Color is a common name applied to many of the species as well as the Black Racer. Venomous: No, Scientific name: Coluber constrictor 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 Rattlesnakes also live along the coastal areas. Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types. KikisConstrictors. The best way to coexist with South Carolinas snakes is to give them space and treat them with respect. They fill unique niches and play integral roles as both predators and prey. A small slender brown snake with keeled scales and a light brown to whitish belly. WebThe 4 types of kingsnakes found in South Carolina are the eastern kingsnake, mole kingsnake, scarlet kingsnake, and the eastern milk snake. They are semi-aquatic and are dark brown, gray, or light brown in color with orange to yellow belly. Younger snakes are tan or gray with brown to red patches down the middle of their backs, their patterns and colors turn black when they reach around 12 inches. This species doesnt have many predators due to its large size. Unfortunately, it is also venomous, so if youre bitten, you need to go to the emergency room for treatment. They can be gray, green, black, or gray in color with large rectangular markings down the center of the back. Willson So while there are 38 species of snakes in South Carolina, there are 45 types of snakes when including these subspecies as well! Length: up to 60 in (152 cm) Body is banded in bright red, yellow, and black red and yellow rings typically touch, Triangular head with colored bars that run from the eye to the base of the mouth on either side, Gray, tan, lavender, orange, or red body with a row of darker dorsal spots, a red or brown dorsal stripe, and one or two rows of faded lateral spots on either side, Woodlands, sandhill habitats, and near water sources, Triangular head with two light lines on either side of face, Gray, brown, dark yellow, or black body with black chevron dorsal and lateral markings, with the point of the (V) pointing forward, Rural farmlands, woodlands, and high ground near water sources, Brown, tan, or yellow body with darker diamond-shaped dorsal markings that are bordered in yellow or off-white. South Carolina is known well for residents southern drawl, their friendliness, the sweet tea, and the blisteringly hot summer days. However, if youre new to the South Carolina scene, or even if youve been here all your life, there are a few snakes that youll need to watch out for, especially during the summer season. Now, having known those warnings, lets give time to checking out these cute snake pictures! They have a uniformly tan or light brown body with a darker brown head and neck. 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). Your email address will not be published. In fact eleven different subspecies inhabit almost every state in the lower 48 states. They live off frogs, worms, and the smaller fish in the water source they occupy. Most commonly, this snake is yellowish-brown to gray with black chevrons segmenting their way down the dorsal side of the body. These harmless snakes may put on a defensive display before they play dead. The red bands throughout most of the body are usually bordered by yellow bands. Common name:timber rattlesnake, canebrake rattlesnake, banded rattlesnake. 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. Common name:eastern coral snake, common coral snake, American cobra. Unlike non-venomous water snakes, the cottonmouth will not flee if approached but will stand its ground. Banded water snakes are mid-sized snakes with heavy bodies, they are semi-aquatic and can grow up to 42 inches in length. This heavy-bodied snake can grow up to 60 inches in length. They may be seen crossing a road on a wet night. 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. Their belly is white and has some dark spots on the sides. Though their bite is said to be highly toxic, there hasnt been a death attributed to this snake since the 1960s. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. However, of the 41 snake species native to Georgia and South Carolina, only six are venomous all others are completely harmless. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Venomous). 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. 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. WebCarphophis amoenus amoenus, the eastern worm snake, is found from Rhode Island, southwestern Massachusetts, and southeastern New York south to South Carolina, northern Georgia, and central Alabama. Venomous: Yes, Scientific name: Crotalus horridus They prefer areas such as marshes and swamps but are sometimes seen in ponds, slow rivers, lakes, ditches, and brackish water sources. They have heavy bodies, large eyes, and short heads with a brown to green color that has three stripes that run the length of the body. Juveniles closely resemble adults in appearance. Water Snakes are often mistaken for Copperheads because some Water Snakes colors are similar to those of the Copperhead. hroughout its range this snake has been observed in a variety of color tones. They spend the majority of their time underground, sometimes hiding under logs and rocks. 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 front of the head is black with a yellow band crossing just behind the eye. Younger snakes show significantly more patterning with alternating dark brown and light brown cross bands going down the body, and a uniformly dark tail. 