MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Snakes mating season date forces closure of public park in Florida

Officials last Thursday sealed off an area where the amorous reptiles had gathered for their pre-Valentine's Day tryst with caution tape.

A city in Florida closed off part of a park after residents spotted dozens of snakes that had apparently gathered for their annual coupling.

“It appears they have congregated for mating,” the City of Lakeland Parks and Recreation Department said on Facebook with a photo of one of the serpents seen in the park by Lake Hollingsworth, south-west of Orlando.

“This is for the protection of the public and the snakes,” the department said.

“They are non-venomous and generally not aggressive as long as people do not disturb them. Once the mating is over, they should go their separate ways.”

The slippery customers were identified as harmless native Florida water snakes.

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