This large snake (30-60 in, 76-152 cm) has keeled scales and is dark brown in coloration. Red-bellied snakes are small snakes that grow to around 10 inches. Rattlesnakes also live along the coastal areas. South Carolina is home to an outstanding diversity of snakes. Many individuals may have light black flecks on the back and sides. Their large Triangular shaped copper-colored head gives them their common name. Like Copperheads, they inhabit all areas of the state. This medium to large snake (20-48 in, 76-122 cm) almost always has some hints of reddish or orange in its pattern. Their belly is orange to yellow with dark spots down the center. For more information, please read our privacy policy. Some are gray with an orange or brown stripe down their backs. WebThe coral snakes snout is also black, unlike its mimics. This snake can be quite large with lengths up to 66 inches (168cm). Snake Species Found in South Carolina SC Distribution: Coastal Zone, Coastal Plains, Sandhills, Piedmont, Blue Ridge. Water Snakes are often mistaken for Copperheads because some Water Snakes colors are similar to those of the Copperhead. Willson Cottonmouth or Water Moccasin ( VENOMOUS ) Credit: J.D. These water snakes are not constrictors. 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. Common name:eastern ribbon snake, common ribbon snake. Watch out for signs of infection. Natural predators of this species include hawks and humans. There are 33 species represented in the state and all are harmless to people. Common name:crayfish snake, glossy crayfish snake, glossy swampsnake, glossy water snake, striped water snake. All of South Carolinas five water snake species are also occasionally black in color, as well as three of the venomous pit-vipers: the cottonmouth, timber rattlesnake, and Eastern diamondback rattlesnake. Fun Fact: Neither of South Carolinas Hognose Snake species are common in captivity, but their west-coast cousin is! This heavy-bodied snake can grow up to 60 inches in length. Unlike non-venomous water snakes, the cottonmouth will not flee if approached but will stand its ground. They are often found under leaf litter, rocks, and logs. Their primary diet is rodents. 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. The banded water snake lives in the swamps, lakes, and rivers of Eastern South Carolina. 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. The belly is black or dark gray. While this species can be active all the time, youll see them out hunting most often at night. They hide under logs and leaf litter feeding mostly on slugs and earthworms. Both are tan to black in color with females being larger than the male. While they are not venomous, they will bite if captured. These snakes will flee if approached and will very rarely stand their ground. They are commonly observed near running waters, such as rivers and streams, though they sometimes live in lakes. Protected and Endangered Venomous Snakes IDENTIFYING RATTLESNAKES: Look up the species range in the state. They have alternating bands of yellow, black, and red where the red touches the black but does not touch the yellow bands. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 42 Snakes In South Carolina (Pictures & Identification) - ThePetEnthusiast WebCommon Snakes in South Carolina . If you are specifically looking for one, you can turn over rocks, logs, and debris, as they may be hiding underneath. Expert Tip: If you notice snake poop on your property, dont panic its free pest control! They are often seen in pine and scrub oak sandhills, along with hardwoods and pine flat woods. Yellow rat snake photo taken by Jessica Miller Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin) (Venomous), 10. Coachwhips are among the longest snakes in South Carolina, this slender snake can reach lengths of more than 40 inches. The underside of the tail lighter than the belly. There are 42 snakes you may encounter in South Carolina. They are common in South Carolina where they can be found in old fields, wetland edges, agricultural habitats, and the edges of forests. The bar can vary from red to brown to black. Snakes dont chase, attack, or hunt humans or pets. The belly is pale with some dark speckling. The Eastern indigo snake is a large black snake that is the longest snake native to the US. Members of this family are found in Africa, Asia, Eurasia, and the Americas. Like other rat snakes, they too are known for climbing trees. They have a white to light brown belly with black dots on each side. If captured, they will hiss and strike, but they seldom bite. 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. Their color can vary from light brown to black or red with dark crossbands. Unfortunately, this species also gets mistaken for a cottonmouth, though they are not venomous at all. Like other hognose snakes, this snake has a stout body, keeled scales and an upturned snout. The belly is lighter with some mottling. Snakes This highly venomous snake is certainly one of the most vibrant and colorful snakes in the Southeastern United States. This species doesnt have many predators due to its large size. The dorsal scales are keeled and the snake has a rough, stiff appearance. The belly is pale to white in color with dark marking resembling a nearly-checkered pattern. 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. Good field guides with illustrations exist and some are cited below. The Southeastern Crowned Snake is a small slender snake that usually measures under a foot in length. Common name:scarlet snake. Length: up to 13 in (33.5 cm) Featured Image Credit by Patrick K. Campbell, Shutterstock. They may be seen crossing a road on a wet night. Look for rattle segments. 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 The red bands are almost always surrounded by the black bands and the front of the snakes head is red. 