hroughout its range this snake has been observed in a variety of color tones. Venomous: Yes, Scientific name: Micrurus fulvius KikisConstrictors. Venomous: No, Scientific name: Coluber constrictor Explore the species list below and click on the description or photo to open a more detailed account. Juveniles have a distinct crossbar pattern on their dorsum.
Common name:Eastern coral snake, common coral snake, American cobra. From proper husbandry and habitat guidance, to articles on health concerns, diet, and extensive care guides, Reptile Guide is here to educate everyone on all things reptiles. pigeones. Like many viperids,copperheads are fairly heavy bodied snake. Rough green snakes are long and slender snakes that are bright green with white or yellow bellies. They possess large eyes and keeled scales. Copperheads are common throughout the state. Common name:eastern kingsnake, common kingsnake, chain kingsnake. This is a fairly thick bodied snake with keeled scales. Their favorite prey is catfish, so they love to live in the larger rivers of South Carolina, which give them plenty to hunt. The fact that venomous snake sighting happens so infrequently also testifies to the infrequency of snake bites. These snakes are carnivores, so they prey on fish and small amphibians, mostly during the day. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Venomous). The adults average in size from 7-10 inches (18-25cm). It can grow up to 84 inches and is black to blue in color, which includes the belly. All individuals have keeled dorsal scales and subocular scales separating the eye from the upper lip (labial) scales. They are common in South Carolina where they can be found in old fields, wetland edges, agricultural habitats, and the edges of forests. The best thing you can do if you encounter a wild snake is to admire it from a distance. WebWith 39 species, snakes can be found in all of South Carolinas habitats and landscapes. Webdanger. WebMidland water snake: Nerodia sipedon sipedon: Northern water snake: Nerodia taxispilota: Brown water snake: Opheodrys aestivus: Rough green snake: Pituophis melanoleucus: Pine snake: Regina rigida rigida: Glossy crayfish snake: Regina septemvittata: Queen snake: Rhadinaea flavilata: Pine woods snake: Seminatrix pygaea paludis: Carolina Sometimes they will play dead, they will almost never bite. If youve ever wondered how to tell venomous snakes from harmless snakes or how many types of venomous snakes there are in South Carolina, keep reading! Juveniles are similar in appearance to adults, but have a vibrant yellow tail. They are not dangerous to humans but may hiss and vibrate their tails if you corner them. Please press the snakes button for additional snake pictures and information. Members of this family are found in Africa, Asia, Eurasia, and the Americas. Web11. There is a dark line through the eye. 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. With 39 species, snakes can be found in all of South Carolinas habitats and landscapes. Key Points: Length: up to 60 in (152 cm) 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. It is mostly seen in the Coastal Plain in South Carolina but can be found in open habitats, including fields, thickets, and cultivated land. There are five types of water snakes in South Carolina. Watch out for signs of infection. WebThe 4 types of kingsnakes found in South Carolina are the eastern kingsnake, mole kingsnake, scarlet kingsnake, and the eastern milk snake. There are 38 snake species in South Carolina, only six of which are venomous. Body color in these snakes is very much a function of geography and climate. This small and slender brown or grayish snake has smooth scales, an unmarked light brown to pale belly, and a small head. Description: The red-bellied watersnake is easily identified by its unmarked, orange or reddish belly and unmarked, reddish brown to dark brown back. 42 Snakes In South Carolina (Pictures & Identification) - ThePetEnthusiast Even though they are venomous, fatalities are very rare. Length: 2037 in (51 94 cm) WebEastern Kingsnake ( Lampropeltis getula) Photos by J.D. Their belly is white and has some dark spots on the sides. The key identifying feature of this snake is the unmarked orange to red belly. Their primary diet is rodents. Black and yellow rat snakes can be found in South Carolina where they live in hardwood forests, swamp margins, and river floodplains. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. This small woodland snake has an average length of under 10 inches (25 cm). Northern water snakes can grow up to 55 inches and are dark in color, which can range from brown to gray or tan. The red bands throughout most of the body are usually bordered by yellow bands. In South Carolina there are 5 species from this family. These snakes can be found in the mountains and Coastal Plain in South Carolina. Coachwhips are among the longest snakes in South Carolina, this slender snake can reach lengths of more than 40 inches. Worm snakes are small 13 inches snakes that are brown in color with shiny and smooth scales. Common name:scarlet kingsnake, scarlet milk snake. The front of the head is black with a yellow band crossing just behind the eye. They are beautiful snakes with three red stripes that run down their backs. However, it is not a typical identification guide or field guide. These snakes live in a variety of habitats from marshes and hillsides to meadows and woodlands where they prefer moist areas. 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. The picture shows a Cottonmouth snake or Water Moccasin. WebBaby snakes feed on prey including insects, small amphibians, and rodents smaller than themselves. Common name:eastern diamondback rattlesnake.
Snakes of South Carolina All five are classified in the subfamily Crotalinae commonly called Pit Vipers. They are secretive and can be found under objects. Eastern Worm Snake Scarlet Snake Black Racer Snake Ring-necked Snake They have keeled scales, a stout gray, tan or pinkish body, and irregular shaped dark blotches going down the back. The scales on the tail have a pattern that looks like a braided whip. The pine snake is a large heavy-bodied snake that can grow to 66 inches in length. This highly venomous snake is certainly one of the most vibrant and colorful snakes in the Southeastern United States. Additionally, most have overlapping territory, especially in the geographical center of the state. The 11 Snake Species Found in South Carolina: 8 Snake Species Found in Georgia (With Pictures), 7. Venomous As its name suggests, this venomous rattlesnake is small in size. Common name:rough green snake, grass snake, green grass snake. South Carolina is home to an outstanding diversity of snakes. If you find an injured snake, heres a list of wildlife rehabilitation experts that accept reptilian patients in South Carolina. Adults average in size between 15-20 inches. Adults can reach lengths of up to five feet. They are mostly brown, though can range from a red to a golden brown color with a darker head. Their body is a collection of red, black, and yellow/whitish bands. 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 WebTwo subspecies of milk snakes, the Eastern and Scarlet inhabit South Carolina. Weba tiny baby coiled grass snake (natrix natrix) sometimes called the ringed snake or water snake, is a eurasian non-venomous snake. Required fields are marked *. Discover alligator-eating snakes, spiders larger than your phone, and 1000 more incredible animals in our daily FREE email. Scientific name: Storeria occipitomaculata. All types of copperhead snakes are venomous. They have a light spot which can be seen on both sides of the neck and a white to yellow belly. These and most other water snakes are said to make great pets. Corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) are the smaller relatives of ratsnakes and they are also common in South Carolina, especially in the longleaf pine forests. Dorsally this snake has three red lines running down a dark stout body. This is a small, un-patterned, brown snake with a narrow head, small black eyes, smooth shiny scales, and a pointed tail. A medium sized (24 35 inches), very slender snake that is green on the dorsum with a yellow to whitish belly. Even though their bite might not kill an adult human, it can pose very serious harm. Both are tan to black in color with females being larger than the male. 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. They can be encountered in the mountainous areas of northwest South Carolina and throughout the Coastal Plain. They are rarely seen and spend most of their time underground. If a harmless snake bites you, simply wash the area with warm soapy water. 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) The front of the head is black with a yellow band crossing just behind the eye. 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. These colored bands extend around the whole snake, both dorsum and belly.
baby 13. They have smooth scales with a spine-like scale on their tail, which is why they are sometimes called horn snakes. Just like regular water snakes, this species feeds on fish, reptiles, and amphibians. They can be found in a range of aquatic habitats including tidal or brackish water.
The pygmy rattlesnake is the smallest venomous snake in South Carolina, reaching 14 to 22 inches in length by adulthood. They spend the majority of their time underground, sometimes hiding under logs and rocks. Nerodia erythrogaster. The majority of these snakes, even though considerably large, are not aggressive, even if you encounter them in their natural habitats. Venomous: No. 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! Unfortunately, this species also gets mistaken for a cottonmouth, though they are not venomous at all. The base color is a glossy back with a red or pink belly with black spots and color on the sides and the head. It has alternating dark blotches on the back and sides. They prefer sandhills and coastal areas. Copperhead snakes are most common in the forest areas throughout South Carolina. They will suck in the air if confronted and spread the skin around their neck and head while hissing and pretending to strike. Fun Fact: Many experts consider the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake the deadliest snake in the U.S. Their heads are small with a pointed snout. 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. Cottonmouth bites are not that common unless they are picked up or accidentally stepped on. Willson Timber Rattlesnake ( VENOMOUS ) Credit: J.D. Common name:brown snake, De Kays snake. Juveniles resemble adults, but usually have redder patterning on the back. Females are generally larger than males.
South Carolina Snakes They forage along wetland margins and are active during the day. There is also a spear-shaped mark on the top of the head, which points in the direction of the nose. 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. Five of South Carolinas six venomous snakes are pit vipers. 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. They reach between 24 and 40 inches in length and are carnivores who feast on small animals and fish on and off the land. Length: 18 30 in (46 76 cm) The following is a list of the 42 different varieties of snakes that may be found in South Carolina. The belly is pale yellowish with four brown stripes extending down the length of the body. Leave a comment below now, quickly and accurately identify South Carolina snakes, the three rattlesnake species usually also have a rattle at the end of their tail, the cottonmouth, timber rattlesnake, and Eastern diamondback rattlesnake, posing a direct threat to you, your children, or your pets, Articles Similar to Our South Carolina Snake Identification Guide, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, California Snakes Species Identification Guide (Amateur-Friendly), Hawaii Snakes Identification Guide (a Complete Species Catalog), The Ultimate Bearded Dragon Care Guide for Beginners, Small Pet Turtles: 6 Tiny Babies to Melt Your Heart, Ball Python Care Sheet: First-Time Owners Guide (Updated), Leopard Gecko Care Sheet: New Owners Guide, Ball Python Morphs With Pictures: The 50 MOST Popular. This family of venomous snakes is characterized by having long, hinged fangs used for venom delivery. In between these two populations individuals express an integrate between the two morphs.
South Carolina Snakes Juveniles have a bit more distinct patterning compared to adults, and some older individuals may have little contrast in their patterning. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. These snakes are small heavy-bodied snakes that are gray to brown with a pointed snout and smooth scales. The belly is pale to white in color with dark marking resembling a nearly-checkered pattern. Brown water snakes are large heavy-bodied semi-aquatic snakes that grow up to 60 inches. Most snake bites occur as a result of someone trying to kill, relocate, or harass a snake. The 11 Snake Species Found in South Carolina: 1. Use the search! Body is brown or black with or without yellow. SC Distribution: Coastal Zone, Coastal Plains, Sandhills, Piedmont, Blue Ridge. If captured, they will hiss and strike, but they seldom bite. Venomous The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in North America. These blotches appear as full bands towards the front of the body, and become more distinctly separate and alternate towards the back of the body. These snakes are not venomous but will often mimic the actions of a venomous snake to scare away prey. Common name:cottonmouth, water moccasin, swamp moccasin, black moccasin, viper. With hundreds of articles on everything pertaining to lizards, turtles, and snakes, our experienced team provides reliable and accurate content you can trust. WebThe coral snakes snout is also black, unlike its mimics. 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 top of the head is red and the underside is solid white in coloration. However, these stripes can be conspicuous to nonexistent in some individuals, and can range in color from yellow to brown to blueish green. They are observed in the Coastal Plain and have progressed to the mountainous areas and the coast. If captured, they will bite, though some may hide their heads or go limp if captured. Good field guides with illustrations exist and some are cited below. They each possess a heat sensing organ inbetween their eyes and nostrils. Juvenile redbellies look very different from the adults as they are boldly marked with series of dark crossbands on the neck and As their name implies, Hognose snakes are identifiable by their stout bodies and upturned snout. The juveniles look the same as adults, except they have bright yellow on the tip of their tail, which fades as they age. Heat-sensing pits between the nostrils and eyes, Lack of red bands on the tail (only black and yellow), Black nose and face, as opposed to a red or yellow nose and face, Colored bands that wrap around the entire body, including the belly, Red bands that touch yellow bands, in comparison to red bands that touch black bands, Gray body with dark blotches (Gray Rat Snakes along the Savannah River), Solid black body with hint of white between scales (Black Rat Snakes mountains and Piedmont regions), Orangish-yellow body with four dark, lengthwise stripes (Yellow Rat Snakes along the coast), Remove any jewelry or clothing near the bite site, Call 911 and/or SC Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, If possible, mentally note or photograph the snakes physical appearance, Immediately have someone drive you to the nearest emergency room or wait for an ambulance. Unfortunately, it is also venomous, so if youre bitten, you need to go to the emergency room for treatment. They have a yellow belly which has two rows of dark spots and is very similar in appearance to the striped crayfish snake. They can be seen throughout South Carolina, except in mountainous areas of northwestern South Carolina. 12. Humans need not worry, they are otherwise peaceful and nonvenomous snakes. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Its not uncommon to encounter a corn snake in an old barn or deserted house, where they hunt for mice and rats. They have narrow heads and eyes are positioned further forward on the head than other snakes. Like most other wild animals, snakes are shy creatures that will eventually seek a more secluded location to hide or wait in ambush for prey. Southwestern Why Look Out for Baby Copperhead Snakes? Northwestern 3.
Red-bellied Watersnake While they cant kill you, be careful, they have very sharp teeth and will bite in their own defense. Two subspecies of milk snakes, the Eastern and Scarlet inhabit South Carolina. They are common in the Coastal Plain and being highly aquatic they prefer wetland habitats. The northern water snake is found in the extreme northwestern parts of South Carolina, close to the border. Venomous: No, Scientific name: Cemophora coccinea They grow to around 24 inches and are gray in color, though they can range from olive green to light brown with three dark stripes running down the body with two lighter stripes on the sides. This fairly small aquatic snake reaches an average adult size of 10-15 inches (25-38cm). Whipsnakes (Masticophis flagellum) rank as the most common species, with subspecies living in states from Florida, west to California. Whether youre on the water, in the swamps, or just reclining in your rocking chair on your front porch, snakes are out and about in South Carolinaespecially in the hot, humid summer season. 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. Mud snakes are large non-venomous aquatic snakes that are very seldom observed, as they are so secretive. They have spots mid-dorsal with a bar that runs from the eye to the mouth. Blue Racers, for example are common around the Great Lakes region. Featured Image Credit by Patrick K. Campbell, Shutterstock. Two thinner stripes in the center of the belly, and two bolder stripes towards the outside of the ventral scales. The scales are smooth and they have a hard, sharp spine at the end of their tail. They have large eyes with white under the chin and smooth scales. They have a white to light brown belly with black dots on each side. 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. Many individuals may have light black flecks on the back and sides. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Common name:banded water snake, southern water snake. So while there are 38 species of snakes in South Carolina, there are 45 types of snakes when including these subspecies as well! If approached, the snake drops into the water to escape. They grow to 13 inches and have tiny dots on either side of the belly.
Snakes Young snakes grow rapidly and reach sexual maturation in two to three years. Adults average between 14-22 inches (38-56cm). It typically has three pale yellowish stripes extending down the length of the dorsum.
Snakes 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. These snakes typically live in mixed forests, sandhills, and floodplains. Length: 10 15 in (25 38 cm) Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. Most commonly, this snake is yellowish-brown to gray with black chevrons segmenting their way down the dorsal side of the body. 5 Best Sources of Iron for Dogs (& How Much They Need Daily), 10 DIY Reptile Enclosures You Can Build Today (With Pictures). 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. Lets cover the rest of them here: Belly is black-and-white checkered, resembling Indian corn, Orange, dark brown, or gray body with squarish, reddish-brown dorsal blotches that are outlined in black, Spear-shaped blotch on top of the head, pointing toward the nose, and stripes extending from the back of the eyes past the corners of the jaw, Light brown or off-white belly with tiny black spots along each side, Yellowish, reddish, gray, or brown body with two rows of dark dorsal spots that sometimes merge, After death, color fades to blue or black, Bright green body with yellow or off-white belly, Gray, red, or even blue body with three yellow lengthwise stripes and with or without checkerboard lateral pattern. If you are specifically looking for one, you can turn over rocks, logs, and debris, as they may be hiding underneath. South Carolina is known well for residents southern drawl, their friendliness, the sweet tea, and the blisteringly hot summer days. Juveniles are similar in appearance to adults, but have a vibrant yellow tail. The typical adult size is between 18 26 inches (46 66 cm) and females are generally larger than males. This medium to large snake (20-48 in, 76-122 cm) almost always has some hints of reddish or orange in its pattern. WebOutside suburban areas, these juvenile snakes face common enemies such as foxes and raccoons. They fill unique niches and play integral roles as both predators and prey. The largest ever recorded was 8 feet in length. - baby snakes stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images Baby death adder snake is put on display at Sydney Wildlife World March 8, 2007 in Sydney, Australia. They live in the grasslands, timberlands, and plains of South Carolina. The sides of the head and chin have orange-brown to red coloration.
List of snakes of South Carolina The best way to coexist with South Carolinas snakes is to give them space and treat them with respect. 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. Common name:timber rattlesnake, canebrake rattlesnake, banded rattlesnake. 14 Rabbit Myths And Misconceptions You Need To Stop Believing Now!