Poisonous Snakes in North Carolina
What Are Poisonous Snakes in North Carolina?
North Carolina is home to many species of snakes, but only six of them are classified as venomous. These six species of venomous snakes in North Carolina are the copperhead, cottonmouth, timber rattlesnake, pigmy rattlesnake, eastern coral snake, and eastern diamondback rattlesnake. All of these species are extremely dangerous and should be avoided. It is important to know how to identify these snakes and how to act if you come across one in the wild.
Copperhead Snake
The copperhead snake is the most common venomous species in North Carolina. It is a medium-sized snake with a body length of up to three feet. The coloration of the copperhead’s scales ranges from reddish-brown to pinkish-gray and it has a distinctive pattern of dark bands on its body. Copperheads prefer to live in wooded areas, but they can also be found in rocky areas and near water. Copperhead bites are painful and can cause swelling, nausea, and vomiting. Medical attention should be sought if you are bitten by a copperhead.
Cottonmouth Snake
The cottonmouth snake is a large, blackish-brown snake with a distinct white chin and throat. It is found in wetlands, swamps, and streams in North Carolina. Cottonmouths can reach up to five feet in length and their bite can be very dangerous. Symptoms of a cottonmouth bite include intense pain, swelling, and tissue damage. Medical attention should be sought immediately if you are bitten by a cottonmouth.
Timber Rattlesnake
The timber rattlesnake is a large, heavy-bodied snake with a yellow, brown, or gray coloration and distinctive black bands along its back. It is found in forests and rocky areas in North Carolina and can reach up to six feet in length. The timber rattlesnake is a highly venomous species and its bite can be fatal if not treated promptly. Symptoms of a timber rattlesnake bite include intense pain, swelling, and vomiting. Medical attention should be sought immediately if you are bitten by a timber rattlesnake.
Pigmy Rattlesnake
The pigmy rattlesnake is a small species of venomous snake found in North Carolina. It has a gray, brown, or black coloration with a distinctive pattern of black, brown, and yellow patches along its back. It is usually less than two feet in length and prefers to live in wooded areas. The pigmy rattlesnake is a highly venomous species and its bite can be fatal if not treated promptly. Symptoms of a pigmy rattlesnake bite include intense pain, swelling, and vomiting. Medical attention should be sought immediately if you are bitten by a pigmy rattlesnake.
Eastern Coral Snake
The eastern coral snake is a small, brightly-colored snake found in North Carolina. It has a distinctive pattern of red, yellow, and black bands along its body. The eastern coral snake is a highly venomous species and its bite can be fatal if not treated promptly. Symptoms of an eastern coral snake bite include intense pain, swelling, and vomiting. Medical attention should be sought immediately if you are bitten by an eastern coral snake.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest venomous species found in North Carolina. It has a gray, brown, or black coloration with a distinctive pattern of black, brown, and yellow diamond-shaped blotches along its back. It is usually less than six feet in length and prefers to live in rocky areas. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is a highly venomous species and its bite can be fatal if not treated promptly. Symptoms of an eastern diamondback rattlesnake bite include intense pain, swelling, and vomiting. Medical attention should be sought immediately if you are bitten by an eastern diamondback rattlesnake.
How to Avoid Poisonous Snakes in North Carolina
It is important to be aware of the presence of poisonous snakes in North Carolina and to take steps to avoid them. When hiking or camping in areas where poisonous snakes are known to be present, it is important to wear long pants and boots, and to stay on established trails. It is also important to stay away from any snakes that you may encounter and to never try to touch or handle them. If you are bitten by a poisonous snake, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.