NOCATEE, Fla. — The Nocatee community of Willowcove town homes is on alert after neighbors found a highly venomous snake in a backyard.
Homeowner Genesis Torres found the reptile on her porch in a tightly coiled position Thursday.
"We were letting our dog Aria out, and when we came out we saw the snake over in the corner," said Torres.
Torres took a picture and sent it to her veterinarian sister, who confirmed what it was.
"It's a Florida pygmy rattlesnake," said Torres.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it's estimated that at least 7,000 people per year receive venomous bites in the United States, and about five of those people die. Torres immediately told her neighbors. Koko Head said he wasn't surprised.
"I've walked our dog around the perimeter of the retention pond here, and I've found snakeskins that were at least 3 feet long," said Head.
Torres and her husband ended up killing the reptile to make sure neighborhood pets and children aren't bitten.
Action News has been to Nocatee for another close encounter with wildlife. Earlier this year, there were reports of bear sightings.