Its dorsal coloration and pattern can be rather variable with colors ranging light brown to dark gray. Red-bellied snakes are small snakes that grow to around 10 inches. Tourists need to always be aware of but not always afraid of potential venomous snakes. The presence of the red belly is usually all that is needed for a proper identification. The juveniles generally are light gray in color with dark blotches going down the back. The younger snakes have dark bars down their dorsum and their sides, which fade with age. Return to SC Reptiles & Amphibians Index. The Eastern indigo snake is a large black snake that is the longest snake native to the US. It typically has three pale yellowish stripes extending down the length of the dorsum. Many of the subspecies have different color patterns from red to yellow to brown to dark to tan. 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! 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). 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. Probably Ticklish. These snakes are carnivores, so they prey on fish and small amphibians, mostly during the day. These snakes are found throughout the Coastal Plain and all mountainous areas in northwestern South Carolina. 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. 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. The belly is yellow to white and patterned. Young snakes grow rapidly and reach sexual maturation in two to three years. 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. They are common around wetland margins. This family of venomous snakes is characterized by having long, hinged fangs used for venom delivery. Green water snakes are the largest water snake you will encounter in North America and can grow up to 55 inches in length. Colubridae is the largest family of snakes in the world, and is also the largest family in South Carolina. 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. They can be observed near freshwater, which includes lakes, rivers, swamps, marshes, streams, and ponds. 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. Unfortunately, this snake is venomous, and many of the above snakes are harmed when people think they have run across a cottonmouth. WebOutside suburban areas, these juvenile snakes face common enemies such as foxes and raccoons. The head of this snake is black with pale yellow lip scales (labials) and there is a namesake yellow ring on the collar. Southeastern crown snakes eat small insects and spiders and are mildly venomous to their prey but not dangerous to humans. They live off frogs, worms, and the smaller fish in the water source they occupy. 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! Body color in these snakes is very much a function of geography and climate. This family of venomous snakes includes cobras, mambas, kraits, and new world coralsnakes. The Eastern Hognose Snake can be incredibly variable in appearance across its range. This small woodland snake has an average length of under 10 inches (25 cm). Scarlet snakes are small and slender snakes, growing to around 20 inches in length. Venomous: Yes, Scientific name: Sistrurus miliarius The queen snake is a medium-sized slender snake that is common in flowing waters. Brown water snakes are large heavy-bodied semi-aquatic snakes that grow up to 60 inches. They can grow up to 32 inches in length and are bright green, which helps you identify them in South Carolina. They can be gray, green, black, or gray in color with large rectangular markings down the center of the back. Black swamp snakes are small and high aquatic. 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). Body is brown or black with or without yellow. 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. Their heads are small with a pointed snout. On the head, the Eastern Ribbon Snake has pale un-patterned lips and a white or yellowish spot just in front of the eyes. Explore the species list below and click on the description or photo to open a more detailed account. Eastern Worm Snake Scarlet Snake Black Racer Snake Ring-necked Snake Older adults are usually solid brown to almost black in appearance. They are tan to gray with black-bordered brown patches on the base of the dorsum. Willson Cottonmouth or Water Moccasin ( VENOMOUS ) Credit: J.D. Their belly is yellow, white, or pink with smooth scales. This is the most common venomous snake in South Carolina. Give wild snakes a wide berth if you encounter them. Have you ever seen a reptile in the wild? 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. Pet Keen is reader-supported. The dorsal coloration can range from tan to dark brown and can often have an iridescent shimmer. 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 11 Snake Species Found in South Carolina: 1. The dorsal scales are keeled and the snake has a rough, stiff appearance. Length: 14 22 in (38 56 cm) Black Kingsnake Black Kingsnake. Their favorite prey is catfish, so they love to live in the larger rivers of South Carolina, which give them plenty to hunt. They have large red spots boarded by black that extend from one side of the snake to the other and separated by white or yellowish ground coloration. They view us as their predators, not their prey. However, its range does extend to the western piedmont area. They can also be found in agricultural and suburban areas. SC Distribution:Coastal Zone, Coastal Plains, Sandhills, Piedmont, Blue Ridge. The juveniles look the same as adults, except they have bright yellow on the tip of their tail, which fades as they age. They can be observed in scrub habitats and pine forests. 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 grow up to 10 inches (24.5cm) and have black spots on their backs and sides with a white to tan 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. The juveniles look the same as adults, except they have bright yellow on the tip of their tail, which fades as they age. They prefer sandhills and coastal areas. The two subspecies can be distinguished by the internasal and prefrontal scales, which are unfused in C. a. amoenus and fused in C. a. While this species can be active all the time, youll see them out hunting most often at night. 