A Guide to North Carolina's Non-Poisonous Snakes

An Introduction to North Carolina's Non-Poisonous Snakes

North Carolina is home to many different types of snakes, and some of them are non-poisonous. However, if you come across a snake in your backyard or in the wild, it's important to know the difference between venomous and non-venomous species. In this article, we will give you an overview of the non-venomous snakes that you might encounter in North Carolina.

The Black Rat Snake

The black rat snake is one of the most common non-venomous snakes in North Carolina. This snake can reach up to 6 feet in length and is usually black or gray in color. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and near human settlements. The black rat snake is a great climber and is often seen in trees or on walls. It is an excellent hunter of rodents and other small animals and is an important part of the ecosystem.

The Corn Snake

The corn snake is a smaller species of non-venomous snake that is commonly found in North Carolina. They are typically orange or yellow in color with brown or black markings. Corn snakes can grow up to 3 feet in length and are usually found in fields and forests. They are also known to hide in barns and sheds, making them a common pest in these areas. Corn snakes feed on rodents and other small animals, making them a beneficial part of the ecosystem.

The Garter Snake

The garter snake is another common non-venomous snake in North Carolina. This species can grow up to 3 feet in length and is typically black or brown in color with yellow stripes. Garter snakes are found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, fields, and near human settlements. They feed on a variety of small animals, including insects, worms, and small rodents.

The Ring-Necked Snake

The ring-necked snake is a small, non-venomous species that is commonly found in North Carolina. This species can grow up to 10 inches in length and is usually black or gray in color with a yellow or orange ring around its neck. The ring-necked snake is usually found in damp areas, such as near streams, ponds, and wetlands. It feeds on a variety of small animals, including insects, worms, and slugs.

The Eastern Hognose Snake

The eastern hognose snake is a medium-sized non-venomous species that is found in North Carolina. This species can grow up to 3 feet in length and is usually gray or brown in color with dark blotches. The eastern hognose snake is usually found in wooded areas, fields, and near human settlements. It feeds on a variety of animals, including rodents, frogs, and lizards.

The Redbelly Snake

The redbelly snake is a small, non-venomous species that is commonly found in North Carolina. This species can reach up to 16 inches in length and is usually black in color with a red or orange belly. The redbelly snake is usually found in damp, wooded areas, such as forests and near streams. It feeds on a variety of small animals, including worms, slugs, and insects.

Conclusion

North Carolina is home to many different types of non-venomous snakes, and it's important to be aware of the species that you might encounter. In this article, we have given you an overview of the most common non-venomous snakes in North Carolina. We hope that this information has been helpful and that you are now better equipped to recognize and identify the snakes that you might encounter.