North Carolina is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including six species of venomous snakes that belong to two distinct families. Five are pit vipers, and one is an elapid, which is related to cobras. Understanding which species are present and how to identify them is foundational for safety, as venomous snakes are found in every region of the state. The pit viper species are responsible for the vast majority of venomous snakebites reported in North Carolina.
Identifying North Carolina’s Pit Vipers
The vast majority of venomous snakes in North Carolina are classified as pit vipers, a group characterized by their heat-sensing pit located between the eye and nostril, slit-like vertical pupils, and a triangular-shaped head. This group includes four regularly encountered species: the Copperhead, the Cottonmouth, the Timber Rattlesnake, and the Pygmy Rattlesnake.
The Copperhead is the most common and widespread venomous snake in the state, found in habitats ranging from wooded areas to suburban backyards. Its distinct pattern features reddish-brown crossbands that narrow along the center of the back, creating an hourglass or “Hershey’s Kiss” shape.
The Cottonmouth, also known as the Water Moccasin, is the only semi-aquatic venomous snake in North America and is primarily restricted to the Coastal Plain and some parts of the lower Piedmont. Adults are typically dark, often olive or black, but they are known for displaying the white, cotton-like interior of their mouth when threatened.
The Timber Rattlesnake is a large, heavy-bodied snake that inhabits two separate areas of the state, existing as the lighter-colored Canbrake Rattlesnake in the Coastal Plain and the darker Timber Rattlesnake in the Mountain and Piedmont regions. This species is easily identified by its segmented rattle and the velvet-black tail found on mature individuals.
The Pygmy Rattlesnake is the smallest of the state’s rattlesnakes, rarely exceeding two feet in length, and is found in the southeastern Coastal Plain and Sandhills regions. Its rattle is very small and produces a faint buzzing sound that can be difficult to hear. North Carolina is also the northern limit for the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, a species that is now extremely rare and possibly extirpated from the state.
The Eastern Coral Snake: A Unique Danger
The sixth venomous species in North Carolina is the Eastern Coral Snake, which is not a pit viper but belongs to the Elapid family. This snake is slender and typically small, rarely exceeding three feet in length, with a pattern of bright, encircling rings of red, yellow, and black. Its venom contains neurotoxins that affect the nervous system, which is a different mechanism from the hemotoxic venom of the pit vipers that primarily causes tissue damage.
Accurate identification is crucial because the Coral Snake is often confused with non-venomous mimics, such as the Scarlet Kingsnake. The key distinction lies in the ring pattern, often summarized by the mnemonic: “Red on yellow, kill a fellow; red on black, friend of Jack.” In the venomous Coral Snake, the red bands always touch the yellow bands, and its nose is black.
This species is shy and fossorial, meaning it spends most of its time underground, making encounters rare, and it is primarily found in the sandy, well-drained habitats of the southeastern Coastal Plain.
Minimizing Encounters and Habitat Awareness
Snakes are naturally reclusive and only strike defensively, making awareness of their preferred habitats the most effective method of prevention. Copperheads are frequently found in “ecotones,” or transition areas between two environments, such as wooded edges, rocky outcrops, and near old building materials or wood piles. Cottonmouths are typically found in aquatic environments like swamps, slow-moving streams, and ditches, often basking on logs or vegetation near the water’s edge.
Residents can make their property less appealing to snakes by removing potential hiding spots and sources of prey. This involves:
- Keeping grass cut short.
- Clearing piles of leaves, firewood, and other debris away from the home’s foundation.
- Managing rodent populations.
- Wearing sturdy, over-the-ankle boots and long pants when hiking, as most bites occur on the lower leg or foot.
Always watch where you step and where you place your hands, especially when moving over logs, stepping on rocks, or reaching into dark areas like brush piles or sheds. Many snakes, particularly the Copperhead, are nocturnal or most active during cooler periods, so using a flashlight when walking outside at night is a safety measure. If a snake is encountered, maintain a respectful distance and wait for it to move away, as attempting to interact with or kill a snake is the primary cause of bites.
Immediate Action Following a Snake Bite
A bite from any venomous snake species must be treated as a medical emergency. The immediate action is to call 911 or local emergency services to get the victim to a hospital quickly, where antivenom can be administered if deemed necessary by a medical professional. While waiting for help, the victim should remain as calm and still as possible to slow the circulation of venom throughout the body.
The bitten limb should be kept in a neutral position, ideally at the level of the heart, to limit both local tissue damage and systemic spread. Any jewelry or tight clothing near the bite site must be removed immediately, as rapid swelling is common and can quickly restrict blood flow. It is important to remember that many common first-aid practices seen in movies and folklore are dangerous and should be strictly avoided.
Do not:
- Attempt to cut the wound or apply suction to remove the venom.
- Use a tourniquet, as this can worsen tissue damage and restrict blood flow entirely.
- Apply ice or immerse the wound in water.
The only effective treatment for a venomous snakebite is prompt medical care.