At one time, the entire state of Florida was a haven for snakes, as warm climes, plenty of food and suitable habitat allowed serpents to thrive.
Massive development over the past few decades to the south has helped put a dent in snake populations, but there are still pockets where the legless wonders can roam relatively undisturbed.
The rural Big Bend or Gulf Hammock area of Florida is one of those regions, and Levy County would be smack dab in the middle of that.
There is a variety of habitats ranging from the hilly areas of southeast county, to the swampy areas around the Waccasassa River drainage, south to the Withlacoochee, out west to the Cedar Keys and north to the banks of the Suwannee River.
The myths
For some reason, snakes have been long maligned by humans.
Perhaps it's a carryover from the Bible, where the serpent tempts Eve in the Garden of Eden.
Maybe it's because they're so unlike us - creatures who can motor without limbs.
But the truth is, snakes are beneficial to man in many ways.
Non-toxic rodent control is an obvious one.
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