Two subspecies of milk snakes, the Eastern and Scarlet inhabit South Carolina. In the event of any sighting, theres little doubt that someone would immediately post a picture on social media, and it would be the news of the day. They are secretive and can be found under objects. South Carolina is home to an outstanding diversity of snakes. However, of the 41 snake species native to Georgia and South Carolina, only six are venomous all others are completely harmless. They are rarely observed outside the Coastal Plain where they live in a variety of habitats where they can hide under debris, rocks, logs, and leaf litter. This medium-sized snake is highly aquatic and can grow up to 20 inches. Its not uncommon to encounter a corn snake in an old barn or deserted house, where they hunt for mice and rats. Eastern garter snakes grow up to 26 inches with three yellow stripes that run down their body. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Venomous). Have you ever seen a reptile in the wild? Corn snakes are large 48 inches snakes that are slender in build. This As its name suggests, this venomous rattlesnake is small in size. The prairie kingsnake is very seldom observed. The snakes best known as Black racers inhabit most areas in the East from southern Maine to the Florida Keys. Common name:eastern copperhead, copperhead. WebBrown Water Snake (Nerodia taxispilota) Rough Green Snake (Opheodrys aestivus) Pine Snake (Pituophis melanoleucus) Striped Crayfish Snake (Regina alleni) Glossy Crayfish Snake (Regina rigida) Queen Snake (Regina septemvittata) Pine Woods Snake (Rhadinaea flavilata) Black Swamp Snake (Seminatrix pygaea) Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi) If youre bitten by a coral snake, you need to seek medical attention right away, as they are said to be the most venomous snake on the planet, next to the black mamba. South Carolina is known well for residents southern drawl, their friendliness, the sweet tea, and the blisteringly hot summer days. There is often a dark spot at the center of each ventral scale. Scientific name: Lampropeltis calligaster. They can be seen throughout the year and on sunny days, they will be basking on rocks and logs along the edge of the water. Common name:Eastern coral snake, common coral snake, American cobra. The presence of the red belly is usually all that is needed for a proper identification. Common name:cottonmouth, water moccasin, swamp moccasin, black moccasin, viper. Though their bite is said to be highly toxic, there hasnt been a death attributed to this snake since the 1960s. SC Distribution: Coastal Zone, Coastal Plains, Sandhills, Piedmont. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The northern water snake is found in the extreme northwestern parts of South Carolina, close to the border. The belly is pale yellowish with four brown stripes extending down the length of the body. Venomous The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in North America. If youd like to learn to quickly and accurately identify South Carolina snakes, including the common ones, the pretty ones, and the dangerous ones youve come to the right place! Rattlesnakes also live along the coastal areas. Common name:eastern coral snake, common coral snake, American cobra. This species eats frogs, centipedes, and insects. The younger snakes have dark bars down their dorsum and their sides, which fade with age. They are mostly brown, though can range from a red to a golden brown color with a darker head. Common name:timber rattlesnake, canebrake rattlesnake, banded rattlesnake. Venomous: Yes, Scientific name: Micrurus fulvius Also known as a Mole Kingsnake, this medium sized snake (30 50 inches) has a light brown or orange body with a row of reddish-brown spots on the spine going down the length of the body. Occasionally a sensational story of one on the beach makes headlines. Adults can reach lengths of up to five feet. Rarely will this snake exceed 10-15 inches (25 38cm) in length. Since they tend to be in trees a lot, they sometimes find themselves falling into peoples boats. WebHave you seen a snake in South Carolina and aren't sure if it's venomous? They are often seen in pine and scrub oak sandhills, along with hardwoods and pine flat woods. They prefer areas such as marshes and swamps but are sometimes seen in ponds, slow rivers, lakes, ditches, and brackish water sources. Adults are large, heavy bodied snakes and have a uniformly greenish brown dorsum with a pale whitish unmarked belly. Venomous: No, Scientific name: Coluber constrictor However, they will still scare you, which youll want to keep an eye out for whether youre visiting the hiking trails, fishing in the swamps and rivers, or having a picnic on your back porch on a breezy spring evening. The juveniles generally are light gray in color with dark blotches going down the back. There are two subspecies found in South Carolina, one prefers mountainous areas and has a complete ring around the neck with no pattern on the underside, where