They are oviparous snakes and lay eggs which usually hatch in the fall. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is said to be the largest venomous snake in South Carolina. Venomous: Yes, Scientific name: Micrurus fulvius Description: The red-bellied watersnake is easily identified by its unmarked, orange or reddish belly and unmarked, reddish brown to dark brown back. Black and yellow rat snakes can be found in South Carolina where they live in hardwood forests, swamp margins, and river floodplains. The coral snake is another venomous species in South Carolina. Juveniles have a bit more distinct patterning compared to adults, and some older individuals may have little contrast in their patterning. Some individuals may have reddish or orange highlights incorporated in the pattern. 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. Additionally, most have overlapping territory, especially in the geographical center of the state. This means people kill them when they see them when theres no need to. The pigmy rattlesnake in South Carolina prefers drier habitats, such as pine forests and sandhills. The young copperhead snakes look just like the adults except for new hatchlings. Milksnakes are commonly found in barns, hiding under rocks and boards, while the scarlet kingsnake prefers to live underground. 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) They are found in the coastal Plain and in a variety of aquatic habitats including bays, sphagnum bogs, ponds, lakes, ditches, and saw grass prairies. The belly is pale to white in color with dark marking resembling a nearly-checkered pattern. This species doesnt have many predators due to its large size. hroughout its range this snake has been observed in a variety of color tones. Venomous This highly venomous snake is certainly one of the most vibrant and colorful snakes in the Southeastern United States. Common name:eastern coral snake, common coral snake, American cobra. The belly scales have some black on the edges. The belly is pale with some dark speckling. The northern water snake is found in the extreme northwestern parts of South Carolina, close to the border. They are tan, brown, or yellow with brown diamonds, which are surrounded by lighter-colored scales. The dorsal scales are keeled and the snake has a rough, stiff appearance. Look for presence of dark stripe near eye. Black swamp snakes are small and high aquatic. 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. hroughout its range this snake has been observed in a variety of color tones. How to identify snakes in SC, NC Just like regular water snakes, this species feeds on fish, reptiles, and amphibians. They view us as their predators, not their prey. Body color in these snakes is very much a function of geography and climate. They can be observed in a range of habitats including swamps, floodplains, pine forests, mountains, and rural habitats. Body is brown or black with or without yellow. Natural predators of this species include hawks and humans. Most individuals have two rows of dark spots going down the length of the body. Eastern indigo snakes can be found in southern South Carolina. The bad thing about this species is that their coloring is a lot like the cottonmouth and copperhead, two snakes that are poisonous. Willson Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake ( VENOMOUS ) Credit: J.D. They can reach up to two feet in length and are generally gray, light brown, or reddish in color with darker blotches going down the back and sides. WebThe coral snakes snout is also black, unlike its mimics. 1. The natural predators for this species include bass and other sports fish, raccoons, foxes, snapping turtles, and even hawks. This species of snake is infamous and can often be seen swimming in the water in South Carolina swamps, rivers, and waterways. Its not uncommon to encounter a corn snake in an old barn or deserted house, where they hunt for mice and rats. If approached, they will hiss, vibrate their tail and strike, but they are not venomous. Venomous: Yes, Scientific name: Crotalus adamanteus We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. The 11 Snake Species Found in South Carolina: 8 Snake Species Found in Georgia (With Pictures), 7. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus), The Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus), Mole Kingsnakes or Yellow-bellied Kingsnake (Lampropeltis calligaster), Eastern Ribbon Snakes (Thamnophis sauritus), Eastern Hognose snakes (Heterodon platirhinos), Southern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon simus), Southeastern Crowned Snake (Tantilla coronata), Scarlet Kingsnake (Lampropeltis elapsoides). Willson Think logically. The tail is yellowish and ends in a small rattle. This small woodland snake has an average length of under 10 inches (25 cm). These snakes hide and wait for their prey to come into range, then strike to kill them. It grows to be between 24 to 42 inches and prefers frogs and fish for its food source. The red bands throughout most of the body are usually bordered by yellow bands. Copperheads are common throughout the state. Its dorsal coloration and pattern can be rather variable with colors ranging light brown to dark gray. Snake Pictures 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. The males are larger than females. The crossbands are wider on the center of the back and narrow as it reaches the sides. 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. Snakes play an integral role in the SC ecosystem, including reducing pest populations. Removal and Control Property owners should use caution when they encounter any size snake as babies can still bite. Oh You, Little Noodle. Overall, we could just say that snakes can look super cute if you gaze at them from a considerable distance. 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. Willson Cottonmouth or Water Moccasin ( VENOMOUS ) Credit: J.D. The underside of the tail lighter than the belly. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Venomous). VenomousLike many viperids,copperheads are fairly heavy bodied snake. Venomous The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in North America. 14 Rabbit Myths And Misconceptions You Need To Stop Believing Now! Brown water snakes are some of the largest snakes in South Carolina, growing to between 30 and 60 inches as they mature into adulthood. The rough earth snake is a slender brown to gray snake with a pointed snout that grows to around 10 inches. They prefer areas such as marshes and swamps but are sometimes seen in ponds, slow rivers, lakes, ditches, and brackish water sources. The coastal area golf courses popular with the tourist crowd also contain water areas that these snakes might call home. They are agile and fast and will flee if approached. WebWith 39 species, snakes can be found in all of South Carolinas habitats and landscapes. Their belly is white and has some dark spots on the sides. They also help to keep rodent and insect populations in check. The head of this snake is black with pale yellow lip scales (labials) and there is a namesake yellow ring on the collar. The Eastern kingsnake from the Coastal Plain has wide bands and those from mountainous regions have thin bands, sometimes almost completely black in color. Adults are plain brown above with keeled scales and a contrasting reddish or yellowish belly coloration. The 11 Snake Species Found in South Carolina: 1. Though their bite is said to be highly toxic, there hasnt been a death attributed to this snake since the 1960s. On the head, the Eastern Ribbon Snake has pale un-patterned lips and a white or yellowish spot just in front of the eyes. 