North Carolina is home to 37 snake species, and if you’ve heard stories about venomous coral snakes in the state, you might be wondering if you need to worry about them during your next hike or backyard project. Yes, coral snakes do live in North Carolina, but they are extremely rare and listed as endangered by the state. In fact, there has never been a recorded coral snake bite on a human in all of North Carolina’s history.
These brightly colored snakes are so uncommon that most North Carolina residents will never see one in their lifetime. Coral snakes prefer sandy, well-drained soils in specific pine-oak sandhill areas of the Coastal Plain. They spend most of their time underground and avoid human contact whenever possible.
Understanding which snakes actually pose a risk in your area helps you stay safe without unnecessary fear. This article will explain where coral snakes live in North Carolina, why they’re so rare, and how to identify the harmless snakes that look similar to them.
Are There Coral Snakes in North Carolina?
Yes, coral snakes do live in North Carolina. The Eastern Coral Snake is the only species found in the state.
These snakes are extremely rare and live only in the southeastern corner of North Carolina. They stick to sandy areas in the Coastal Plain region. You’ll find them mainly in pine-oak sandhill habitats with well-drained soil.
The Eastern Coral Snake is:
- Highly venomous
- State listed as Endangered
- Protected by law from capture or harm
- A member of the cobra family
Coral snakes spend most of their time underground. They are very secretive and rarely come into contact with people. In fact, there are no recorded coral snake bites on humans in all of North Carolina’s history.
These snakes have distinctive markings with red, yellow, and black bands that go completely around their body. The key identifying feature is that red bands touch yellow bands. The snout is always black, followed by a yellow band.
You might confuse them with scarlet kingsnakes or scarlet snakes, which are harmless. Those lookalike snakes have red bands touching black bands instead. The old rhyme “red on yellow can kill a fellow; red on black is venom lack” can help you remember the difference.
If you see a coral snake, don’t touch it or try to catch it. Take a photo if you can safely do so. Report your sighting to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. These endangered snakes pose no threat when left alone.
Why Coral Snakes Don’t Live in North Carolina
This title is misleading because coral snakes do live in North Carolina. However, they are extremely rare and hard to find.
The Eastern Coral Snake exists only in the southeastern corner of the state. You won’t find them anywhere else in North Carolina. They live in very specific sandy areas in the Coastal Plain region.
Why are they so rare in North Carolina?
The state sits at the extreme northern edge of their natural range. Most coral snakes live much farther south in states like Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana. North Carolina’s climate and habitat are barely suitable for these snakes.
They need very specific conditions to survive:
- Well-drained sandy soils
- Pine-oak sandhill habitats
- Warm temperatures year-round
- Access to small prey like lizards and other snakes
North Carolina only offers these conditions in a tiny portion of the state. The cooler climate in most areas doesn’t support coral snake populations.
Their secretive nature makes them seem even rarer
Coral snakes spend most of their time underground. They burrow in sandy soil and rarely come to the surface. You could live in an area with coral snakes and never see one your entire life.
The state has listed them as endangered because their population is so small and fragile. No coral snake bites have ever been recorded in North Carolina’s history. This fact shows just how rarely people encounter them, even in areas where they live.
Snakes in North Carolina That Look Like Coral Snakes
Two harmless snakes in North Carolina often get mistaken for the venomous Eastern Coral Snake. These mimics have similar color patterns but important differences that can help you tell them apart.
Scarlet Kingsnake (Lampropeltis elapsoides) is the most common coral snake look-alike you might see. This snake has red, black, and yellow bands like a coral snake. The key difference is that its red bands touch black bands, not yellow.
Northern Scarlet Snake (Cemophora coccinea copei) is another mimic with three-colored bands. You can identify this snake by its red snout and plain white belly. Like the Scarlet Kingsnake, its red bands touch black bands instead of yellow.
The popular rhyme “red on yellow can kill a fellow; red on black is venom lack” can help you remember the difference. However, this rhyme only works reliably in North Carolina and nearby states.
| Feature | Eastern Coral Snake | Scarlet Kingsnake | Northern Scarlet Snake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red touches yellow | Yes | No | No |
| Red touches black | No | Yes | Yes |
| Snout color | Black | Red | Red |
| Belly | Banded | Banded | Plain white |
Both mimic species are completely harmless and actually beneficial. They eat rodents and other small animals. If you see any of these snakes, the safest choice is to leave them alone and watch from a distance. You don’t need to identify them perfectly to stay safe.