the other prefers the Coastal Plain and has a broken neck ring and black spots on the underside. It grows to be between 24 to 42 inches and prefers frogs and fish for its food source. This family of venomous snakes includes cobras, mambas, kraits, and new world coralsnakes. They are heavy bodies and large snakes with broad heads that have two lines on the face. It can grow up to 84 inches and is black to blue in color, which includes the belly. Scientific name: Agkistrodon contortrix They have a black and white checked pattern on the belly. They will suck in the air if confronted and spread the skin around their neck and head while hissing and pretending to strike. This small woodland snake has an average length of under 10 inches (25 cm). The milk snake is restricted to the mountainous areas in northwest South Carolina, while the scarlet kingsnake is found in the sandy habitats of the Coastal Plain. Rainbow snakes are large non-venomous snakes that can grow up to 66 inches in length. Canebrake rattlesnakes as they are known in the Coastal Plain of the Southeast are usually gray with a pink, yellow, orange, or brown stripe that runs down the back. The sides have alternating smaller blotches. Their body is a collection of red, black, and yellow/whitish bands. They are slender in light brown or tan with a black head, black of the neck, and chin. They reach between 24 and 40 inches in length and are carnivores who feast on small animals and fish on and off the land. The pigmy rattlesnake in South Carolina prefers drier habitats, such as pine forests and sandhills. Humans need not worry, they are otherwise peaceful and nonvenomous snakes. The older the snake, the more solid the color appears. Willson Some are gray with an orange or brown stripe down their backs. They are long, thin snakes with a black body, and as the picture highlights, white chins. 3. The best South Carolina snakes advice starts by saying yes they are dangerous snakes. Between March and October, it is possible to encounter a pygmy rattlesnake anywhere near bodies of freshwater like marshes, swamps, ponds, and streams. The natural predators of this species include raccoons, opossums, birds of prey, coyotes, and snapping turtles. Protected and Endangered Venomous Snakes IDENTIFYING RATTLESNAKES: Look up the species range in the state. Markings are triangular and bordered in black. They can also be seen in open habitats, which include mountains and fields. However, the pattern on the water snake is always narrow on the sides and wide near the backbone. Adults average between 14-22 inches (38-56cm). They view us as their predators, not their prey. Coachwhips are among the longest snakes in South Carolina, this slender snake can reach lengths of more than 40 inches. Its not uncommon for the milksnake to be confused with the venomous copperhead, except copperheads have an hourglass shape, rather than square or rounded patches. Racers are noted for eating a diversity of smaller prey items, including smaller snakes, rodents, frogs, lizards and even small turtles. Their color can vary from light brown to black or red with dark crossbands. Juveniles are similar in appearance to adults, but have a vibrant yellow tail. There are five types of water snakes in South Carolina. Five of South Carolinas six venomous snakes are pit vipers. Tourists need to always be aware of but not always afraid of potential venomous snakes. WebPhoto by JD Willson. In between these two populations individuals express an integrate between the two morphs. Their large Triangular shaped copper-colored head gives them their common name. They are completely harmless to humans. Look for rattle segments. You can quickly identify a pit viper by recognizing all or more of the following characteristics: Of the five pit vipers, the three rattlesnake species usually also have a rattle at the end of their tail. Adults average in size between 15-20 inches. The Eastern kingsnake from the Coastal Plain has wide bands and those from mountainous regions have thin bands, sometimes almost completely black in color. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is said to be the largest venomous snake in South Carolina. They all belong to the Nerodia genus. They have nine large scales on the top of their heads and a tiny rattle you can barely hear. They grow up to 40 inches and have smooth scales and light brown to red-colored bodies with red to brown spots down the length of their dorsum, which fades with age. A small slender brown snake with keeled scales and a light brown to whitish belly. They range in hue from tan to dark brown with darker brown hourglass shaped bands going down the length of the body. These snakes are small and slender and grow up to 9.6 inches. Venomous:Yes, Scientific name: Agkistrodon piscivorus They have keeled scales, a stout gray, tan or pinkish body, and irregular shaped dark blotches going down the back. They are not encountered very often, due to their secretive nature. The odds of any person getting bit by a venomous snake are extremely low. The two lateral stripes of this snake are confined to rows three and four of the dorsal scales. The young copperhead snakes look just like the adults except for new hatchlings. They can be observed in scrub habitats and pine forests. They have a checkered belly that is done in black and white. They are common in the Coastal Plain and being highly aquatic they prefer wetland habitats. 