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Mating snakes prompt closure of part of Florida park: 'Do not disturb'

Posted at 9:13 AM, Feb 16, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-16 09:13:12-05

LAKELAND, Fla. -- A Florida city has shut down a section of lake after receiving reports that numerous snakes had swarmed the area to have sex.

The Lakeland Parks & Recreation department wrote on its Facebook page Thursday that a group of non-venomous water snakes congregated to mate near a traffic roundabout.

"They are generally found resting in tree limbs over water or basking on shorelines," officials said. "They are an important part of the ecosystem and should not be disturbed."

City officials said the snakes aren't aggressive as long as they aren't disturbed, adding that once mating is finished, they should disperse.

Water snakes are native to Florida.