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.
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 quite content with the hot, muggy weather in spring and summer.
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 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 practically black base color.
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!
Rainbow snakes’ vivid colors and striking geometric patterns make them one of the most attractive snake species in North Carolina.
Rainbow snakes often have three long, narrow red stripes running the length of their backs, which contrast 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 encounter 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.
Like many other snake species, the Carolina swamp snake has several names and is sometimes called the black swamp snake.
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 type of snake 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.
This snake’s primary habitat is the Coastal Plains and Outer Banks of North Carolina, where 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 when they open their jaws, a big off-white mouth is visible. 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 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.
Northern water snakes are characterized by dark red, red-orange, or dark brown markings on a pale tan or light brown body.
You need 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.
If you’re unclear about the apparent distinctions between water snakes and cottonmouths, see our comprehensive guide comparing the two.
7. Pygmy Rattlesnake
Although tiny, pygmy rattlesnakes can be frightening to see! Concerning other rattlesnakes, they are quite small.
They are only 12 to 24 inches long. 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.
Pygmy rattlesnakes inhabit urban areas in North Carolina. When threatened or if you attempt to handle them, they can and will bite.
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.
Rat snakes found on the plains are more olive-colored, which helps them blend 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 Rattlesnakes are mostly found in the state’s mountains at the highest elevations.
However, some also reside in portions of Piedmont and the Coastal Plains.
Timber rattlesnakes range in length 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.