North Carolina is home to snakes that inhabit every corner of the state, from the highest mountains to the coastal swamps. These reptiles serve an important purpose in the environment, acting as natural controllers of rodent, slug, and insect populations. Understanding their presence and behavior is the first step toward safe coexistence in the region.
The Diversity of North Carolina Snakes
North Carolina’s geography is divided into three distinct regions, creating habitats that support approximately 37 to 38 native snake species. The western Mountain region, with its cooler temperatures and hardwood forests, hosts species adapted to higher elevations. Moving eastward, the central Piedmont region is a transitional zone of rolling hills and urban sprawl where many species are adaptable to human development. The eastern Coastal Plain and Outer Banks feature sandy soils, wetlands, and maritime forests that are home to specialized aquatic and terrestrial snakes. The vast majority of these species are non-venomous and pose no threat to humans.
Identifying the State’s Venomous Species
While most snakes in North Carolina are harmless, the state is home to six species of venomous snakes that warrant careful identification. Five of these species belong to the pit viper family, which share common characteristics, including triangular-shaped heads, elliptical pupils, and a heat-sensing pit located between the eye and the nostril. These pit vipers include the Copperhead, Cottonmouth, Timber Rattlesnake, Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, and Pigmy Rattlesnake.
The Copperhead is the most commonly encountered venomous snake, found across the entire state. It is identified by its brownish color and a distinctive pattern of dark, hourglass-shaped crossbands that resemble a Hershey’s Kiss. Juveniles are born with a bright yellow or greenish tail tip used to lure prey, which fades as they mature. The Cottonmouth, or water moccasin, is semi-aquatic and generally restricted to the Coastal Plain and some parts of the lower Piedmont. Adults are often dark, nearly black, but younger individuals display defined crossbands and a bright tail tip similar to the Copperhead.
Three types of rattlesnakes inhabit the state, all of which are identifiable by the characteristic rattle at the end of their tail. The Timber Rattlesnake, sometimes called the Canebrake Rattlesnake, is a large snake that can be found in both the mountains and the coastal regions. It has a light base color with dark, V- or M-shaped crossbands, and its tail is typically black. The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, a very large species, is restricted to the southeastern Coastal Plain and is identified by its bold, diamond-shaped pattern. The small Pigmy Rattlesnake rarely exceeds two feet in length and has a tiny rattle that is often hard to hear.
The sixth venomous species is the Eastern Coral Snake, which is not a pit viper and is found only in the extreme southeastern Coastal Plain. This snake has a slender body with distinctive alternating rings of red, yellow, and black. A simple way to distinguish it from non-venomous mimics like the Scarlet Kingsnake is to remember the rhyme: “Red touch yellow, kill a fellow,” meaning the red bands touch the yellow bands.
Coexistence and Safety in North Carolina
Safe coexistence with North Carolina’s snake population involves minimizing opportunities for encounters and knowing how to respond if one occurs. A majority of snake bites happen when people attempt to capture, harass, or kill a snake. The best practice is to leave the animal alone and observe it from a safe distance, as snakes are generally not aggressive unless they feel threatened.
Homeowners can make their property less appealing to snakes by removing common hiding places and sources of prey. This includes keeping the lawn closely mowed and clearing away piles of leaf litter, wood, rocks, and other debris. Storing firewood on a raised rack and away from the house removes a sheltered spot where snakes and their prey, like rodents, may seek refuge. Sealing gaps or holes in a home’s foundation or around entry points for pipes can also prevent snakes from entering structures.
When walking in wooded areas or near water, wearing sturdy, over-the-ankle boots provides a layer of protection against accidental contact. If a snake is encountered in a yard, it can often be encouraged to leave by gently spraying it with a garden hose from a distance. In the event of a bite from any snake, it is important to remain calm and seek professional medical attention immediately.