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. Common name:brown snake, De Kays snake. These snakes, sometimes referred to as puff adders, are thick-bodied snakes that can grow up to 46 inches in length. Venomous: Yes, Scientific name: Carphophis amoenus. Length: around 20 in (51 cm) While the ranges are not perfect, usually the milksnake is more common the the mountains and the Scarlet Milk Snake inhabits most of the Piedmont and Coastal areas. Willson Timber Rattlesnake ( VENOMOUS ) Credit: J.D. In South Carolina, they live in heavily vegetated wetlands that tend to dry up periodically, which makes it home to an abundance of amphibians. Some are gray with an orange or brown stripe down their backs. This medium to large snake (20-48 in, 76-122 cm) almost always has some hints of reddish or orange in its pattern. In the south, this snake is mostly nocturnal during the hot summer months but active during the day in the cooler spring and fall season. The adult is brown to tan in color with a black chin and head and a black band on the neck. They are oviparous snakes and lay eggs which usually hatch in the fall. Their appearance is similar to a cottonmouth, which is a species they share a home with, so they do get mistaken for cottonmouths often. Venomous: No. If a harmless snake bites you, simply wash the area with warm soapy water. Rarely will this snake exceed 10-15 inches (25 38cm) in length. 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. are often unfortunate victims of mistaken identitythought to be Water Moccasins. Adults average in size from 7-10 inches (18-25cm). Southern 5. They have a yellow belly which has two rows of dark spots and is very similar in appearance to the striped crayfish snake. 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. An adult rat snake can grow up to 72 inches in length. Black Kingsnake Black Kingsnake. Ringnecks are small and slender snakes, growing up to 15 inches (38cm). This is the opposite of the pattern found on the Copperhead. Common name:crayfish snake, glossy crayfish snake, glossy swampsnake, glossy water snake, striped water snake. Since they tend to be in trees a lot, they sometimes find themselves falling into peoples boats. This is a fairly thick bodied snake with keeled scales. Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are venomous and the largest of the 32 recognized rattlesnake species. The venomous coral snake is a medium and slender snake, growing up to 30 inches in length with smooth scales. VenomousLike many viperids,copperheads are fairly heavy bodied snake. WebStill look for Hershey kisses but they are more pixelated in appearance than the Hershey kisses on copperheads. Non-venomous Snakes . While they do avoid wet areas, they can sometimes be observed on the edge of swamps, where they are very accomplished swimmers. Juveniles are similar to adults, but with more of the belly pattern extending up on the sides of the body. SC Distribution: Coastal Zone, Coastal Plains, Sandhills, Piedmont. Older individuals may appear solid olive-green, brown, orange, or black, Green-brown or reddish-brown body with plain, pale belly and dark, irregular dorsal and lateral bars (not to be confused with Diamondback Water Snakes), Still bodies of water with heavy aquatic vegetation, Off-white belly with brown splotches and black crescents, Light to dark brown body with large, dark, square blotches one row dorsally one alternating row on each side, Compared to other local water snakes, head is more narrow, and eyes are positioned closer to the nose and the top of the head, Light brown, reddish, or black body with darker bands, Pattern fades with age; older individuals may appear solid black, brown, or red, Brown, tan, or gray body with a single row of black dorsal blotches and alternating rows of smaller lateral blotches on each side, Solid brown or gray body with solid, bright orange or red belly, Juveniles have alternating dorsal and lateral blotches that fade with age. They are often encountered in abandoned buildings. Their primary diet is rodents. Some key features to look for when attempting to identify a wild snake: South Carolina is home to six venomous snakes. The fact that venomous snake sighting happens so infrequently also testifies to the infrequency of snake bites. This is the most common venomous snake in South Carolina. Well uncover those answers and more and even see cool pictures of snakes in South Carolina. A post shared by Lane Leopard (@lane__leopard). 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. Continue reading to help you identify the snakes you may come across in South Carolina. Copperhead snakes are most common in the forest areas throughout South Carolina. The crossbands are wider on the center of the back and narrow as it reaches the sides. These snakes hide and wait for their prey to come into range, then strike to kill them. The belly is pale to pinkish with two or more irregular half moons on each ventral scale. They are often seen in pine and scrub oak sandhills, along with hardwoods and pine flat woods. Probably Ticklish. They can usually be found in the wetlands and like to have plenty of vegetation to hide in. The pigmy rattlesnake in South Carolina prefers drier habitats, such as pine forests and sandhills. They have tan to white bellies. Venomous As its name suggests, this venomous rattlesnake is small in size. Many tourists might cross paths with the Yellow ratsnake. 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 common in South Carolina where they can be found in old fields, wetland edges, agricultural habitats, and the edges of forests. Common name:pygmy rattlesnake. Many of the subspecies have different color patterns from red to yellow to brown to dark to tan. 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 11 Snake Species Found in South Carolina: 8 Snake Species Found in Georgia (With Pictures), 7. Coachwhips are among the longest snakes in South Carolina, this slender snake can reach lengths of more than 40 inches. 