Identifying snakes can be tricky.
Many species have similar qualities and can be hard to tell apart without practice.
There are 38 species of snakes native to North Carolina. It’s unlikely that you’ll see all of them, but certain species are prevalent throughout the state, even in residential areas.
We’re here to help you identify North Carolina snakes! You’ll discover the basics of identifying the most dangerous and most common species in the state.
Find out why snakes are essential to have around and how you can safely coexist with them.
We provide you with contacts and useful resources at the end of this guide.
In This Article
Snake Identification Basics
Looking at pictures of a snake and seeing one in the wild are surprisingly different.
It’s not uncommon for snakes of different species or families to have similar features.
You’ll also find individuals within the same species that look entirely unrelated.
Many snakes’ appearances vary based on location and habitat.
This guide is only for snakes found in North Carolina.
Even with our help, you should always be cautious when encountering a snake in the wild.
Quickly Identifying Venomous North Carolina Snakes
There are six venomous snake species in North Carolina.
They belong to two different families, Elapids and Vipers.
There are a few ways of quickly identifying these venomous species.
Unfortunately, many harmless species look similar to venomous ones. Even for those with experience, they can be difficult to distinguish.
You can never be too careful.
The best action is to take caution and give wild snakes their distance.
Pit Vipers
Five of the six North Carolina venomous snakes are pit vipers.
Several distinctive characteristics are useful for quickly identifying these venomous species:
- Facial Pits – Their heat-sensing pits are between the eye and nostril on each side of the face.
- Elliptical Pupils – They have thin, vertical pupils, like cat eyes.
- Triangle-shaped Heads – Venom glands on either side of the head create an arrow shape.
Cottonmouth (Water Moccasins)
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Scientific name: |
Agkistrodon piscivorus |
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Range: |
Eastern half of NC |
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Size: |
Average 3 to 4 ft. |
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Description: |
Black, brown, or olive-colored. Crossbands that are darker along the edges and lighter inside. Heavy-bodied. Blocky head wider than the neck. |
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Habitat: |
Aquatic habitats such as swamps, creeks, rivers, ponds, and lakes. |
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Venomous/Non-Venomous: |
Venomous |
Cottonmouth coloration varies between individuals.
They darken as they age. Older cottonmouths can be almost entirely black.
Juveniles have more distinct patterns, and the tips of their tails are bright yellow.
When threatened, a cottonmouth will vibrate its tail and open its mouth to show a bright-white interior. This display is where it gets its name.
It’s often mistaken for non-venomous water snakes.
Several features separate them. Watersnakes:
- Lack facial pits.
- Have round pupils.
- Have striped upper lips.
- Have narrow heads and slender bodies.
Copperhead
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Scientific name: |
Agkistrodon contortrix |
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Range: |
Statewide. |
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Size: |
Average 2 to 3 ft. |
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Description: |
Light brown with brown, hour-glass-shaped crossbands. Black and white ventral scales. Heavy-bodied. Juveniles have yellow-tipped tails. |
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Habitat: |
A variety of habitats, but mainly woodlands. Often inhabits urban areas. |
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Venomous/Non-Venomous: |
Venomous |
The copperhead is the most common venomous species in North Carolina. It’s responsible for the most venomous bites in the state.
Pygmy Rattlesnake
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Scientific name: |
Sistrurus miliarius |
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Range: |
Southeastern NC |
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Size: |
Average 19 in. |
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Description: |
Gray with dark spots along its sides and back. Black stripe from the eyes to the corner of the mouth. |
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Habitat: |
Coastal plains and woodlands. |
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Venomous/Non-Venomous: |
Venomous |
Pygmy rattlesnake coloration varies geographically. Some individuals in eastern North Carolina have pink or reddish patterns.
You may not hear this rattlesnake’s warning rattle. It’s fragile and often breaks off. If it does have a rattle, it only produces a quiet ‘buzzing” sound.
Timber Rattlesnake
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Scientific name: |
Crotalus horridus |
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Range: |
Most of the state, except north-central areas. Common in the eastern Coastal Plains region. |
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Size: |
Average 4 ft. |
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Description: |
Black, gray, or brown with dark v-shaped bands. Black tail. Heavy-bodied. |
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Habitat: |
Forests, scrublands, and wetlands. |
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Venomous/Non-Venomous: |
Venomous |
Coloration varies geographically. Timber rattlesnakes are sometimes yellow, gray, or black in mountain habitats.