13 Types of Angelfish for Freshwater Aquariums (With Pictures). The top of the head is darker than the ground color of the body and dark streaks on either side of the head. Timber rattlesnakes are usually more yellow or brown with some being black. They are decorated with red, yellow and black bands going down their body. Though its very seldom fatal, the bite of a copperhead is poisonous, so you do need to seek medical treatment if bitten. Adults average between 14-22 inches (38-56cm). A long slender snake that can reach adult sizes up to 60 inches (152cm). They prefer forested habitats and are common in woodlands or forests near wetlands and swamps. Discover alligator-eating snakes, spiders larger than your phone, and 1000 more incredible animals in our daily FREE email. Common name:striped crayfish snake, Allens snake, striped swamp snake, striped swampsnake, swamp snake. 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. Venomous: Yes, Scientific name: Carphophis amoenus. Juveniles are typically tan on their whole body and may have irregular dark bands on the head and neck. These snakes typically live in mixed forests, sandhills, and floodplains. The Dorsal ground color is dark, but can also range in color from black to olive green. are often unfortunate victims of mistaken identitythought to be Water Moccasins. These water snakes can be found in a range of aquatic habitats, but they prefer flowing water such as cypress creeks, rivers, and canals. They can be found in western and southern Carolina, where there are two isolated populations. They are heavy bodies and large snakes with broad heads that have two lines on the face. These snakes are not venomous but will often mimic the actions of a venomous snake to scare away prey. The scales are smooth and they have a hard, sharp spine at the end of their tail. - 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. VenomousLike many viperids,copperheads are fairly heavy bodied snake. Occasionally a sensational story of one on the beach makes headlines. The body is dark to light brown on top and white to pink on the bottom. 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). 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. Adults can grow to around 72 inches, though one individual has been recorded at 96 inches (244cm). It hasshiny black smooth scales above, dark eyes, and a deep red coloration on the belly. The typical adult size is between 18 26 inches (46 66 cm) and females are generally larger than males. This highly venomous snake is certainly one of the most vibrant and colorful snakes in the Southeastern United States. However, they do all possess unique food capturing behaviors and reside in a plethora of habitats. There is also a spear-shaped mark on the top of the head, which points in the direction of the nose. Give your snake somewhere to hide when it wants to be alone or sleep. Copperheads are venomous and large snakes, growing up to 37 inches. They can grow up to 81 inches and are heavy bodies with black on their backs. Continue reading to help you identify the snakes you may come across in South Carolina. They can be found in a range of aquatic habitats including tidal or brackish water. 14 Rabbit Myths And Misconceptions You Need To Stop Believing Now! Most snake bites occur as a result of someone trying to kill, relocate, or harass a snake. WebTwo subspecies of milk snakes, the Eastern and Scarlet inhabit 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 WebFamily Colubridae (Non-venomous Snakes) Worm Snake (Carphophis amoenus)Scarlet Snake (Cemophora coccinea)Black Racer (Coluber constrictor)Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus)Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon couperi)Corn Snake (Elaphe [Pantherophis] guttata)Rat Snake (Elaphe [Pantherophis] obsoleta)Mud Snake (Farancia In some populations this belly coloration can be pink or white. Their large Triangular shaped copper-colored head gives them their common name. They can be encountered in the mountainous areas of northwest South Carolina and throughout the Coastal Plain. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. This is a small, un-patterned, brown snake with a narrow head, small black eyes, smooth shiny scales, and a pointed tail. Since they tend to be in trees a lot, they sometimes find themselves falling into peoples boats. The largest ever recorded was 8 feet in length. They have a yellow belly which has two rows of dark spots and is very similar in appearance to the striped crayfish snake. The belly is pale to white in color with dark marking resembling a nearly-checkered pattern. They have keeled scales, a stout gray, tan or pinkish body, and irregular shaped dark blotches going down the back. These snakes will flee if approached and will very rarely stand their ground. The crossbands are wider on the center of the back and narrow as it reaches the sides. The snake is ridged in appearance with keeled scales. Their appearance is similar to a cottonmouth, which is a species they share a home with, so they do get mistaken for cottonmouths often. Scientific name: Agkistrodon contortrix These secretive snakes are usually encountered when lifting a log or rock. Adults can reach lengths of up to five feet. Milksnakes are mid-sized snakes growing to 35 inches and have a Y shape on the base of the head. Description: The red-bellied watersnake is easily identified by its unmarked, orange or reddish belly and unmarked, reddish brown to dark brown back. Rarely will this snake exceed 10-15 inches (25 38cm) in length. South Carolina is home to one species from this family. 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. This large stout snake is white, light gray, or tan in coloration with a series or dark blotches extending down most of the body. They are gray in color with an orange or yellow band around their neck and underside. 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. Their belly is orange to yellow with dark spots down the center. They range in hue from tan to dark brown with darker brown hourglass shaped bands going down the length of the body. 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 are rarely seen and spend most of their time underground. Like other constrictors, they bite their prey and then proceed to wrap their body around it until it can no longer breath. If approached, they will hiss, vibrate their tail and strike, but they are not venomous. 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. Common name:eastern coral snake, common coral snake, American cobra. The belly is dark with like the dorsum with pale blotches. 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. Nerodia erythrogaster. The biggest threat to the brown water snake is humans. They are beautiful snakes with three red stripes that run down their backs. Juveniles are grayish in color with brown to reddish blotches on the back. 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.