Venomous Snakes in North Carolina

Introduction

North Carolina has a variety of snakes, some of which are venomous. It is important to know what type of snakes are living in the state in order to stay safe and know how to react if you ever encounter one. This article will provide an overview of the venomous snakes in North Carolina, their characteristics, and how to recognize them.

Copperhead Snakes

The copperhead snake is the most common venomous snake in North Carolina. It is a type of pit viper and is usually between two and three feet long. They have a distinctive copper-brown head, with a pattern of crossbands running down their back. Copperheads can be found in almost every part of the state, but are most common in the eastern and western mountain regions.

Identification

Copperheads can easily be identified by their coloration, which is a light tan or pinkish-tan base color with darker brown crossbands. The snake's head is usually a shade of copper, which is where they get their name. Copperheads have a wide, triangular head, and a stout body.

Habitat

Copperheads prefer wooded and rocky areas, and can often be found near streams, swamps, and wetlands. They are often found under rocks and logs, and in tall grasses and shrubs. Copperheads are active during the day and at night, and are most active during late spring and early summer.

Cottonmouths

Cottonmouths, also known as water moccasins, are another type of venomous snake found in North Carolina. They are usually between three and four feet long, and are usually black or dark brown in color, with a lighter brown or yellowish belly. Cottonmouths can be found in bodies of water throughout the state, but are most common in the coastal plain region.

Identification

Cottonmouths can be identified by their dark coloration, which ranges from black to dark brown, and their light-colored belly. They have a wide, triangular head, and their eyes have vertical pupils. Cottonmouths also have a distinctive white "cottonmouth" at the corner of their mouth, which is why they are named as such.

Habitat

Cottonmouths are usually found in or near bodies of water, such as swamps, marshes, and rivers. They prefer slow-moving water, and can often be found in the shallows. Cottonmouths are most active at night, but can be seen during the day.

Eastern Rattlesnakes

Eastern rattlesnakes are the most venomous snakes in North Carolina. They are usually between three and five feet long, and are usually gray or brownish in color, with dark crossbands running down their back. Eastern rattlesnakes can be found throughout the state, but are most common in the eastern and western mountain regions.

Identification

Eastern rattlesnakes can be identified by their coloration, which is usually a gray or brownish base color with darker crossbands. They have a wide, triangular head, and their eyes have vertical pupils. Eastern rattlesnakes also have a distinctive rattles at the end of their tail, which is how they got their name.

Habitat

Eastern rattlesnakes prefer wooded areas, and can often be found near streams, swamps, and wetlands. They are usually found near rocks and logs, and in tall grasses and shrubs. Eastern rattlesnakes are usually active during the day and at night, and are most active during late spring and early summer.

Conclusion

Venomous snakes are a part of life in North Carolina, and it is important to know what type of snakes are living in the state in order to stay safe and know how to react if you ever encounter one. There are three types of venomous snakes in North Carolina: copperheads, cottonmouths, and eastern rattlesnakes. Each of these snakes has its own unique characteristics and habitat, and it is important to be able to recognize them in order to stay safe.