Eastern NC snakes are often pink or reddish with a brown or orange dorsal stripe.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
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Scientific name: |
Crotalus adamanteus |
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Range: |
Southeastern NC. |
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Size: |
Average 3 to 6 ft. The largest species of rattlesnake. |
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Description: |
Gray or tan. Dark diamond patterns run down the spine. Dark stripes through each eye bordered by light-colored lines. Heavy-bodied. |
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Habitat: |
Sandy pine flatwoods |
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Venomous/Non-Venomous: |
Venomous |
Eastern Coral Snake
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Scientific name: |
Micrurus fulvius |
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Range: |
Southern NC. |
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Size: |
Average 2 to 3 ft. |
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Description: |
Red, yellow, and black bands. Red touches black. Black nose. Slender. |
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Habitat: |
A variety of dry habitats. |
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Venomous/Non-Venomous: |
Venomous |
The coral snake has a small distribution in the state, and it’s extremely rare to encounter one.
It’s easily mistaken for the scarlet kingsnake and the northern scarlet snake.
These species have red noses, and their red bands touch black.
The well-known rhyme “Red touch yellow – kill a fellow. Red touch black – a friend of Jack”, and other variations aren’t always reliable.
There can be atypical individuals that don’t have regular band colors and patterns, and the rule only applies in the US.
Because of the uncertainty, the best action is to leave wild snakes alone.
Common Snakes in North Carolina
There are 38 species of snakes native to North Carolina.
You’re much more likely to encounter certain species than others.
The most common snakes in North Carolina include:
- Rat Snakes
- Kingsnakes
- Copperheads
- Worm Snakes
- Brown Snakes
- Water Snakes
- Garter Snakes
- Eastern Racers
- Rough Green Snakes
Non-Venomous Species
Rat Snakes
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Scientific name: |
Pantherophis |
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Range: |
Statewide. |
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Size: |
3 to 8 ft. |
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Description: |
The corn snake is orange, brown, or gray with large red blotches. Rat snake coloration varies from solid black to yellowish-green with dark vertical stripes. Both have black and white checkered ventral scales. Keeled scales. |
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Habitat: |
A wide variety of habitats. Common in residential areas and barns. |
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Venomous/Non-Venomous: |
Non-venomous |
Kingsnakes
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Scientific name: |
Lampropeltis |
|---|---|
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Range: |
Statewide. |
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Size: |
1.5 to 3 ft. |
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Description: |
Coloration varies depending on species. The scarlet kingsnake has bright red, yellow, and black bands that go all the way around its body. The eastern milksnake is gray or brown with dark brown or red blotches along its back. The eastern kingsnake is black with white or yellow chain-like patterns. The mole kingsnake is brown or gray with dark brown or red blotches on its back and smaller spots along its sides. |
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Habitat: |
A variety of habitats, especially woodlands and grasslands. |
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Venomous/Non-Venomous: |
Non-venomous |
Worm Snake
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Scientific name: |
Carphophis amoenus |
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Range: |
Statewide. |
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Size: |
9 in. |
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Description: |
Black, gray, or brown. Pink or white ventral scales. Small, pointed head. Spine on tip of tail. Small eyes. |
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Habitat: |
Damp woodlands. |
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Venomous/Non-Venomous: |
Non-venomous |
Brown Snake
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Scientific name: |
Storeria dekayi |
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Range: |
Statewide. |
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Size: |
10 to 15 in. |
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Description: |
Gray-brown. Light-colored stripe down the spine with spots on both sides. Keeled scales. |
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Habitat: |
Woodlands. |
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Venomous/Non-Venomous: |
Non-venomous |
Another brown snake in NC, the red-bellied snake (Storeria occipitomaculata), can be distinguished by its red or orange ventral scales.
Water Snakes
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Scientific name: |
Nerodia |
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Range: |
Statewide. |
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Size: |
Range 2 to 4 ft. |
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Description: |
Most species are dark brown, gray, or black. Some have brown or black bands or blotches. The red-bellied water snake has bright orange or red ventral scales. Keeled scales. |
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Habitat: |
Near sources of water, including ponds, rivers, streams, and marshes. |
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Venomous/Non-Venomous: |
Non-venomous |
True water snakes belong to the genus Nerodia.
They’re semi-aquatic, and their diets mainly consist of fish and amphibians.
These nonvenomous snakes are often mistaken for cottonmouths.
Unlike cottonmouth snakes, water snakes have round pupils, narrow heads, and lack heat-sensing pits.
