Have you seen a rapid rainbow snake? Florida wants to know

As their name suggests, the Snakes SPORT rainbow, insect iris that turn bright blue in the sun. But these beautiful creatures have not been seen since 2020, so Florida officials have recruited the public to help confirm that they are alive and in good health.

in Release It was published on August 18, the Florida Wildlife Committee (FWC) announced that it was looking for FARANCIA ERYTROGRAMAThose whose population has been threatened with loss of habitats Pynechromatic snake disease In recent years. Rainbow snakes are not vibrant and do not constitute threats to humans or pets, which leads to an independent life and feed on American snakes.

“We need the help of Floridian and visitors to understand better where the rainbow is still in the state,” said Kevin Ing, the FWC scientist, in the statement. “Each report gives us to see valuable data on its current distribution and helps us assess the health of species in Florida.”

Historical documents record the presence of these snakes in parts of South Florida, but that was in 1952. Since then, these species have already lost greatly until one of the hikers wanders A chance to meet With one rainbow snake in 2020 – the first vision in 50 years.

They are distinguished by their large size and distinctive coloring from other types, but understanding their specific features is the key to identifying them. According to Florida MuseumThick rainbow snakes are large and thick, and they are between 27 and 48 inches (70 and 122 cm). Rainbow snakes have distinctive signs: Three thin red lines running the lower back and sides, with yellow or pink spots on the bottom side of their back, chin and throat. They also have a pointed tail ending in a “pointed scale, cornea”.

FWC requires anyone watching a rainbow snake to report it through this Online. They said that the image evidence is especially encouraging, adding that “the audience can play an important role in preserving these unique species.”