The presence of a large number of water snakes during their annual mating season has forced authorities in the state of Florida to partially close a park.
The park and recreation agency of Lakeland City, Florida, is conducting an investigation after receiving reports from local residents about snakes near Hollingsworth Lake.
Authorities have stated that this time of year is the mating season for Florida water snakes.
A large group of snakes is gathering around the lake for group mating. According to officials, these snakes are non-venomous and do not display aggression unless provoked.
After the mating season ends, the snakes will naturally disperse.
Local authorities have decided to seal off the area around the lake to prevent people from disturbing the water snakes, which play an important role in the ecosystem.
They have placed multiple warning signs in the vicinity to protect both the snake population and the community.
The Florida water snake (Nerodia fasciata pictiventris) has an average length of 61-106 cm. They are primarily active at night and will bite if threatened. Water snakes are often mistaken for venomous cottonmouth snakes.
They feed on fish carcasses, frogs, and other invertebrates underwater. The mating season typically lasts from mid-winter to spring. After fertilization, female snakes will give birth to 20-30 young snakes in late spring or early summer.