3 South Carolina species in this family have rattles at the end of their tail. Snakes play a vital role in South Carolinas ecosystem. Young snakes grow rapidly and reach sexual maturation in two to three years. Red-bellied snakes are small snakes that grow to around 10 inches. Common name:Florida Green Watersnake, Eastern Green Watersnake. Their appearance is similar to a cottonmouth, which is a species they share a home with, so they do get mistaken for cottonmouths often. These water snakes are not constrictors. These snakes grow to between 22 and 53 inches by the time they reach adulthood, making them one scary sight if youre out walking and run across one. The banded water snake lives in the swamps, lakes, and rivers of Eastern South Carolina. They are seldom observed due to their secretive nature and if restrained, will seldom bite. Common name:timber rattlesnake, canebrake rattlesnake, banded rattlesnake. However, its range does extend to the western piedmont area. Adult Northern Watersnakes have keeled scales and are generally tan to dark brown in coloration with deeper brown or reddish square blotches on the back and sides. They live off frogs, worms, and the smaller fish in the water source they occupy. WebBaby snakes feed on prey including insects, small amphibians, and rodents smaller than themselves. The dark edging to the smooth tan scales makes the snake resemble a braided whip which gives the snake its name. The Eastern kingsnake is a large smooth scaled snake that is shiny black, growing up to 48 inches. They can often be found around drying pools in the wetlands, where they feed on the trapped amphibians and fish. The green water snake is also non-venomous and grows to between 30 and 55 inches. Florida brown snakes are small gray to brown snakes with a light band across the neck and dark on the lip scales. They have a light yellow to white belly and are very similar in appearance to the eastern ribbon snake. WebThe 4 types of kingsnakes found in South Carolina are the eastern kingsnake, mole kingsnake, scarlet kingsnake, and the eastern milk snake. This species eats small rodents, frogs, and insects. Use the search! The belly is pale to white in color with dark marking resembling a nearly-checkered pattern. Both have a solid black tail and black chevrons can be found on the back and sides which point to a V facing forward. Eastern Worm Snake Scarlet Snake Black Racer Snake Ring-necked Snake If a harmless snake bites you, simply wash the area with warm soapy water. A small to medium sized slender snake with keeled scales and three bright stripes extending down the length of the dark brown to black dorsum. This highly venomous snake is certainly one of the most vibrant and colorful snakes in the Southeastern United States. They are mostly seen in the spring and fall. They also help to keep rodent and insect populations in check. The tail is yellowish and ends in a small rattle. These snakes can be aggressive if threatened and will repeatedly bite while spraying a musk-like substance at their attacker. They can grow up to 32 inches in length and are bright green, which helps you identify them in South Carolina. Northwestern 3. Venomous: No, Scientific name: Cemophora coccinea While this species can be active all the time, youll see them out hunting most often at night. The southern hognose is a small snake with a heavy body that can grow up to 24 inches in length. Watch out for signs of infection. Even though they are venomous, fatalities are very rare. The picture shows the Eastern Milk Snake. They have orange or red-brown dorsal stripes with younger snakes having yellow at the tip of their tail, which fades as they age. This is the opposite of the pattern found on the Copperhead. Expert Tip: If you notice snake poop on your property, dont panic its free pest control! Adults are heavy bodied and can reach lengths of over six feet (72in, 183cm). The colors can vary and some have beautiful dark crossbands on brown and yellow, while others are plain black or brown. Their primary diet is rodents. These harmless snakes may put on a defensive display before they play dead. The head is generally darker brown than the body and some individuals, especially juveniles, may have a pale, light brown band on the neck. The Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon), for example is the only mountain species. They are found throughout the Coastal Plain in South Carolina where they prefer sandhills and sandy pine habitats, though they are sometimes seen in oak forests, abandoned fields, and dry mountainous areas. Cottonmouths are also restricted to the Coastal Plains. They are tan to light brown in color and are patterned with a series of dark diamonds outlined in lighter scales going down the back of the snake. They have a dark stripe that goes through the eye with yellow scales on the upper lip. This large stout snake is white, light gray, or tan in coloration with a series or dark blotches extending down most of the body. This snake is also known as the Yellow-lipped snake, named after the pale to yellowish lip (labial) scales though there is significant variation in this trait across its range. The picture shows a Cottonmouth snake or Water Moccasin. Black Kingsnake Black Kingsnake. The coastal area golf courses popular with the tourist crowd also contain water areas that these snakes might call home. Juveniles look like adults but have more red on the head. From above, the snake looks as if it has a series of red, black and yellow bands extending down the body. They will freeze if encountered, trying to camouflage into their surroundings. Also known as the Glossy Crayfish Snake, this is a medium sized shiny snake with a plain-brown to olive-brown dorsal coloration with faint dark stripes going down the length of the body. Search our database of over 13528 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. The last inch of their tail is a yellowish-green color, and that will fade as they shed their skin. As the most common venomous snake in both North and South Carolina, copperheads can be found all over each state. Juveniles are grayish in color with brown to reddish blotches on the back. Some individuals are plain, while others may have faint lines or blotches extending down the length of the body. I find them to be one of our most docile species. This species of snake is infamous and can often be seen swimming in the water in South Carolina swamps, rivers, and waterways. Common name:prairie kingsnake, yellow-bellied kingsnake. While they cant kill you, be careful, they have very sharp teeth and will bite in their own defense. They have a yellow belly with four brown stripes, two down the center of the belly and one on either side. WebTwo subspecies of milk snakes, the Eastern and Scarlet inhabit South Carolina. WebOutside suburban areas, these juvenile snakes face common enemies such as foxes and raccoons. The ventral surface of this snake usually has a pinkish hue that extends up the sides on 1 2 rows of dorsal scales and can be seen when viewing this snake from above. They can also be found in agricultural and suburban areas. There are also pattern-less individuals that will be entirely black or grey in color. They curl their lips in bizarre behavior when threatened, but very seldom bite. You can find a snake relocation professional in your area with this Free Snake Relocation Directory on Facebook. The snake is ridged in appearance with keeled scales. The Dorsal ground color is dark, but can also range in color from black to olive green. The biggest threat to the brown water snake is humans. Copperhead snakes are most common in the forest areas throughout South Carolina. They are semi-aquatic and are dark brown, gray, or light brown in color with orange to yellow belly. Many individuals may have light black flecks on the back and sides. They are found scattered throughout the Coastal Plain with the majority of inland populations identified on the Savannah River Site in South Carolina. They are orange, red-brown, gray, or brown in color with square black margined red or brown blotches. The best way to coexist with South Carolinas snakes is to give them space and treat them with respect. Discover alligator-eating snakes, spiders larger than your phone, and 1000 more incredible animals in our daily FREE email. Common name:pine woods snake, yellow-lipped snake, brown-headed snake. SC Distribution:Coastal Zone, Coastal Plains, Sandhills, Piedmont, Blue Ridge. 13. The juveniles look the same as adults, except they have bright yellow on the tip of their tail, which fades as they age. The Mud Snake is a long, fairly heavy-bodied snake that is mostly glossy black in coloration with a red checkerboard pattern on the belly that extends up to the sides. The front of the head is black with a yellow band crossing just behind the eye. The sides of the snake are usually yellow and the scales are smooth giving the snake has a glossy appearance. A medium sized aquatic snake, brownish to olive green in coloration, with a yellow stripe situated on the either side of the lower body, and three faint narrow dark stripes running down the back. VenomousCottonmouths, also known as water moccasins, are venomous heavy bodied snakes. SC Distribution: Coastal Zone, Coastal Plains. They are commonly observed near running waters, such as rivers and streams, though they sometimes live in lakes. VenomousLike many viperids,copperheads are fairly heavy bodied snake. Explore the species list below and click on the description or photo to open a more detailed account.

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