What kind of snakes are in north carolina

Pine Woods Snake Rhadinaea flavilata. Carolina Swamp Snake Seminatrix pygaea. Brown Snake Storeria dekayi. Red-bellied Snake Storeria occipitomaculata. Southeastern Crowned Snake Tantilla coronata. Eastern Ribbon Snake Thamnophis sauritus. Eastern Garter Snake Thamnophis sirtalis. Rough Earthsnake Haldea striatula. Smooth Earthsnake Virginia valeriae. Cottonmouth Agkistrodon piscivorus. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake Crotalus adamanteus.

Timber Rattlesnake Crotalus horridus. Pygmy Rattlesnake Sistrurus miliarius. Thanks to the following content contributors: J. Aardema, S. Beam, J. Boner, J. Bussone, C. Ewart, I. Kaplan, K. Kiefer, S. Lindsay, E. Merrill, W. Two species, the Mud Snake and Rainbow Snake live in the muddy waters of ponds, creeks, swamps and slow moving water areas of the state. The picture shows the Mud Snake, a striking black and red colored snake. Rainbow Snakes have red lines down the body. Both species can grow to be fairly large and robust, in the five to six foot range.

Mud Snakes consume water based amphibians such as sirens and salamanders. Rainbow Snakes, at least the adults, consume eels. Red-bellied snakes live mostly in wooded areas. Brownsnakes even adapt to city life. Whereas most people on the West Coast consider the Garter Snakes as your basic garden snake, many people in the East, especially residential urban areas, think the Brownsnake as a common garden snake.

The picture shows the Northern Red-bellied Snake. Their diet consists primarily of rodents in their territory, and unless directly disturbed, they are not known to be particularly aggressive in the presence of humans. Populations of Cottonmouth Snakes are limited to water areas of eastern North Carolina. Once you get to the Piedmont area, the probability of Cottonmouths in the water reduced to almost zero. Most snakes shed three or more times each year. They usually shed shortly after emerging in the spring.

After that, sheds are geared to the growth rate and general health of the snake. A snake with a skin infection or injury might shed more often than normal.

A young, growing snake will shed more often than an older, mature one. The most common snake in North Carolina very likely is the eastern worm snake. The largest one recorded from the state was mm 13 inches. It is usually seen when dug up or uncovered while moving objects such as logs or mulch. The rat snake and black racer also are commonly seen large snakes that are active by day and live in habitats frequented by humans.

The eastern diamondback rattlesnake possesses this dubious distinction, closely followed by the eastern coral snake. Both are on N. Loss of habitat and declining numbers landed two venomous snake species on N. Two additional venomous and four nonvenomous species are classified as N. These designations make it illegal to collect the snakes without a permit.

Killing them is allowed only when they pose a clear and imminent threat to health and safety. All plants and animals are protected within the boundaries of national and state parks, as well as in some other nature preserves and sanctuaries. Some eat rats and mice that damage crops and property, and carry diseases; all are important parts of their ecosystems.

Some also have beautiful colors and markings, and many help people learn about the natural world. Snake venoms have been used in a variety of medical applications. In some parts of the world, snakes are considered valuable food items, prized for high-priced leather products and revered as mythical creatures.

Which is the most dangerous? Can a copperhead bite be fatal? What is a pit viper? Do any live in North Carolina? How can I avoid snakes? Where are snakes found? What do snakes eat, and how often?