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 kill their prey by constriction. If you find an injured snake, heres a list of wildlife rehabilitation experts that accept reptilian patients in South Carolina. Some white may show on the underside of the head. This species has the same natural predators as the other water snakes on our list. They have alternating bands of yellow, black, and red where the red touches the black but does not touch the yellow bands. 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. WebPhoto by JD Willson. Just behind the head there is a pale ring that separates the dark color on the head from the neck. There are also pattern-less individuals that will be entirely black or grey in color. 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. Common name:eastern kingsnake, common kingsnake, chain kingsnake. Humans need not worry, they are otherwise peaceful and nonvenomous snakes. Their body is a beautiful pattern of red, black, and yellow rings with a black nose. Southeastern crown snakes eat small insects and spiders and are mildly venomous to their prey but not dangerous to humans. Common name:eastern diamondback rattlesnake. SC Distribution: Coastal Zone, Coastal Plains, Sandhills, Piedmont, Blue Ridge. Have you ever seen a reptile in the wild? 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. They are common in South Carolina where they can be found in old fields, wetland edges, agricultural habitats, and the edges of forests. They live in the grasslands, timberlands, and plains of South Carolina. Venomous: Yes, Scientific name: Sistrurus miliarius The red bands throughout most of the body are usually bordered by yellow bands. They are a separate genera and fairly common in the Southeast. Cottonmouths or Water Moccasins are common in the east, where both snakes share a preference for water habitats. Scientific name: Storeria occipitomaculata. The remainder of the article provides pictures and descriptions of some of the states most common snakes. They are often mistaken as the venomous cottonmouth, except that the cottonmouth has bands not patches. Their belly is yellow, white, or pink with smooth scales. 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. Brown water snakes are large heavy-bodied semi-aquatic snakes that grow up to 60 inches. This snake is almost entirely black. If a harmless snake bites you, simply wash the area with warm soapy water. WebA collection of interesting pictures of snakes found in South Carolina. The chin is usually lighter in color. 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. This species can become aggressive, though they are usually reclusive if left alone. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. The adults average in size from 7-10 inches (18-25cm). 12. I find them to be one of our most docile species. Some have a gray to red body with a checkered pattern and light stripes. iNaturalist offers a centralized location for wildlife enthusiasts to share observation data regarding plants and animals around the globe including South Carolinas reptiles. 42 Snakes In South Carolina (Pictures & Identification) - ThePetEnthusiast 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. Common name:eastern copperhead, copperhead. Cottonmouth bites are not that common unless they are picked up or accidentally stepped on. They will suck in the air if confronted and spread the skin around their neck and head while hissing and pretending to strike. Oliver (Ollie) Jones - A zoologist and freelance writer living in South Australia with his partner Alex, their dog Pepper, and their cat Steve (who declined to be pictured). WebAccording to official resources, there are four different varieties of copperhead snakes to look out for: 1. Black Kingsnake Black Kingsnake. 13. VenomousCottonmouths, also known as water moccasins, are venomous heavy bodied snakes. Milksnakes are mid-sized snakes growing to 35 inches and have a Y shape on the base of the head. In South Carolina there are 5 species from this family. The best South Carolina snakes advice starts by saying yes they are dangerous snakes. These snakes will flee if approached and will very rarely stand their ground. These snakes are carnivores, so they prey on fish and small amphibians, mostly during the day. SC Distribution:Coastal Zone, Coastal Plains, Sandhills, Piedmont, Blue Ridge. A medium sized snake that is extremely variable in appearance. They fill unique niches and play integral roles as both predators and prey. They prefer forested habitats where there is ample ground cover, where they prefer to live underground, and are often encountered when lifting a log or debris. These rattlesnakes give birth during the summer months, so if youre hiking trails or walking along the roads of South Carolina in the fall of the year, you need to be careful and watch out for this large predator. Their belly is orange to yellow with dark spots down the center. Venomous: No, Scientific name: Cemophora coccinea Their heads are small with a pointed snout. These snakes, sometimes referred to as puff adders, are thick-bodied snakes that can grow up to 46 inches in length. 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. Copperhead snakes are most common in the forest areas throughout South Carolina. The copperhead is a venomous snake that reaches up to 37.4 inches in length by adulthood. Give wild snakes a wide berth if you encounter them. Eastern Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis getula) generally have a black body with with a series of thin white bands down the back. The banded water snake lives in the swamps, lakes, and rivers of Eastern South Carolina. Juveniles are typically tan on their whole body and may have irregular dark bands on the head and neck. Even though they are venomous, fatalities are very rare. They are often encountered in abandoned buildings. Reptile Guide is also a Chewy affiliate partner. The red bands are almost always surrounded by the black bands and the front of the snakes head is red. They have large eyes, short heads, and heavy bodies that are a shiny olive to brown with two light stripes that run down the length of the body. They usually have a reddish or orange stripe going down the spine of the back. Northwestern 3. Kingsnake The last inch of their tail is a yellowish-green color, and that will fade as they shed their skin. There are 42 snakes you may encounter in South Carolina. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake Rattlesnakes also live along the coastal areas. If captured, they will hiss and strike, but they seldom bite.