Florida wildlife authorities have issued an urgent appeal to both residents and visitors to aid in the search for the elusive rainbow snake, a species so rare it hasn't been spotted in over five years and faces the threat of vanishing from the state entirely. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) emphasized that this non-venomous reptile, characterized by its iridescent black body with red stripes and yellowish scales on its chin, relies almost exclusively on American eels for sustenance. The drastic decline in eel populations, coupled with habitat loss and fungal diseases, has pushed the rainbow snake to the brink of extinction in Florida.
"We need the help of Floridians and visitors to better understand where rainbow snakes still exist in the state. Every sighting report provides us with invaluable data on their current distribution and assists us in assessing the species' health in Florida," stated Kevin Enge, a researcher at the FWC's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, as reported by CBS News Miami.
Almost a Ghostly Presence
For decades, the rainbow snake has been considered nearly invisible. The last confirmed sighting occurred in February 2020 when a hiker photographed a specimen over a meter long in Ocala National Forest, north of Orlando. Prior to that, there had been no documented records in the area since 1969. Even a subspecies that inhabited Fisheating Creek in Glades County has been absent from records since 1952, reinforcing the notion of encountering an almost mythical creature.
The authorities' appeal comes just days after the Python Challenge 2025, a contest that mobilized hundreds of hunters to control invasive snakes in the Everglades. Jonathan Veach, FWC spokesperson, mentioned to The Palm Beach Post (USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida) that there may have been sightings in recent years, but "they were either not reported or never reached us." Therefore, they stress the importance of reporting any potential rainbow snake sightings immediately through the FWC's official portal, and if possible, including photographs with the report.
What to Look For
The rainbow snake (Farancia erytrogramma) poses no threat to humans. It measures between 90 and 120 cm, displays a violet-blue sheen with red stripes down its back, and features yellow scales with violet spots on its chin. Its unique appearance makes it a jewel of the southeastern U.S. fauna, but also a reminder of how fragile the natural balance can be.
Understanding the Threats to the Rainbow Snake
Why is the rainbow snake so elusive?
The rainbow snake's elusive nature is due to its rare sightings and specific habitat needs, relying heavily on American eels for food, a resource that has dramatically declined.
What should you do if you see a rainbow snake?
If you spot a rainbow snake, report it immediately through the FWC's official portal and include photographs if possible to aid in conservation efforts.
What makes the rainbow snake unique?
The rainbow snake is unique due to its iridescent black body with red stripes and yellowish scales, making it a striking and rare gem of the southeastern U.S. wildlife.