It’s common for people to call all water snakes water moccasins (a.k.a. However, pygmy rattlesnakes have cat-like eyes as well as a rattle that sounds like a small insect, and inhabit the far south and far east regions of the state.
They all have gray-black patterns, short and stocky bodies, and striking heads/noses.
Pygmy rattlesnakes and North Carolina’s non-venomous hognose snakes (two species) have similar appearances as well. Remember, “Red and black, friend of Jack red and yellow, kill a fellow.” The kingsnake has red and black bands next to each other, while the venomous coral snake has red and yellow bands as neighbors. But, the ordering of these bands is the easiest tell-tale sign between them. Scarlet kingsnakes and Eastern coral snakes can be confused, as both have bands of yellow, red, and black.įirstly, scarlet kingsnakes are found throughout North Carolina, but coral snakes are rare in a few southeastern counties. That being said, there are a few mistaken identities to be aware of in NC snake identification. Some of the non-venomous species can be misidentified because they look similar to venomous snakes. READ MORE: The 15 Best Treehouse Rentals in the North Carolina MountainsĮastern Coral Snake – venomous snake in NC via Canva Commonly Confused Venomous and Non-Venomous Snakes of NC
Dark brown snake with white stripes how to#
In other words, the likelihood of crossing paths with one of NC’s “poisonous” snakes is far lower than seeing one of the many non-venomous snakes.įurthermore, we only need to know how to ID a few NC snakes in order to know whether a snake is of any concern with regards to our personal safety. Of those 6 “poisonous” snakes in North Carolina, three of them are relegated to the hotter, far southeastern section of the state. There are 37 species of snakes in North Carolina, with 31 types of non-venomous snakes in NC and only 6 types of venomous snakes. It begins with having a realistic perspective. While there are exceptions, there are other helpful hints when you’re trying to determine whether or not a snake is actually dangerous. In general, the few venomous snakes in NC have bulkier bodies, triangular heads, and cat-like eyes. Non-Venomous Rat snake in North Carolina (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) via Canva Identifying Snakes in North Carolina: Non-Venomous vs Venomous Scarlet Kingsnake (Lampropeltis elapsoides).Red-bellied Snake (Storeria accipitomaculata).Eastern Rat Snake (Pantherophis obsoletus).Eastern Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum).Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platirhinos).Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis).Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius).Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus).Eastern Coral Snakes (Micrurus fulvius).Cottonmouth/Water Moccasin (Agkistrodon piscivorus).Canebrake/Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus).READ MORE: Non-Venomous vs Venomous Snakes In Georgia (Identification Guide) Non-Venomous Eastern Black Racer Snake via Canva Non-Venomous vs Venomous Snakes in North Carolina Guide
Read on for our guide to venomous snakes and non venomous snakes in North Carolina, including tips on identification of the most common species. She was never exposed to dangerous snakes, so she never acquired a healthy fear of them. She often moves closer to venomous snakes and non venomous snakes in equal measure, with her camera at the ready.īeing from Louisiana, I tend to err on the side of caution. I grew up near a pond that was thick with water moccasins and anecdotes (no doubt false or exaggerated) of water skiers falling into nests of angry snakes.ĭespite being interested in the snakes common to North Carolina, the fear-first instinct is deeply instilled in me. Nevertheless, we’re both fans of snakes, which causes bewilderment among friends and family.Īfter moving to North Carolina a few years ago, we couldn’t wait to begin spotting the native North Carolina snakes around our homestead and in the forests of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Unfortunately, this often results in an irritable snake, which is likely the last thing any animal lover would want. Some camping and hiking enthusiasts innately tap into their inner Steve Irwin, and can’t seem to fight the urge to run towards snakes. Unfortunately, this results in a dead snake much more frequently than a bitten person. In their eyes, a snake is a snake, and any snake is dangerous. When it comes to snakes in North Carolina, some people have a deep, abiding fear that no amount of practical knowledge can subdue.
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