Many residents in North Carolina encounter snakes and often wonder about their potential danger, especially those that appear black. Distinguishing between species can be challenging for the untrained eye. This article offers clarity on the most common black snakes in North Carolina, addressing whether they are venomous and how to interact with them responsibly.
The Truth About Black Snakes in North Carolina
The majority of black-colored snakes commonly observed in North Carolina are not venomous. Two prevalent species, the Eastern Ratsnake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) and the Black Racer (Coluber constrictor), are frequently referred to as “black snakes” and play beneficial roles in the ecosystem. Their bites, while potentially startling, are not medically significant beyond a superficial wound. These snakes are constrictors, subduing prey by coiling around it and restricting its breathing.
Eastern Ratsnakes are robust snakes that primarily consume rodents, birds, and bird eggs, making them valuable for pest control. They are excellent climbers, often found in trees, barns, or attics, reflecting their pursuit of prey and shelter. Black Racers are swift, active hunters that feed on a diverse diet including rodents, lizards, birds, frogs, insects, and other snakes. Both species contribute significantly to maintaining ecological balance within their habitats.
Identifying Common Non-Venomous Black Snakes
Distinguishing non-venomous black snakes involves observing several physical characteristics and behaviors. The Eastern Ratsnake is typically glossy black as an adult, especially in North Carolina’s mountains and Piedmont regions. While appearing solid black, adults may show traces of white skin between their scales, and their bellies often have a checkered pattern of light and dark, becoming gray toward the tail. These snakes possess weakly keeled scales, giving them a slightly rough texture. Their heads are somewhat wider than their bodies but not distinctly triangular.
When threatened, a ratsnake might coil its body, vibrate its tail against dry leaves to mimic a rattlesnake, or inflate its head to appear larger.
The Black Racer is characterized by its slender body and smooth scales, which give it a shiny appearance. Adults are uniformly black with a white patch on their chin and throat, and their bellies are typically solid gray-black. Unlike ratsnakes, Black Racers are known for their speed and tend to flee rapidly when approached. While juveniles of both species can have blotched patterns, adult Black Racers are distinctly solid black. Their eyes are relatively large with round pupils, and their head shape is not broad or triangular like that of venomous pit vipers.
Venomous Snakes Often Mistaken for Black Snakes
While true black snakes are non-venomous, some venomous species in North Carolina can appear dark or black, leading to misidentification. The Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) is the most frequently encountered venomous snake in the state and is responsible for the majority of snakebites. Copperheads have a distinct hourglass-shaped pattern of dark bands on a lighter tan or reddish-brown body, though their coloration can sometimes appear quite dark, especially in dim light. They possess a broad, triangular head, heat-sensing pits between their eyes and nostrils, and vertical, slit-like pupils. Juvenile Copperheads often have a bright yellow or greenish tail tip, which they may use to attract prey.
The Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus), also known as the water moccasin, is another venomous pit viper that can appear very dark or even black, particularly as adults or when wet. These snakes are heavy-bodied and commonly found near water sources in eastern North Carolina. Cottonmouths also exhibit a triangular head shape, pit organs, and vertical pupils, similar to Copperheads. When threatened, they often display the white, cotton-like interior of their mouth, a characteristic behavior that gives them their common name. While their pattern of broad crossbands may be obscure in darker individuals, these features differentiate them from harmless water snakes.
Safe Practices When Encountering a Snake
Encountering a snake can be startling, but maintaining a calm demeanor is the first step in ensuring safety. Always give any snake ample space and never attempt to handle, provoke, or harm it. Snakes generally prefer to avoid human interaction and will typically retreat if given the opportunity. Observing a snake from a safe distance, ideally five feet or more, allows both you and the snake to remain undisturbed.
If a snake is found in an undesirable location, such as a garage or home, contacting a professional snake removal service or local animal control is the safest course of action. Avoid trying to move the snake yourself, as this increases the risk of a bite. Educating children about snake safety, emphasizing observation from a distance, and never touching snakes is also an important preventative measure.
In the rare event of a snakebite, seek immediate medical attention. Gently wash the area with soap and water, remove any jewelry near the bite, and keep the affected limb still and at heart level. Do not:
- Apply ice
- Cut the wound
- Attempt to suck out venom
- Use a tourniquet
These actions can cause more harm.