The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is seeking the public's assistance in documenting the super rare rainbow snake, last spotted in February 2020.
The elusive rainbow snake, scientifically known as Farancia erytrogramma, is a nonvenomous species, whose population has declined in recent decades, according to the FWC. Their populations have been affected by habitat loss and declining food source. Rainbow snakes primarily feed on American eels, a prey species that has also declined in Florida waters, according to the wildlife commission. Snake fungal disease is also impacting rainbow snake populations in other states, raising concerns about the species’ long-term survival.
FWC spokesperson Jonathan Veach told USA TODAY on Aug. 18 that it is possible there were other rainbow snake sightings in Florida since 2020, but either "they weren't reported or we never learned of them."
With bright, colorful scales, rainbow snakes are visually striking and can easily be identified. They are usually iridescent black or violet-blue and have three red stripes along their back, according to the commission, with their lip and chin scales yellow, marked with violet spots. Adult snakes typically reach 3 to 4 feet in length.
