Probably Ticklish. 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. Common name:scarlet snake. They are semi-aquatic and are dark brown, gray, or light brown in color with orange to yellow belly. Many snakes provide an important service keeping rodent and other pest populations under control. So while there are 38 species of snakes in South Carolina, there are 45 types of snakes when including these subspecies as well! While this species can be active all the time, youll see them out hunting most often at night. Common name:eastern ribbon snake, common ribbon snake. 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. The head is solid brown with two dots on the top of the head. They can be observed in scrub habitats and pine forests. 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. Scarlet snakes are small and slender snakes, growing to around 20 inches in length. They can be encountered throughout South Carolina where they prefer areas close to water. The black rat snakes are from the northern distribution and are black on the upper half with white in between the scales. There are 42 snakes you may encounter in South Carolina. All five are classified in the subfamily Crotalinae commonly called Pit Vipers. It typically has three pale yellowish stripes extending down the length of the dorsum. The picture shows the Eastern Milk Snake. Midland Water Snake 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. The natural predators for this species include bass and other sports fish, raccoons, foxes, snapping turtles, and even hawks. They are often seen in pine and scrub oak sandhills, along with hardwoods and pine flat woods. WebAccording to official resources, there are four different varieties of copperhead snakes to look out for: 1. They can also be seen in open habitats, which include mountains and fields. They have distinctive coloring which fades from black on the head to tan on the body and almost white by the time it reaches the tail, some are completely tan. This snake is almost entirely black. The green water snake is also non-venomous and grows to between 30 and 55 inches. 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) While they do avoid wet areas, they can sometimes be observed on the edge of swamps, where they are very accomplished swimmers. Brown snakes are small brown snakes that can be reddish, yellow, or gray/brown in color. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. The Eastern indigo snake is a large black snake that is the longest snake native to the US. 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. They have spots mid-dorsal with a bar that runs from the eye to the mouth. Their belly is orange to yellow with dark spots down the center. Just behind the head there is a pale ring that separates the dark color on the head from the neck. The Eastern Ratsnake has one of the most drastic variation in color and pattern across its geographic range of any snake. They achieve lengths of 24-48 inches (61-122 cm) and have keeled scales. Whipsnakes (Masticophis flagellum) rank as the most common species, with subspecies living in states from Florida, west to California. Often referred to as the Banded Water Snake, this snake is recognized by unbroken brown to reddish cross bands extending down the length of their dark brown body. WebStill look for Hershey kisses but they are more pixelated in appearance than the Hershey kisses on copperheads. