42 Snakes In South Carolina (Pictures & Identification) - ThePetEnthusiast These and most other water snakes are said to make great pets. They are gray in color with an orange or yellow band around their neck and underside. However, they do all possess unique food capturing behaviors and reside in a plethora of habitats. Common name:Florida Green Watersnake, Eastern Green Watersnake. They will bite if cornered, which can be painful but is not considered dangerous or venomous. If you are specifically looking for one, you can turn over rocks, logs, and debris, as they may be hiding underneath. The list of South Carolina snakes would not be complete without giving mention to these additional species. They have a pointed snout with their red bands being wider than the other colors, which can help you differentiate them against the venomous coral snake. The midland water snake hails from the northwestern area of South Carolina and tops out at 22 to 40 inches long when it reaches adulthood. Some white may show on the underside of the head. Adults are heavy bodied and can reach lengths of over six feet (72in, 183cm). The adult is brown to tan in color with a black chin and head and a black band on the neck. They have a dark belly with brown to yellow patches and the underside of the tail is black. This medium sized snake is quite variable across its range, but it is generally tan in color with darker brown or reddish blotches with black edges going down the body. Common name:worm snake. They can be found in western and southern Carolina, where there are two isolated populations. Scientific name: Lampropeltis calligaster. Their body color can be orange, brown or gray, and they have a series of orange, reddish or brown square blotches outlined in black going down their back. To identify the sixth and final venomous South Carolina snake the coral snake look for: Tan to brown body with triangular markings on both sides, Juveniles possess bright yellow tail tip used for caudal luring, Older individuals may appear solid brown or black, Triangular heads with dark lines through eyes (like a Zorro mask). Explore the species list below and click on the description or photo to open a more detailed account. Their belly is white and has some dark spots on the sides. Scientific name: Pantherophis alleghaniensis. However, it is not a typical identification guide or field guide. Their heads are small with a pointed snout. They prefer sandhills and coastal areas. Featured Image Credit by Patrick K. Campbell, Shutterstock. VenomousLike many viperids,copperheads are fairly heavy bodied snake. They live off frogs, worms, and the smaller fish in the water source they occupy. Have you ever seen a reptile in the wild? In South Carolina there are 5 species from this family. The belly of this snake is pale with square or triangular reddish blotches on the edges. They prefer forested habitats and are common in woodlands or forests near wetlands and swamps. The belly is dark with like the dorsum with pale blotches. They are often found under leaf litter, rocks, and logs. For identification purposes, the Scarletsnake (Cemophora coccinea) also gets into the conversation because as the picture shows, it looks very similar to a Milksnake or Kingsnake. They are mostly seen in the spring and fall. Common name:banded water snake, black water adder, black water snake, brown water snake, common water snake, common northern water snake, eastern water snake, North American water snake, northern banded water snake, northern water snake, spotted water snake, streaked snake, water pilot. The Dorsal ground color is dark, but can also range in color from black to olive green. They are common in South Carolina where they can be found in old fields, wetland edges, agricultural habitats, and the edges of forests. Scientific name: Storeria occipitomaculata. They have dark markings on the edges of their upper lip (labial) scales and have a dark stripe extending from the back of the eye to the base of the jaw. Some are gray with an orange or brown stripe down their backs. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Though its very seldom fatal, the bite of a copperhead is poisonous, so you do need to seek medical treatment if bitten. The front of the head is black with a yellow band crossing just behind the eye. They are tan, brown, or yellow with brown diamonds, which are surrounded by lighter-colored scales. The complete list of all the different kinds of snakes in South Carolina is as follows. This guide is only for South Carolina snake identification. They are solid black above, have smooth scales and large eyes. 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. These snakes are not venomous but will often mimic the actions of a venomous snake to scare away prey. Common name:Eastern coral snake, common coral snake, American cobra. They are mostly brown, though can range from a red to a golden brown color with a darker head. Willson unless otherwise noted Description: Description: Eastern kingsnakes are large -- 36 48 in (90-122 cm) -- shiny-black, smooth-scaled snakes with white or yellow chain-link bands that cross the back and connect along the sides. The natural predators for this species include bass and other sports fish, raccoons, foxes, snapping turtles, and even hawks. The black rat snakes are from the northern distribution and are black on the upper half with white in between the scales. The rough earth snake is a slender brown to gray snake with a pointed snout that grows to around 10 inches. Length: 18 30 in (46 76 cm) Often they will simply not move, but if threatened, they can give a serious bite, which will require immediate and urgent medical attention. They each possess a heat sensing organ inbetween their eyes and nostrils. Southeastern crown snakes eat small insects and spiders and are mildly venomous to their prey but not dangerous to humans. They possess large eyes and keeled scales. They can be observed in a range of habitats including swamps, floodplains, pine forests, mountains, and rural habitats. They forage along wetland margins and are active during the day. They have a yellow belly with four brown stripes, two down the center of the belly and one on either side. Coachwhips are among the longest snakes in South Carolina, this slender snake can reach lengths of more than 40 inches. They are beautiful snakes with three red stripes that run down their backs. They are decorated with red, yellow and black bands going down their body. They have a checkered belly that is done in black and white. 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. Good news. Red-bellied snakes are small snakes that grow to around 10 inches. This is one of the longest snakes in the Southeastern United States with adults reaching up over 72 inches (244cm) in length. The snakes best known as Black racers inhabit most areas in the East from southern Maine to the Florida Keys. Adults are plain brown above with keeled scales and a contrasting reddish or yellowish belly coloration. Brown snakes are small brown snakes that can be reddish, yellow, or gray/brown in color. Continue reading to help you identify the snakes you may come across in South Carolina. The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in North America. Cottonmouths or Water Moccasins are common in the east, where both snakes share a preference for water habitats. Green water snakes are the largest water snake you will encounter in North America and can grow up to 55 inches in length. In some populations this belly coloration can be pink or white. Just behind the head there is a pale ring that separates the dark color on the head from the neck. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. Females are generally larger than males. The adults average in size from 7-10 inches (18-25cm). pigeones. They grow up to 13 inches and have two rows of dark spots on the back with a dark streak that runs down the side of the head. These snakes live in a variety of habitats from marshes and hillsides to meadows and woodlands where they prefer moist areas. The underside is pink to reddish and The eyes of the snake are small and dark, and the tip of the tail is pointed. WebHave you seen a snake in South Carolina and aren't sure if it's venomous? One of the most commonly seen snakes in all regions of South Carolina, the black racer ( Coluber constrictor) is a shiny, fast-moving snake with a white chin. Think logically. They have upturned snouts, which are pointed and are gray, tan, or red with dark brown patches down the center of the back and smaller patches on the sides. They have orange or red-brown dorsal stripes with younger snakes having yellow at the tip of their tail, which fades as they age. A post shared by Lane Leopard (@lane__leopard). 13 Types of Angelfish for Freshwater Aquariums (With Pictures). 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 coral snake is another venomous species in South Carolina. They are not dangerous to humans but may hiss and vibrate their tails if you corner them. They are semi-aquatic and often seen on the edge of salt marshes, lakes, and bogs. These are small snakes that grow up to 13 inches and are slender. They inhabit the wet areas of cypress swamps and wetland margins in the Coastal Plain and are found in residential areas. They are common in South Carolina and are found in forested habitats where there is ample ground cover. Contact the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center on1-888-426-4435 for advice on what to do if a suspected venomous snake bites your pet and seek immediate veterinary advice. A medium sized (24 35 inches), very slender snake that is green on the dorsum with a yellow to whitish belly. They can be gray, green, black, or gray in color with large rectangular markings down the center of the back. Unfortunately, this snake is venomous, and many of the above snakes are harmed when people think they have run across a cottonmouth. Most commonly, this snake is yellowish-brown to gray with black chevrons segmenting their way down the dorsal side of the body. They can be observed throughout the Coastal Plain where they are found near lakes, rivers, swamps, and most commonly seen basking near the water source, soaking up the sun. The yellow rat snakes are yellow, orange, or green with four stripes that run the length of the body and gray rat snakes are light to dark gray with brown to gray patches. Your email address will not be published. It hasshiny black smooth scales above, dark eyes, and a deep red coloration on the belly. Common name:eastern ribbon snake, common ribbon snake. Adults average in size between 15-20 inches. They are generally characterized by having fixed, front fangs used for venom delivery. In South Carolina, they live in heavily vegetated wetlands that tend to dry up periodically, which makes it home to an abundance of amphibians. This snake can be quite large with lengths up to 66 inches (168cm). The colors can vary and some have beautiful dark crossbands on brown and yellow, while others are plain black or brown. Their appearance is similar to a cottonmouth, which is a species they share a home with, so they do get mistaken for cottonmouths often. Like other hognose snakes, this snake has a stout body, keeled scales and an upturned snout. The majority of these snakes, even though considerably large, are not aggressive, even if you encounter them in their natural habitats. Owning up to its name, the Rainbow Snake is one of the most colorful and beautiful snakes in the Southeastern United States. The top of the head is red and the underside is solid white in coloration. This species has the same natural predators as the other water snakes on our list. Whipsnakes (Masticophis flagellum) rank as the most common species, with subspecies living in states from Florida, west to California. They have nine large scales on the top of their heads and a tiny rattle you can barely hear. Adults average between 14-22 inches (38-56cm). These water snakes are not constrictors. The explanation requires a few introductory remarks. You may encounter one as it basks in the sun on a branch that hangs over the water. An adult rat snake can grow up to 72 inches in length. SC Distribution: Coastal Zone, Coastal Plains, Sandhills. Both are tan to black in color with females being larger than the male. The scales on the tail have a pattern that looks like a braided whip. Adult individuals found in the north and west tend to have an all black dorsum, while coastal and southern populations are green or yellow in coloration with four black stripes extending down the entire body. However, its range does extend to the western piedmont area. Many individuals are tan to brown with dark blotches across back. The belly is yellow to white and patterned. The fact that venomous snake sighting happens so infrequently also testifies to the infrequency of snake bites. Key Points: These woodland snakes come in a variety of colors with some being orange to brown, others black, and some gray. Adults average in size from 7-10 inches (18-25cm). Unfortunately, it is also venomous, so if youre bitten, you need to go to the emergency room for treatment. They have a light yellow to white belly and are very similar in appearance to the eastern ribbon snake. These colored bands extend around the whole snake, both dorsum and belly. These limbless creatures have fascinated herpetologist and naturalists for centuries. 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. So while there are 38 species of snakes in South Carolina, there are 45 types of snakes when including these subspecies as well! Dorsally this snake has three red lines running down a dark stout body. Juveniles have a bit more distinct patterning compared to adults, and some older individuals may have little contrast in their patterning. 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. They have a black and white checked pattern on the belly. Reptile Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. WebThis Web site provides some information about the snakes that occur in upstate South Carolina. If approached, the snake drops into the water to escape. The two subspecies can be distinguished by the internasal and prefrontal scales, which are unfused in C. a. amoenus and fused in C. a. Length: 30 48 in (76-122 cm) Common name:scarlet kingsnake, scarlet milk snake. They can be observed near freshwater, which includes lakes, rivers, swamps, marshes, streams, and ponds. 14 Rabbit Myths And Misconceptions You Need To Stop Believing Now! The red-bellied water snake, named for its red belly, is found mostly in the lakes and swamps of South Carolina, though they have been found in rivers. Rattlesnakes also live along the coastal areas. They are heavy-bodied with triangular heads and cat eyes. There are 33 species represented in the state and all are harmless to people. Juveniles resemble adults in appearance. Belly is off-white near the head, becoming more checkered or mottled towards the tail, Juveniles have square-shaped blotches that may fade away completely, merge to form lengthwise stripes, or stay the same, Woodlands, wetlands, and suburban and urban habitats, Black head that gradually fades down the body into light tan or near-white at the tail, Juveniles are completely tan with irregular darker bands and white markings on and around the head, Sandhills, coastal areas, agricultural areas, and barrier islands, Bony, spine-like protuberance at tip of tail, Head is blunt and no wider than the neck, small eyes, and yellowish-orange chin, Solid black body with a checkerboard orangish-red belly pattern that fades up the sides, Anerythristic mud snakes that lack red coloration are semi-common belly is off-white instead of red, Juveniles pattern may extend all the way up the sides, creating a totally banded red-and-black appearance, Solid black body with white chin and dark gray or black belly, Juveniles are tan or gray with brown or reddish, rounded dorsal blotches that fade by the time the snake reaches 12 inches long, Varied, especially edge habitats and agricultural areas, Olive green, brown, gray, or black body with three faint darker lengthwise dorsal stripes and two lighter dorsal stripes on each side, Running water with abundant crayfish populations, the preferred prey of the queen snake, Red or pink belly with two or three rows of black spots, Highly iridescent black body with three red dorsal stripes, Bony, spine-like protrudence at tip of tail, Flowing fresh and brackish water habitats, Gray or black body with a distinct yellowish-orange belly and ring around the neck, Black body with white or yellowish chain-link crossbands that connect along the sides, Woodlands, aquatic habitats, agricultural and suburban areas, Glossy black body with distinct bright-red patternless belly, Yellow belly with two rows of black spots, Olive-green, dark brown, gray, or black body with or without two light lengthwise stripes. They prefer well-drained sandhills and are often found in longleaf pine and turkey oak scrub habitats. They enjoy a wide variety of habitats but are often encountered in open forests, wetlands, and river edges. Cottonmouths, also known as water moccasins, are venomous heavy bodied snakes. WebTwo subspecies of milk snakes, the Eastern and Scarlet inhabit South Carolina. They can often be found around drying pools in the wetlands, where they feed on the trapped amphibians and fish. Give wild snakes a wide berth if you encounter them. The dorsal coloration can range from tan to dark brown and can often have an iridescent shimmer. The Timber Rattlesnake, also known as a Canebrake Rattlesnake in some coastal potions of its range, is a large bodied pit viperwith an average adult size of 30-60 inches (76-152 cm). The Eastern Kingsnake is a long black snake with smooth scales and yellow/whitish chain-link markings extending down the back and connecting on the sides. Only reach out to a wildlife professional or snake relocation expert to have a snake removed from your property if you feel that its posing a direct threat to you, your children, or your pets. They have a yellow belly which has two rows of dark spots and is very similar in appearance to the striped crayfish snake. Two subspecies of milk snakes, the Eastern and Scarlet inhabit South Carolina. Young are darker than the adults and have a light band on their neck, which fades as they age. Image by Dean Stavrides via inaturalist The Black Kingsnake (Lampropeltis nigra) is one of the most common species in certain Southeastern and Eastern states. Juvenile redbellies look very different from the adults as they are boldly marked with series of dark crossbands on the neck and Reptile Guide is also a Chewy affiliate partner. Corn snakes are large 48 inches snakes that are slender in build. All types of copperhead snakes are venomous. The sides of the snake are usually yellow and the scales are smooth giving the snake has a glossy appearance. Length: 30 60 in (76 152 cm) Milksnakes are commonly found in barns, hiding under rocks and boards, while the scarlet kingsnake prefers to live underground. They are sometimes encountered in aquatic habitats such as bays, swamps, marshes, slow-moving streams, lakes, ponds, and wetlands. They inhabit areas along coastal South Carolina. The red bands throughout most of the body are usually bordered by yellow bands. They can be observed in a host of woodland habitats in the Coastal Plain, where there are small wetlands. Adults average in size from 24-55 inches (61-140cm) and juveniles are more vibrantly patterned than adults. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Reptile.Guide is the preferred educational source on reptiles favored by experienced herptologists and new owners alike. The following is a list of the 42 different varieties of snakes that may be found in South Carolina. The banded water snake lives in the swamps, lakes, and rivers of Eastern South Carolina. There are also pattern-less individuals that will be entirely black or grey in color. The top of the head is a darker than the body and a key identifier of this snake is the dark strip on the face passing through the eye. WebWith 39 species, snakes can be found in all of South Carolinas habitats and landscapes. This large snake (30-60 in, 76-152 cm) has keeled scales and is dark brown in coloration. Venomous: No, Scientific name: Coluber constrictor Eastern indigo snakes can be found in southern South Carolina. Juveniles resemble adults, but usually have redder patterning on the back. While the official total number of South Carolina snakes hovers around the forty mark, most visitors to South Carolina actually want to know about the states six venomous snakes. They are agile and fast and will flee if approached. They prefer areas such as marshes and swamps but are sometimes seen in ponds, slow rivers, lakes, ditches, and brackish water sources. Most commonly, this snake is yellowish-brown to gray with black chevrons segmenting their way down the dorsal side of the body. Black Kingsnake Black Kingsnake. Scarlet kingsnakes are smaller than the milk snake, growing to 20 inches in length with beautiful coloration. WebRainbow Snake Ficimia streckeri [popup] Mexican Hooknose Snake Gyalopion canum [popup] Western Hooknose Snake Gyalopion quadrangularis [popup] Desert Hooknose Snake Heterodon nasicus [popup] Dusty Hognose Snake Heterodon platirhinos [popup] Dark Eastern Hognose Snake Heterodon platirhinos [popup] Normal Eastern Hognose Northern 2. Web11. The 11 Snake Species Found in South Carolina: 1. They are nocturnal, and unlike the other water snakes on our list, they will travel for long distances by land to find another body of water. They can be observed in scrub habitats and pine forests. You can often find the brown water snake basking in the sun spread out along tree branches instead of lying on the ground. 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. 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. Cottonmouths are also restricted to the Coastal Plains. Southeastern crown snakes are 8 to 10 inches long and are usually light brown with black heads. The scales are smooth and they have a hard, sharp spine at the end of their tail. The southern hognose is a small snake with a heavy body that can grow up to 24 inches in length. The Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon), for example is the only mountain species. They grow up to 10 inches (24.5cm) and have black spots on their backs and sides with a white to tan belly. Venomous: No, Scientific name: Diadophis punctatus They are oviparous snakes and lay eggs which usually hatch in the fall. WebOutside suburban areas, these juvenile snakes face common enemies such as foxes and raccoons. Common name:prairie kingsnake, yellow-bellied kingsnake. The underside of the tail lighter than the belly. They are slender in light brown or tan with a black head, black of the neck, and chin. They can grow up to 35 inches and have no patterns on their lip scales, which helps you differentiate them against the closely related eastern garter snake. 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. Humans need not worry, they are otherwise peaceful and nonvenomous snakes. 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 are common in the Coastal Plain and being highly aquatic they prefer wetland habitats. Juveniles closely resemble adults in appearance. They have patterns that alternate yellow, black, white, and red. Juveniles look like adults but have more red on the head. They achieve lengths of 24-48 inches (61-122 cm) and have keeled scales. They are excellent at burrowing and spend the majority of their time underground, surfacing from May to October. Color is a common name applied to many of the species as well as the Black Racer. The males are larger than females. Oh You, Little Noodle. They are large and vary in appearance depending on their geographical range. Markings are triangular and bordered in black. Juveniles are grayish in color with brown to reddish blotches on the back. It can grow up to 84 inches and is black to blue in color, which includes the belly. Younger snakes show significantly more patterning with alternating dark brown and light brown cross bands going down the body, and a uniformly dark tail. The remainder of the article provides pictures and descriptions of some of the states most common snakes. Mud snakes are large non-venomous aquatic snakes that are very seldom observed, as they are so secretive. Length: 10 15 in (25 38 cm) The underside is pale to grayish and the underside of the tail is the same color as the belly (unlike the Eastern Hognose Snake see similar species). However, of the 41 snake species native to Georgia and South Carolina, only six are venomous all others are completely harmless. They are tree-dwelling snakes and spend most of their time above the ground. They are light to dark brown and have dark brown square patches that run down the center of the dorsum with two lines that run in alternating arrows down the side of the body. hroughout its range this snake has been observed in a variety of color tones. The head is often darker in color than the body and many individuals have a faint light brown ring, or light brown spots, just behind the head. Non-venomous Snakes . They are long, thin snakes with a black body, and as the picture highlights, white chins. Their large Triangular shaped copper-colored head gives them their common name. Worm snakes are small 13 inches snakes that are brown in color with shiny and smooth scales. They can be encountered in the mountainous areas of northwest South Carolina and throughout the Coastal Plain. Common name:banded water snake, southern water snake. They are heavy bodies and large snakes with broad heads that have two lines on the face. Common name:cottonmouth, water moccasin, swamp moccasin, black moccasin, viper. Look for presence of dark stripe near eye. Common name:striped crayfish snake, Allens snake, striped swamp snake, striped swampsnake, swamp snake. This species eats frogs, centipedes, and insects. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. The timber or canebrake rattlesnake is a large snake with rattles on the end of the tail. Milksnakes are mid-sized snakes growing to 35 inches and have a Y shape on the base of the head. As its name suggests, this venomous rattlesnake is small in size. They can also be seen in open habitats, which include mountains and fields. They range in hue from tan to dark brown with darker brown hourglass shaped bands going down the length of the body. According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the most common snakes in South Carolina are: Weve learned about some of these abundant snakes* in previous sections. When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. They are often mistaken as the venomous cottonmouth, except that the cottonmouth has bands not patches. This heavy-bodied snake can grow up to 60 inches in length. They have keeled scales, a stout gray, tan or pinkish body, and irregular shaped dark blotches going down the back. The largest ever recorded was 8 feet in length. They grow to 13 inches and have tiny dots on either side of the belly. They may be seen crossing a road on a wet night. There is also a spear-shaped mark on the top of the head, which points in the direction of the nose. 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. If a suspected venomous snake bites you in South Carolina, contact the Palmetto Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. These snakes can be found in the mountains and Coastal Plain in South Carolina.
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