two venomous species – usually the timber rattlesnake and northern copperhead. Venomous snakes are generally more common in drier, warmer climates.
Most Dangerous States for Venomous Snakes
While the southwest has the most venomous snake species, the states with the most dangerous snakes tend to be in the Deep South. This is because species like cottonmouths and eastern diamondback rattlesnakes have highly potent venom and are found in dense populations.
According to research on snakebite fatalities and anti-venom usage, the most dangerous states include:
- Florida – Six venomous species, including huge eastern diamondback populations.
- Texas – Massive rattlesnake populations along with coral snakes and cottonmouths.
- Georgia – Dense cottonmouth populations rate it as the deadliest state per square mile.
- North Carolina – Plenty of timber rattlesnakes and copperheads, especially in the Appalachians.
- Oklahoma – High incidence of rattlesnake bites from multiple species like pygmy and prairie rattlers.
Public education on snake safety and awareness helps reduce the rates of dangerous or fatal snake encounters in these states. Still, medical treatment for venomous bites is crucial.
Snake Populations in Cities and Urban Areas
While snakes often prefer wilder habitats, they frequently live in urban areas as well. Cities can provide shelter in buildings, plentiful rodents to eat, and heat from asphalt and concrete.
Some U.S. cities known to harbor large snake populations include:
- Miami, Florida – Boa constrictors are now well-established and pythons are present too.
- Phoenix, Arizona – Home to rattlesnakes, gopher snakes, patch-nosed snakes and more.
- Austin, Texas – Rat snakes, racers and other species find shelter in yards and storm drains.
- Atlanta, Georgia – Plentiful rat snakes, garter snakes, and invasive pythons in the metro area.
- Tampa, Florida – High populations of invasive pythons, boa constrictors and colubrids.
Other cities like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Diego, and Albuquerque also have sizeable snake populations. Urban wildlife education and management helps control problematic snake issues.
Snake Control in Urban Areas
To control snake populations in urban environments, experts recommend measures like:
- Sealing up access points to buildings like gaps in foundations.
- Clearing heavy vegetation and debris piles from yards.
- Removing food sources like pet food bowls and rodents.
- Installing snake-proof fencing around play areas.
- Using humane trapping and removal of nuisance snakes.
Venomous snakes pose greater risks and may require specialized removal. Overall, prevention through habitat modification and public education are the best ways cities can coexist with urban snakes.
Conclusion
In summary, snakes are found on every continent except Antarctica, but are concentrated most densely in tropical regions. In the United States, states like Texas, Florida and Georgia have the highest diversity of snake species largely due to their warm, humid climates. Within states, snakes tend to thrive in wetland habitats.
For sheer population numbers, states like Florida and Texas harbor millions of snakes. Fast-breeding species often become overpopulated. When it comes to venomous snakes in the U.S., the southwest leads for diversity, but southern states see more snakebite fatalities and injuries.
Even in urban areas, snakes can become well-established if conditions allow. Sealing up access, removing food sources, and modifying landscaping can deter snakes from taking up residence. Through awareness and management, snakes and humans can effectively coexist.