Garter Snakes
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Scientific name: |
Thamnophis |
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Range: |
Statewide. |
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Size: |
Average 18 to 26 in. |
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Description: |
Slender and fast-moving. Keeled scales. Large eyes. Brown or black. The eastern ribbon snake has three distinct yellow or white horizontal lines. The eastern garter snake has a yellow or white line along its spine and dark lines on its lips. Some individuals have checkered patterns along their sides. |
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Habitat: |
In a variety of habitats near sources of water. |
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Venomous/Non-Venomous: |
Non-venomous |
Eastern Racer
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Scientific name: |
Coluber constrictor |
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Range: |
Statewide. |
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Size: |
4 to 6 ft. |
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Description: |
Solid black, sometimes have white chins. Smooth scales. Slender body. Large eyes. Juveniles have gray, brown, or red patterns. |
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Habitat: |
A variety of habitats near water. Frequently found in residential areas. |
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Venomous/Non-Venomous: |
Non-venomous |
The eastern racer is often confused for a black rat snake (colloquially referred to as “black snake” in NC). Racers are completely black, even on their bellies, and have smooth scales.
Snakes Native to North Carolina
Listed below are all 38 species of snakes native to North Carolina organized by family.
Colubridae
Most species of North Carolina snakes belong to the Colubridae family.
The Colubridae family has more species than any other snake family in the world.
All colubrids in North America are harmless. Even without venom, their bites can be especially painful.
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Racers |
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Eastern Racer |
Coluber constrictor |
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Rat Snakes |
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Corn Snake |
Pantherophis guttatus |
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Rat Snake |
Pantherophis obsoletus |
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Kingsnakes |
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Eastern Kingsnake |
Lampropeltis getula |
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Milksnake |
Lampropeltis triangulum |
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Mole Kingsnake |
Lampropeltis rhombomaculata |
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Scarlet Kingsnake |
Lampropeltis elapsoides |
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Coachwhips |
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Coachwhip |
Masticophis flagellum |
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Worm Snakes |
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Worm Snake |
Carphophis amoenus |
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Pine Snakes |
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Pine Snake |
Pituophis melanoleucus |
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Earth Snakes |
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Rough Earth Snake |
Haldea striatula |
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Smooth Earth Snake |
Virginia valeriae |
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Water Snakes |
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Banded Water Snake |
Nerodia fasciata |
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Brown Water Snake |
Nerodia taxispilota |
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Northern Water Snake |
Nerodia sipedon |
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Red-bellied Water Snake |
Nerodia erythrogaster |
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Green Snakes |
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Rough Green Snake |
Opheodrys aestivus |
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Swamp Snakes |
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Carolina Swamp Snake |
Seminatrix pygaea |
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Garter Snakes |
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Eastern Garter Snake |
Thamnophis sirtalis |
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Eastern Ribbon Snake |
Thamnophis sauritus |
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Scarlet Snakes |
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Scarlet Snake |
Cemophora coccinea |
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Crayfish Snakes |
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Glossy Crayfish Snake |
Regina rigida |
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Queen Snake |
Regina septemvitatta |
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Crowned Snakes |
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Southeastern Crowned Snake |
Tantilla coronata |
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Hognose Snakes |
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Eastern Hognose Snake |
Heterodon platirhinos |
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Southern Hognose Snake |
Heterodon simus |
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Pine Woods Snakes |
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Pine Woods Snake |
Rhadinaea flavilata |
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Ring-necked Snakes |
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Ring-necked Snake |
Diadophis punctatus |
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Rainbow/Mud Snakes |
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Mud Snake |
Farancia abacura |
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Rainbow Snake |
Farancia erytrogramma |
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Brown/Red-bellied Snakes |
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Brown Snake |
Storeria dekayi |
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Red-bellied Snake |
Storeria occipitomaculata |
Elapidae
Snakes in the Elapidae family are all venomous and have short, fixed fangs.
The eastern coral snake, Micrurus fulvius, is the only Elapid in North Carolina.
Other members of the Elapidae family include mambas, cobras, and death adders.
Coral snake venom affects the nervous system.
There are no records of coral snakes biting humans in North Carolina.
Viperidae
Pit vipers are the only members of the Viperidae family found in the US.
The name “pit viper” stems from the presence of their heat-sensing pit organs. These sensory pits help them locate prey.
They inject their complex venom through a pair of hollow fangs. When not in use, a pit viper’s fangs fold against the roof of its mouth.
Vipers found in North Carolina:
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Copperheads/Moccasins |
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|---|---|
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Copperhead |
Agkistrodon contortrix |
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Cottonmouth |
Agkistrodon piscivorus |
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Rattlesnakes |
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Timber Rattlesnake |
Crotalus horridus |
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Pygmy Rattlesnake |
Sistrurus miliarius |
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Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake |
Crotalus adamanteus |
What You Need to Know
For many people, the sight of a snake incites panic.
