FWC asks public to report sightings of rare rainbow snakes

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida wildlife officials are asking the public to help track sightings of rainbow snakes, a rare, nonvenomous species that has declined in recent decades.

What we know:

Florida wildlife officials are urging the public to report sightings of rainbow snakes, a rare, nonvenomous species that has seen population declines in recent decades.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says the snakes depend heavily on American eels for food, a species that has also declined across Florida waters.

Researchers note that habitat loss has worsened the problem, and a fungal disease affecting snakes elsewhere in the U.S. could pose another threat.

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What we don't know:

Despite the concern, scientists have little current data on