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. These and most other water snakes are said to make great pets. This is the largest species of Water Snake in North America and can reach 30 55 inches (76 140 cm) in length. Copperheads are venomous and large snakes, growing up to 37 inches. Common name:Ringneck snake. However, they do all possess unique food capturing behaviors and reside in a plethora of habitats. The belly of this snake is pale with square or triangular reddish blotches on the edges. The belly is yellow to white and patterned. Females are larger than the male. They have a light-colored belly with brown patches and black crescents. All types of copperhead snakes are venomous. Venomous 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). Juveniles look like adults but have more red on the head. Blue Racers, for example are common around the Great Lakes region. 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 not observed often, due to their secretive nature. If youre new to South Carolina, you need to learn them well. However, these stripes can be conspicuous to nonexistent in some individuals, and can range in color from yellow to brown to blueish green. Adults can grow to around 72 inches, though one individual has been recorded at 96 inches (244cm). The top of the head has a spear shaped blotch with the tip of the point meeting between, or just behind the eyes. Snake diversity in South Carolina is fairly high and page space limits the number of species that can be presented. This large stout snake is white, light gray, or tan in coloration with a series or dark blotches extending down most of the body. Milksnakes are mid-sized snakes growing to 35 inches and have a Y shape on the base of the head. Northwestern 3. They can also be found in agricultural and suburban areas. Brown water snakes are large heavy-bodied semi-aquatic snakes that grow up to 60 inches. 3. They are solid black above, have smooth scales and large eyes. Southeastern crown snakes are 8 to 10 inches long and are usually light brown with black heads. 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. Reptile Guide is also a Chewy affiliate partner. You can learn more about South Carolinas snakes, and other wildlife, on their DNR website. This small snake is dark gray to black above and yellow to orange on the belly. WebThis Web site provides some information about the snakes that occur in upstate South Carolina. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. They have a light yellow to white belly and are very similar in appearance to the eastern ribbon snake. Learn more. The belly is lighter with some mottling. Fun Fact: Pit vipers and garter snakes dont lay eggs they give birth to live young! Image by Dean Stavrides via inaturalist The Black Kingsnake (Lampropeltis nigra) is one of the most common species in certain Southeastern and Eastern states. There are 33 species represented in the state and all are harmless to people. Good news. Unlike other water snakes, the plain-bellied water snake will flee when approached, but they do not head for the water, but rather head onto land to escape. They have keeled scales, a stout gray, tan or pinkish body, and irregular shaped dark blotches going down the back. Cottonmouths, also known as water moccasins, are venomous heavy bodied snakes. The dorsum may have a series of dark spots and in some variations these spots may be more prominent than the dorsal stripes. They are mostly seen in the spring and fall. The red bands throughout most of the body are usually bordered by yellow bands. Eastern indigo snakes can be found in southern South Carolina. Of those bites, very few (if any) result in the victims death. They are long, thin snakes with a black body, and as the picture highlights, white chins. Common name:eastern hognose snake, spreading adder, deaf adder. Dorsally this snake has three red lines running down a dark stout body. Mud snakes are large non-venomous aquatic snakes that are very seldom observed, as they are so secretive. This is one of the longest snakes in the Southeastern United States with adults reaching up over 72 inches (244cm) in length. They can be seen throughout South Carolina, except in mountainous areas of northwestern South Carolina. They usually have a reddish or orange stripe going down the spine of the back. Common name:cottonmouth, water moccasin, swamp moccasin, black moccasin, viper. Featured Image Credit by Patrick K. Campbell, Shutterstock. The underside is generally dark grey to black. Discover alligator-eating snakes, spiders larger than your phone, and 1000 more incredible animals in our daily FREE email. This species eats frogs, centipedes, and insects. The best thing you can do if you encounter a wild snake is to admire it from a distance. Length: 33 72 in (84 183 cm) The males are larger than females. Juveniles have a distinct crossbar pattern on their dorsum. They reach between 24 and 40 inches in length and are carnivores who feast on small animals and fish on and off the land. They are completely harmless to humans. Adults are plain brown above with keeled scales and a contrasting reddish or yellowish belly coloration. They are mostly brown, though can range from a red to a golden brown color with a darker head. If youre interested in identifying more of North Americas native reptiles, have a look at our: You can also check out our other articles on snakes we have comprehensive guides to learn from! 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. They grow up to 10 inches (24.5cm) and have black spots on their backs and sides with a white to tan belly.
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