There’s no need to be alarmed. Snakes are often shy creatures that want to be left alone.
They won’t chase or attack you. Most people are bitten by snakes when attempting to kill, relocate, or handle them.
In the US, you’re more likely to die from a dog attack than from a venomous snake bite.
Bites from nonvenomous snakes are rarely life-threatening but can be serious if not treated properly.
There are a few precautions you can take to avoid accidental snake bites in the wilderness and around your home.
Continue reading for snake safety tips.
Coexisting With North Carolina Snakes
You may have heard someone say, “the only good snake is a dead one,” but this couldn’t be further from the truth!
Snakes are essential for our ecosystems.
Not only are they nature’s pest control, but they’re also a food source for many different animals.
Snakes eat mice, rats, slugs, and insects that most people don’t want in or around their homes.
Humans have devastating impacts on snake populations.
As we continue to develop land, we’re destroying their natural habitats.
People frequently kill snakes because of their bad reputation. Venomous snakes are the biggest target, but many harmless species die because they’re misidentified.
We’ve also introduced many invasive species that negatively impact snake numbers.
Many populations are in decline and require our assistance.
All three rattlesnakes and the eastern coral snake are protected by the North Carolina Endangered Species Act.
It’s illegal to collect or handle protected species without a permit. You can only kill one if they present an unavoidable threat to your safety.
Snake Safety
Venomous Snakes
Venomous snakes bite around 7-8,000 people a year in the US. Only five or six of these incidents are fatal.
Out of the six venomous snakes native to North Carolina, the copperhead is responsible for most snake bites in the state. Although painful, it’s rarely fatal.
Snakes typically use their venom as a last resort when threatened. Most of them give warning signals or use other defensive mechanisms before biting.
The best thing to do is avoid contact with wild snakes, especially if you aren’t completely certain of their identity.
Snake Territory
In North Carolina, most snakes live in the coastal plains, piedmont region, and the mountains.
Whether you’re there for professional or recreational reasons, you should take extra precautions if you’re in snake territory.
Wear durable boots and long pants, especially in dense areas with tall grass.
Be cautious when lifting sticks, logs, or rocks. Try not to put your hands in or under anything where you can’t see them.
Watch your step! Some snakes attempt to camouflage with their surroundings instead of running away.
Keep pets on a leash and take well-worn or paved paths when out for a walk.
If You Encounter North Carolina Snakes
The best thing to do if you encounter a snake is to leave it alone.
Chances are, your presence is just as startling to the snake.
Snakes bite out of self-defense. Most snakes won’t bite you if you don’t give them a reason.
They may demonstrate several defensive behaviors like:
- hissing
- rattling their tails
- flattening themselves to look bigger.
Step back and allow them the chance to leave.
When to Call for Help
If you find a snake in your home, there are services that will remove it for you. It’s best to leave snake handling to the professionals.
There are several ways to decrease the presence of snakes on your property:
- Keep grass short and tree limbs trimmed.
- Remove any potential food sources for rodents.
- Seal small openings around your home that snakes could fit through.
- Remove piles of scrap wood, metal, and debris that snakes and their prey could live under.
Keep in mind that even with these measures, you may not be able to keep snakes away from your home.
If a snake bites you, remain calm.
Call 911 or have someone drive you to the nearest emergency room.
Attempt to get a picture of the snake so professionals can identify it.
Wash the bite wound with warm, soapy water and keep it above heart level.
There are several misconceptions concerning venomous snake bites.
You should never:
- Apply ice to the bite.
- Cut or open the wound.
- Try sucking out the venom.
- Wrap the bite in a tourniquet.
- Catch or kill the snake for identification (this could lead to more injuries).
If a snake bites your pet, take it to the veterinarian immediately. Most bites aren’t fatal if treated right away.
Useful Resources
For more information on which medical centers treat snake bites near you, call the Carolinas Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 for advice on animal snake bites.
You can email a picture to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission at wrccomments@ncwildlife.org if you need help identifying a North Carolina snake.
When you see a snake, consider recording it in the Carolina Herp Atlas. Scientists use this project to understand how we can conserve wildlife populations.
You can use this website to locate a North Carolina animal control agent in your area to assist with snake removal.
We hope you feel confident in identifying North Carolina snakes after reading this guide!
Have you seen these snakes in your part of the country? Let us know in the comments!
Headed out west? Take a look at our guide to identifying California lizards.