North Carolina is home to one of the greatest diversity of snakes. Since there are different types of snakes in North Carolina, those afraid of snakes may become alarmed just thinking about how many snakes you could encounter here!
However, there are a wide variety of snakes in North Carolina, ranging in size from tiny, under-a-foot snakes to enormous, frightening snakes that won’t harm you unless you intentionally irritate them. Really, North Carolina has it all.
North Carolina’s terrain is incredibly varied, ranging from the breathtaking Smoky Mountains to miles of beachfront beaches with abundant grasslands, marshes, and rivers in between.
This also contributes to the state’s incredibly varied array of fauna that calls it home.
In particular, North Carolina has excellent natural habitats for snakes. The snakes are also kept quite content by the spring’s and summer’s hot, muggy weather.
Let’s look at some of the most prevalent types of snakes in North Carolina so you can recognize them!
1. Copperhead Snake
Copperhead snakes are the most prevalent venomous type of snakes in North Carolina. Every region of the state is home to them.
Copperhead snakes are responsible for 90% of all venomous snake bites in North Carolina each year.
These types of snakes in North Carolina feature hourglass-shaped black markings that span the length of their bodies, along with color patterns that range from light tan to gray.
They are typically between two and four feet long and fairly short.
But they’re really good at hiding, too. Copperhead snakes don’t have rattles, yet they will shake their tails to warn potential threats.
Furthermore, before striking, they will typically elevate their heads in warning.
2. Ring Neck Snake
One of the easy types of snakes in North Carolina to identify is the ring-necked snake.
They are often brown or olive, though occasionally, they have a base color that is practically black.
They also have neck rings that match the color of their bellies, which can be red, orange, or yellow.
There are ring-necked snakes in every part of North Carolina.
The state where a ring-necked snake resides affects its coloring, and coastal ring-necked snakes may not have a complete ring around their necks.
Ring-necked snakes dwell under mulch, beneath flowerbeds or vegetable gardens, beneath planters, or leaf or grass-clipping heaps by homeowners or suburbanites.
The species is small and non-venomous, typically measuring 10 to 15 inches.
3. Rainbow Snake
Rainbow snakes are impossible to overlook, so you won’t have to worry about taking this beauty by surprise!
The vivid colors and striking geometric patterns of rainbow snakes make them one of the most attractive types of snakes in North Carolina.
Rainbow snakes often have three long, narrow red stripes that run the length of their backs, contrasting with their black base color.
Some will have yellow markings in addition to the red stripes, and their bellies may be cream or yellow.
Since they are semi-aquatic, these snakes prefer to be in or close to water.
They are found largely in the wetlands and along brackish rivers southeast of North Carolina’s Coastal Plains.
When completely matured, they often have a length of 3 to 5 feet.
4. Black Swamp Snake
Liodytes, often known as the Carolina Swamp Snake or Black Swamp Snake, are among the many types of snakes in North Carolina.
They despise humans and don’t even particularly enjoy being outside! Being mostly aquatic, they like to dwell in areas of shallow water with lots of flora so they can hide.
You might come across one of these beautiful snakes when kayaking or canoeing in the shallows and wetlands.
The snake’s belly is a vivid scarlet red, but its top is either black or dark olive to help it blend in with the surrounding foliage.
Due to their small size, they only venture outside their protective vegetative cover at night unless they are frightened out of their hiding spot.
The Carolina swamp snake goes by several names and is sometimes called the black swamp snake, just like many other snake species.
They can be found in large numbers in wetlands and are typically shorter than two feet long. Only the Tidewater region near the shore is home to swamp snakes.
5. Cottonmouth Snake
One of the types of snakes in North Carolina, which is extremely common in some areas, is the cottonmouth.
Locals may call it a water moccasin rather than a cottonmouth because it is occasionally accorded that name.
The Coastal Plains and Outer Banks of North Carolina are this snake’s primary habitat, and it enjoys the water. One of these snakes might be seen near or in the water.
Like many other types of snakes in North Carolina, cottonmouths are primarily black, but a big off-white mouth is seen when they open their jaws. That is the origin of the term “cottonmouth.”
6. Northern Water Snake
The northern water snake is one of the four species of aquatic snakes that can be found in North Carolina.
Except for the Coastal Plains in the state’s southernmost region, the northern water snake is found in ponds and small streams across most of North Carolina.
Dark red, red-orange, or dark brown markings on a pale tan or light brown body characterize northern water snakes.
It’s important for you to be aware that northern water snakes can be hostile.
You won’t suffer any severe injuries from a bite from one of these snakes in North Carolina because they are not poisonous.
However, if you are fishing, boating, or kayaking in North Carolina’s ponds and rivers and are not paying attention, they can give you a terrible surprise.
There is a common confusion between the cottonmouth (water moccasin) and the northern water snake.
See our comprehensive guide comparing water snakes and cottonmouths if you’re unclear about the apparent distinctions between the two.
7. Pygmy Rattlesnake
Although tiny, pygmy rattlesnakes can be frightening to see! Concerning other rattlesnakes, they are quite small.
They only have a length of 12 to 24 inches. They are typically light gray in South Carolina, with big dark gray or black areas on their backs.
Despite their poisonous nature, they will make an effort to avoid conflict.
The best way for pygmy rattlesnakes to blend in is by using their unique coloring. Still, don’t let their diminutive stature deceive you.
When threatened or if you attempt to handle them, they can and will bite. Pygmy rattlesnakes inhabit urban areas in North Carolina.
For example, Crowders Mountain State Park in Charlotte and many Coastal Plains counties contain them.
8. Rat Snake
Among all the types of snakes in North Carolina, rat snakes are the ones that get rid of pests. They enjoy living far down on the Coastal Plains and high in the highlands.
Although their nearly all-black appearance makes the rat snakes in the highlands appear menacing, these shy types of snakes in North Carolina will quickly flee from humans rather than stay put if they approach within striking distance.
The more olive color of rat snakes found on the plains helps them to fit in with their surroundings more easily.
Do not be alarmed if you encounter a rat snake—they are not poisonous. Since their primary food source is rodents and pests, rat snakes benefit humans.
9. Timber Rattlesnake
Timber Rattlesnake are mostly found in the highest elevations of the state’s mountains. However, some also reside in portions of Piedmont and the Coastal Plains.
The length of timber rattlesnakes ranges from four to five feet, and their colors help them blend in with their surroundings.
Their dark patterns, which help them blend in with the trees and vegetation, come in shades of gray, brown, and black.
Conclusion
North Carolina is home to a wide variety of snakes, including one of the biggest populations of rattlesnakes in the nation.
It makes no difference if you are a resident of North Carolina or are just traveling to take advantage of the wonderful climate and breathtaking scenery.
When hiking, strolling, fishing, or engaging in outdoor sports, you should always be on the lookout for these types of snakes in North Carolina and proceed with extreme caution.