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). Common name:Eastern racer. Venomous: No, Scientific name: Cemophora coccinea 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. Juveniles have a bit more distinct patterning compared to adults, and some older individuals may have little contrast in their patterning. Discover alligator-eating snakes, spiders larger than your phone, and 1000 more incredible animals in our daily FREE email. Snakes In South Carolina Young are darker than the adults and have a light band on their neck, which fades as they age. As its name suggests, this venomous rattlesnake is small in size. Scientific name: Storeria occipitomaculata. 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. Venomous: Yes, Scientific name: Crotalus horridus Some individuals are plain, while others may have faint lines or blotches extending down the length of the body. Common name:scarlet kingsnake, scarlet milk snake. Are you wondering if the snake in your yard is venomous or what snake you saw today? They are seldom observed due to their secretive nature and if restrained, will seldom bite. The Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon), for example is the only mountain species. They have smooth scales with a spine-like scale on their tail, which is why they are sometimes called horn snakes. This fairly small aquatic snake reaches an average adult size of 10-15 inches (25-38cm). iNaturalist offers a centralized location for wildlife enthusiasts to share observation data regarding plants and animals around the globe including South Carolinas reptiles. The top of the head is darker than the ground color of the body and dark streaks on either side of the head. This family of venomous snakes includes cobras, mambas, kraits, and new world coralsnakes. Adults average between 14-22 inches (38-56cm). 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. Their belly is yellow, white, or pink with smooth scales. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. They spend most of their time underground and are seldom observed. They are mostly seen in the spring and fall. They can be encountered throughout South Carolina in woodlands, farmland, and coastal areas. 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). You can find a snake relocation professional in your area with this Free Snake Relocation Directory on Facebook. Its dorsal coloration and pattern can be rather variable with colors ranging light brown to dark gray. There is often a dark spot at the center of each ventral scale. Juveniles resemble adults in appearance. Snakes of South Carolina 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. All individuals have keeled dorsal scales and subocular scales separating the eye from the upper lip (labial) scales. 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. If a harmless snake bites you, simply wash the area with warm soapy water. Juveniles are similar in appearance to adults, but have a vibrant yellow tail. The last inch of their tail is a yellowish-green color, and that will fade as they shed their skin. Required fields are marked *. The snakes best known as Black racers inhabit most areas in the East from southern Maine to the Florida Keys. These snakes get darker as they age, which means the crossbands may not be as visible. Northwestern 3. The dark edging to the smooth tan scales makes the snake resemble a braided whip which gives the snake its name. They enjoy a wide variety of habitats but are often encountered in open forests, wetlands, and river edges. Brown water snakes are some of the largest snakes in South Carolina, growing to between 30 and 60 inches as they mature into adulthood. Pygmy Rattlesnakes (sometimes spelled Pigmy) live in the Coastal Plains Region of South Carolina. Most Common Snakes in South Carolina According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the most common snakes in South Carolina are: Rat snakes* Black racers* Corn snakes Water snakes* Brown snakes Eastern kingsnakes* Rough green snakes Eastern garter snakes Weve learned about some of these 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. The adults average in size from 7-10 inches (18-25cm). 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. Older adults are usually solid brown to almost black in appearance. Mud snakes are large non-venomous aquatic snakes that are very seldom observed, as they are so secretive. 12. Some white may show on the underside of the head. The explanation requires a few introductory remarks. Central Florida crowned snakes are small snakes growing up to 9 inches. The juveniles generally are light gray in color with dark blotches going down the back. The underside is generally dark grey to black. Like other constrictors, they bite their prey and then proceed to wrap their body around it until it can no longer breath. Scarlet kingsnakes are smaller than the milk snake, growing to 20 inches in length with beautiful coloration. They live in aquatic habitats, which include saw grass prairies, sphagnum bogs, cypress stands, swamps, and ditches. 1. A post shared by Lane Leopard (@lane__leopard). are often unfortunate victims of mistaken identitythought to be Water Moccasins. Of those bites, very few (if any) result in the victims death. Well uncover those answers and more and even see cool pictures of snakes in South Carolina. The front of the head is black with a yellow band crossing just behind the eye. Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are venomous and the largest of the 32 recognized rattlesnake species. A fairly large bodied snake achieving an average adult length between 30 48 inches (76 122 cm). baby Your snake loves fresh water and the water kept in the snakes tank should be changed often to make sure it stays fresh and cool. Tourists need to always be aware of but not always afraid of potential venomous snakes. This species eats small rodents, frogs, and insects. They range in hue from tan to dark brown with darker brown hourglass shaped bands going down the length of the body. Their favorite prey is catfish, so they love to live in the larger rivers of South Carolina, which give them plenty to hunt. Ringnecks are small and slender snakes, growing up to 15 inches (38cm). 