The scarlet kingsnake has bright red, yellow, and black bands that go all the way around its body. Kingsnakes The eastern milksnake is known to interbreed with scarlet kingsnakes. Rat snake coloration varies from solid black to yellowish-green with dark vertical stripes.īoth have black and white checkered ventral scales. The corn snake is orange, brown, or gray with large red blotches. Non-Venomous Species Rat Snakes Corn snakes are one of many nonvenomous snakes mistaken for copperheads because of their coloration. The most common snakes in North Carolina include: You’re much more likely to encounter certain species than others. There are 38 species of snakes native to North Carolina. There can be atypical individuals that don’t have regular band colors and patterns, and the rule only applies in the US.īecause of the uncertainty, the best action is to leave wild snakes alone. Red touch black – a friend of Jack”, and other variations aren’t always reliable. The well-known rhyme “Red touch yellow – kill a fellow. These species have red noses, and their red bands touch black. It’s easily mistaken for the scarlet kingsnake and the northern scarlet snake. The coral snake has a small distribution in the state, and it’s extremely rare to encounter one. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake The eastern diamondback rattlesnake can weigh up to 10 pounds!ĭark diamond patterns run down the spine.ĭark stripes through each eye bordered by light-colored lines.Įastern Coral Snake A coral snake’s bright colors are a warning to predators to “stay back!” Timber rattlesnakes are sometimes yellow, gray, or black in mountain habitats.Įastern NC snakes are often pink or reddish with a brown or orange dorsal stripe. Most of the state, except north-central areas.Ĭommon in the eastern Coastal Plains region.īlack, gray, or brown with dark v-shaped bands.Ĭoloration varies geographically. Timber Rattlesnake The timber rattlesnake is also referred to as a “canebrake” rattlesnake in the southeast region of the state. If it does have a rattle, it only produces a quiet ‘buzzing” sound. You may not hear this rattlesnake’s warning rattle. Some individuals in eastern North Carolina have pink or reddish patterns. Pygmy rattlesnake coloration varies geographically. Gray with dark spots along its sides and back.īlack stripe from the eyes to the corner of the mouth. Pygmy Rattlesnake The pygmy rattlesnake is the smallest species of rattlesnake in the US, usually reaching a maximum of 24 inches. It’s responsible for the most venomous bites in the state. The copperhead is the most common venomous species in North Carolina. Light brown with brown, hour-glass-shaped crossbands.Ī variety of habitats, but mainly woodlands. Watersnakes:Ĭopperhead The copperhead’s bite is agonizing but rarely fatal. It’s often mistaken for non-venomous water snakes. When threatened, a cottonmouth will vibrate its tail and open its mouth to show a bright-white interior. Juveniles have more distinct patterns, and the tips of their tails are bright yellow. Older cottonmouths can be almost entirely black. Triangle-shaped Heads – Venom glands on either side of the head create an arrow shape.Ĭottonmouth (Water Moccasins) Cottonmouths are also called “water moccasins” because of their semi-aquatic lifestyles.Ĭrossbands that are darker along the edges and lighter inside.Īquatic habitats such as swamps, creeks, rivers, ponds, and lakes.Ĭottonmouth coloration varies between individuals.Elliptical Pupils – They have thin, vertical pupils, like cat eyes.Facial Pits – Their heat-sensing pits are between the eye and nostril on each side of the face.Several distinctive characteristics are useful for quickly identifying these venomous species: Pit Vipersįive of the six North Carolina venomous snakes are pit vipers. The best action is to take caution and give wild snakes their distance. Even for those with experience, they can be difficult to distinguish. Unfortunately, many harmless species look similar to venomous ones. There are a few ways of quickly identifying these venomous species. They belong to two different families, Elapids and Vipers. There are six venomous snake species in North Carolina. Quickly Identifying Venomous North Carolina Snakes This guide is only for snakes found in North Carolina.Įven with our help, you should always be cautious when encountering a snake in the wild. Many snakes’ appearances vary based on location and habitat. You’ll also find individuals within the same species that look entirely unrelated. It’s not uncommon for snakes of different species or families to have similar features. Looking at pictures of a snake and seeing one in the wild are surprisingly different. Quickly Identifying Venomous North Carolina Snakes.
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