Florida Man is legendary for his various exploits in the Sunshine State, but he has nothing on a massive snake sex orgy that prompted a warning from officials.

If that sounds weird, it is. Nature can be weird sometimes.

Officials with the City of Lakeland Parks and Recreation department posted on Facebook that reports of an ongoing snake sex orgy near a local lake are natural. Perhaps unnerving to citizens, of course, but just part of nature's way of life.

Water snakes, which some people often confuse with venomous water moccasins, have been seen breeding near Lake Hollingsworth. It's one of the 38 named lakes, along with others big and small, in and near Lakeland.

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

Water snakes “are generally found resting in tree limbs over water or basking on shorelines,” the officials said. Their dark body and markings are similar to water moccasins, also called cottonmouths due to the white lining of their mouth. A look at both snakes here can lend clues about recognizing them.

Lakeland officials say the breeding is normal and have tried to alert citizens and visitors.

“We have put up caution tape in the area and are in the process of hanging signs to make the public aware of their presence,” the city's Facebook post said. “This is for the protection of the public and the snakes.”

Lake Hollingsworth is not the largest lake in the city, with Lake Parker taking that distinction at 2,550 acres.

Lakeland has a long chapter in Florida's diverse history book. Native Americans lived in the area for centuries before pioneers arrived from South Carolina in the 1870s. The Terrace Hotel opened in 1924, one regal trappings that welcomed guests from all over. It's home to several colleges including Florida Southern College, which has one of the largest collections of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, along with the baseball spring training site of the Detroit Tigers and its Class-A team

Now it can add a snake orgy to the list.

How Do Snakes Breed?

When it's time for snakes to get busy, female snakes give off pheromones while slithering around that are recognized by male snakes.

The male will follow the pheromone trail until they find each other. If sparks fly and fireworks ensue, the female will raise her tail for the male to attach his two hemipenes. (Two, yes.) They may remain attached for up to a day.

Snakes may be found in a pair or a group, writhing together. They also  may mate multiple times a year. Males may pursue and find one female, possibly fighting before tangling together and trying to get her to yield to one.

It's arguable, of course, but Florida Man may have nothing on these snakes.