Snake orgy prompts partial closure of Florida city park
A city in Florida closed off part of a park after residents spotted a large number of snakes which had apparently gathered because of their annual coupling.
"It seems they have congregated for mating," the town of Lakeland Parks and Recreation Department said on Facebook with a picture of one of the serpents observed in the park by Lake Hollingsworth, southwest of Orlando.Officials on Thursday sealed off a location where the amorous reptiles had gathered because of their pre-Valentine's Day tryst with caution tape.
"This is for the protection of the general public and the snakes," the department said. "They are non-venomous and generally not aggressive given that people do not disturb them. After the mating has ended they should go their separate ways."
The slippery customers were recognized as harmless native Florida water snakes. "They are usually found resting in tree limbs over water or basking on shorelines. They are a significant part of the ecosystem and really should not be disturbed," the department said.Resident Tim Newberry, whose Facebook images of snakes in the park alerted city authorities, told 10News he saw about 25 that day.
