The Water Snakes of North Carolina

A Comprehensive Guide to the Species

As the waters of North Carolina provide a home to many species of aquatic animals, it stands to reason that snakes would also inhabit the area. Though the classification of snakes can be somewhat confusing, there are many species of water snakes that can be found in North Carolina. In this article, we'll provide a comprehensive guide to the water snakes of North Carolina.

The Common Water Snake

The most common of the water snakes in North Carolina is the common water snake. The common water snake is a non-venomous species that can grow up to three feet in length. It has a dark brown or black coloration with blotches or stripes of lighter colors. It is often mistaken for a venomous species, but it is harmless and beneficial to humans, as it feeds on small rodents, frogs, and other small animals.

The Northern Water Snake

The northern water snake is another common species in North Carolina. It is a semi-aquatic species, spending much of its time in the water, but it also ventures onto land. The northern water snake can grow up to four feet in length. It has a dark brown, gray, or black coloration with bands or blotches of lighter colors. It is a non-venomous species, but it will bite if it feels threatened.

The Banded Water Snake

The banded water snake is a species of water snake that can be found in North Carolina. It is a non-venomous species that grows up to three feet in length. It has a dark brown or black coloration with wide crossbands of light colors. This species is often mistaken for a venomous species, but it is harmless and beneficial to humans, as it feeds on small rodents, frogs, and other small animals.

The Diamondback Water Snake

The diamondback water snake is a species of water snake that can be found in North Carolina. It is a non-venomous species that can grow up to four feet in length. It has a dark brown, gray, or black coloration with diamond-shaped patterns of light colors. It is a beneficial species, as it feeds on small rodents, frogs, and other small animals.

The Plain-bellied Water Snake

The plain-bellied water snake is a species of water snake that can be found in North Carolina. It is a non-venomous species that can grow up to four feet in length. It has a dark gray or brown coloration with a light-colored bell-shaped pattern on its underside. It is a beneficial species, as it feeds on small rodents, frogs, and other small animals.

The Red-bellied Water Snake

The red-bellied water snake is a species of water snake that can be found in North Carolina. It is a non-venomous species that can grow up to four feet in length. It has a dark brown, gray, or black coloration with a red or orange bell-shaped pattern on its underside. It is a beneficial species, as it feeds on small rodents, frogs, and other small animals.

The Cottonmouth Water Snake

The cottonmouth water snake is a species of water snake that can be found in North Carolina. It is a venomous species that can grow up to five feet in length. It has a dark brown, gray, or black coloration with a white or green band around the neck. It is an aggressive species, and it will bite if it feels threatened. It is best to leave this species alone and observe it from a distance.

Conclusion

North Carolina is home to many species of water snakes, some of which are harmless, while others are venomous. It is important to be aware of the species that inhabit the area, and to be able to identify them. With this guide, you should now be able to identify the water snakes of North Carolina.