Venomous Snakes of North Carolina

Five of the Most Dangerous Snakes in North Carolina

For those who love the outdoors, North Carolina is a great place to be. The Tar Heel State is home to a wide variety of wild creatures, including some very venomous snakes. Five of the most dangerous snakes in North Carolina are the timber rattlesnake, the copperhead, the cottonmouth, the eastern coral snake and the pigmy rattlesnake.

Timber Rattlesnake

The timber rattlesnake is the largest and most dangerous of the venomous snakes in North Carolina, and can reach lengths of up to six feet. This snake is usually found in mountainous areas, and has a bite that can be extremely painful and potentially deadly. The timber rattlesnake has a distinctive rattle at the end of its tail, which is used to warn predators and humans alike of its presence.

Copperhead

The copperhead is another venomous snake found in North Carolina, and can be identified by its distinctive copper colored head. The copperhead is usually found in wooded areas, and can range in size from two to four feet in length. While the bite from a copperhead is usually not fatal, it can still be extremely painful and should be treated as soon as possible.

Cottonmouth

The cottonmouth, also known as the water moccasin, is a large, venomous snake found in wetland areas in North Carolina. This snake can reach lengths of up to six feet, and has a distinctive white mouth which it displays as a warning sign to potential predators. The bite of a cottonmouth can be very dangerous, and should be treated immediately.

Eastern Coral Snake

The eastern coral snake is a small, venomous snake found in North Carolina. This snake can reach lengths of up to two feet, and has a distinctive pattern of red, yellow, and black rings. The eastern coral snake is usually found in sandy habitats, and is not considered to be a serious threat to humans. However, its bite can still be very painful and potentially deadly.

Pigmy Rattlesnake

The pigmy rattlesnake is the smallest of the venomous snakes found in North Carolina, and can reach lengths of up to two feet. This snake is usually found in wooded areas, and has a distinctive rattle at the end of its tail, which is used to warn predators and humans alike of its presence. The bite of a pigmy rattlesnake is usually not fatal, but can still be extremely painful and should be treated as soon as possible.

Conclusion

North Carolina is home to a wide variety of wild creatures, including some very venomous snakes. While the bite from most of these snakes is usually not fatal, they can still be extremely painful and should be treated as soon as possible. It is important to be aware of the presence of venomous snakes in North Carolina, and to take the necessary precautions to avoid a bite.