Venomous snakes return to Calusa Nature Center

FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is once again home to some of Florida’s deadliest snakes.

Jose Pizarro, lead animal caretaker at the Calusa Nature Center, says their new collection of venomous snakes will help further educate the public about Florida wildlife and work to keep people from getting bitten by these animals.

“We want to make sure they know what type of snake it is and not to mess with it, if it is a venomous snake,” said Pizarro.

Currently, the Cotton Mouth and Eastern Diamondback Rattle Snake are on public display. The nature center is hoping to eventually have all six venomous snakes found in Florida on public display.

Pizarro also adds, if you ever are bitten by a venomous snake or think the snake was venomous, you should call 911 and get to the nearest hospital right away.

If you come across a venomous snake, you should stay away and notify the Calusa Nature Center at 239-275-3435 or Florida Fish and Wildlife at 863-648-3200.

For additional resources and information on venomous snakes in Florida, click here.