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. to Identify a Baby Copperhead Snake They spend the majority of their time underground, sometimes hiding under logs and rocks. Venomous As its name suggests, this venomous rattlesnake is small in size. Cottonmouths are also restricted to the Coastal Plains. Milksnakes are mid-sized snakes growing to 35 inches and have a Y shape on the base of the head. The dorsal coloration can range from tan to dark brown and can often have an iridescent shimmer. It typically has three pale yellowish stripes extending down the length of the dorsum. The best way to coexist with South Carolinas snakes is to give them space and treat them with respect. Key Points: This means people kill them when they see them when theres no need to. Venomous The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in North America. The juveniles look the same as adults, except they have bright yellow on the tip of their tail, which fades as they age. These are small snakes that grow up to 13 inches and are slender. However, the pattern on the water snake is always narrow on the sides and wide near the backbone. They have patterns that alternate yellow, black, white, and red. The coral snake is another venomous species in South Carolina. 6 Black Snakes in South Carolina These are six of the black snakes in South Carolina: The Best Bedding for Snakes The 7 Best Snake Guard Chaps You Can Buy Today The 9 Best Childrens Books About Snakes Black Racer Black Rat Snake Cottonmouth Eastern Mud Snake Florida Green Water Snake Eastern Coral Snake 1. They can be found in western and southern Carolina, where there are two isolated populations. The copperhead is a venomous snake that reaches up to 37.4 inches in length by adulthood. These snakes are not venomous but will often mimic the actions of a venomous snake to scare away prey. They are heavy bodies and large snakes with broad heads that have two lines on the face. If a suspected venomous snake bites you in South Carolina, contact the Palmetto Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. It grows to be between 24 to 42 inches and prefers frogs and fish for its food source. 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. The natural predators for this species include bass and other sports fish, raccoons, foxes, snapping turtles, and even hawks. Common name:Eastern coral snake, common coral snake, American cobra. The head of this snake is black with pale yellow lip scales (labials) and there is a namesake yellow ring on the collar. Its not uncommon to encounter a corn snake in an old barn or deserted house, where they hunt for mice and rats. 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. 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. List of snakes of South Carolina Nerodia erythrogaster. Common name:eastern kingsnake, common kingsnake, chain kingsnake. They curl their lips in bizarre behavior when threatened, but very seldom bite. Many tourists might cross paths with the Yellow ratsnake. WebThe head is solid brown with two dots on the top of the head. Venomous: No, Scientific name: Diadophis punctatus They can also be found in agricultural and suburban areas. water moccasin Reptile.Guide 2023 - All Rights Reserved, Join the discussion! Juvenile redbellies look very different from the adults as they are boldly marked with series of dark crossbands on the neck and If you find an injured snake, heres a list of wildlife rehabilitation experts that accept reptilian patients in South Carolina. one individual has been recorded at 96 inches, Differences between corn snakes and milk snakes, 27 Contrasting Red and Black Birds (with Pictures), 24 Birds With Blue Eyes (Pictures and Identification), 40 Birds With Red Eyes of The World (with Pictures), 22 Fish With a Big Forehead (with Pictures). Juveniles resemble adults, but usually have redder patterning on the back. Whipsnakes (Masticophis flagellum) rank as the most common species, with subspecies living in states from Florida, west to California. Older adults are usually solid brown to almost black in appearance. They usually have a reddish or orange stripe going down the spine of the back. These and most other water snakes are said to make great pets. Two thinner stripes in the center of the belly, and two bolder stripes towards the outside of the ventral scales. These colored bands extend around the whole snake, both dorsum and belly. South Carolina Snakes These snakes are found throughout the Coastal Plain and all mountainous areas in northwestern South Carolina. Scientific name: Thamnophis sauritus sauritus. SC Distribution: Coastal Zone, Coastal Plains, Sandhills. Baby Snake Pictures That Will Help They have orange or red-brown dorsal stripes with younger snakes having yellow at the tip of their tail, which fades as they age. 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. They are sometimes encountered in aquatic habitats such as bays, swamps, marshes, slow-moving streams, lakes, ponds, and wetlands. They are large and can grow up to 48 inches with large triangular heads and large jowls. Probably Ticklish. They have a dark belly with brown to yellow patches and the underside of the tail is black. They have square patches on their back and sides. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! As the most common venomous snake in both North and South Carolina, copperheads can be found all over each state. They will freeze if encountered, trying to camouflage into their surroundings. They all belong to the Nerodia genus. Older specimens of water snakes can be difficult to identify because their bodies tend to turn darker with age, eliminating the usual physical identification clues. This They also help to keep rodent and insect populations in check. Copperhead snakes are most common in the forest areas throughout South Carolina. They are glossy black in color with a bright red belly. The red bands throughout most of the body are usually bordered by yellow bands. A long slender brown snake that has a dark brown head that fades to light brown or tan coloration further down the body continuing to the tail. A small slender brown snake with keeled scales and a light brown to whitish belly. They live in a variety of aquatic habitats, including marshes, streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. They can be encountered throughout South Carolina where they prefer areas close to water.