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If You See This While Visiting Disney World, Turn In The Other Direction

WDW castle
Credit: Disney

When it comes to Walt Disney World and wildlife, the first Disney Park on your mind may be Animal Kingdom. And that’s totally understandable!

Credit: Disney

READ MORE: VIDEO: Are the Wild Animals of Walt Disney World Getting Too Comfortable?

After all, the Disney Park is home to the Discovery Island Trail, Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, and Maharajah Jungle Trek, each of which is a self-guided outdoor trail full of live animals.

But the truth is that you don’t need to experience Animal Kingdom’s Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction to see some wildlife in the Most Magical Place on Earth.

belle, cinderella castle, magic kingdom

Credit: Brian McGowan

READ MORE: Wild Animal Left Inside Disney Transportation

Florida may be known for its stifling sunshine, sporadic showers, and stunning beaches. But the Sunshine State is also known for its incredibly diverse wildlife, many of which have persisted despite the deforestation and habitat loss human activity has contributed to.

While visiting Walt Disney World, you’re likely to see birds and squirrels, which are sometimes a little too friendly. On extremely rare occasions, you may even see an alligator! More often, however, you’ll likely see a snake or two.

One Guest recently caught a picture of a little snake while visiting EPCOT and posted it on social media:

Met this guy in Epcot yesterday 🐍
byu/Abigail-mary inWaltDisneyWorld

READ MORE: Move Over Disney Cats! A New Type of Park Wildlife Takes Center Stage]

However, this particular Floridian has something to say about these black snakes specifically: leave them alone!

These little guys are called black racers. While black racers may look frightening, especially when they zip past you, the truth is that they’re harmless.

cinderella castle

Credit: Disney

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Just like sharks, these little snakes are more afraid of you than you are of them. They’re non-venomous and aren’t prone to attacking people or pets. In short, they’re not aggressive and don’t deserve to be attacked simply for occupying the same space as Guests visiting Disney.

If you spot one of these snakes while visiting Walt Disney World, just turn around and leave them be!

About Isabella Reimer

Isabella Reimer grew up visiting Walt Disney World and relocated to Central Florida to be even closer to The Most Magical Place on Earth. She earned her Bachelor’s from Florida State University, where she studied Creative Writing and Women’s Studies. Her biggest hobby is bonding with the ikran at Avatar Flight of Passage, and her retirement plan includes becoming the 1,000 Happy Haunt of the Haunted Mansion.