North Carolina is home to a diverse array of snake species that inhabit its varied landscapes. These reptiles play an important role in the state’s natural ecosystems, contributing to ecological balance. Understanding the different snakes present in North Carolina is beneficial for residents and visitors alike, fostering coexistence with these often-misunderstood creatures. The presence of snakes, both those with venom and those without, indicates a healthy environment.
Venomous Snakes of North Carolina
North Carolina is home to six species of venomous snakes, each with distinct features and habitats. The copperhead is the most frequently encountered venomous snake in the state due to its widespread distribution and living near human dwellings. These snakes have a reddish-brown body with hourglass-shaped, darker bands. Copperheads are found in wooded areas, rocky outcrops, and near water sources; their bites are painful but rarely fatal to humans.
The cottonmouth, also known as the water moccasin, is found in eastern North Carolina, near aquatic environments like swamps, ponds, and slow-moving streams. They are dark-colored, from olive to black, with a broad head and a distinctive white, cotton-like interior of their mouth. When threatened, they display this white mouth as a warning.
Three species of rattlesnakes inhabit North Carolina: the Eastern Diamondback, Timber, and Pygmy rattlesnakes. The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in North America, with dark diamond-shaped patterns and light borders along its back; this species is found in the southeastern coastal plain and is considered endangered. Timber Rattlesnakes, found in mountainous and coastal plain regions, exhibit varying patterns, with dark bands on a lighter background and a rattle at the tail. The Pygmy Rattlesnake is a smaller species, gray or tan with darker blotches and a very small rattle that is difficult to hear.
The Eastern Coral Snake, while venomous, is rarely seen due to its reclusive nature and localized to the southeastern part of the state. It has distinct red, yellow, and black bands, with red and yellow bands touching each other, which differentiates it from non-venomous mimics. This snake possesses a neurotoxic venom, but bites are rare.
Common Non-Venomous Snakes
North Carolina hosts many non-venomous snake species that are harmless to humans and contribute to the ecosystem. The Black Rat Snake, a common and large species, can reach over six feet and is shiny black with a white throat. These snakes are found in various habitats, including forests, fields, and suburban areas, where they are known to climb trees and buildings in search of rodents and birds.
Garter snakes, including several subspecies, are small to medium-sized snakes with varied color patterns, with stripes running down their bodies. They are adaptable and found in a wide range of environments, in woodlands and urban gardens, feeding on insects, amphibians, and small fish. Corn snakes are recognized by their vibrant orange, red, and brown blotches bordered by black, resembling Indian corn kernels. These docile snakes are found in wooded areas, rocky hillsides, and agricultural fields, where they prey on rodents and birds.
King snakes, like the Eastern and Scarlet King Snakes, are known to consume other snakes, including venomous ones. The Eastern King Snake is black with white or yellow bands, while the Scarlet King Snake mimics the Eastern Coral Snake with red, black, and yellow bands, though its red and black bands touch. These snakes inhabit diverse environments, in forests and swamps, providing natural pest control. Brown snakes are small, secretive snakes, less than a foot long, with a brown or gray body and small dark spots. They are found in gardens, under logs, and in leaf litter, feeding on slugs, worms, and other invertebrates.
Safe Encounters and Identification
Encountering a snake in North Carolina is possible, and understanding how to react ensures safety for humans and the reptile. When a snake is observed, maintaining a respectful distance is the best action. Never attempt to approach, handle, or harm any snake, as this is when most bites occur. If a snake is in a yard or unwanted area, allowing it to move away on its own is the best solution.
General characteristics can help differentiate between venomous and non-venomous snakes, though these are not absolute rules and caution is always advisable. Many venomous snakes in North Carolina, like copperheads and rattlesnakes, are pit vipers, possessing a heat-sensing pit between eye and nostril, and have triangular heads and vertical, cat-like pupils. Non-venomous snakes have round pupils and more rounded heads. However, some non-venomous snakes can flatten their heads to appear more triangular, and pupil shape is difficult to discern from a safe distance.
The presence of a rattle on the tail is a clear indicator of a rattlesnake, but even then, the rattle may be broken off. The Eastern Coral Snake, as an elapid, not a pit viper, has a small head and round pupils, making its identification rely on its specific banding pattern. Relying on a single characteristic for identification is misleading; instead, consider the snake’s overall appearance, behavior, and habitat. If unsure about a snake’s identity, assume it is venomous and observe it from a safe distance.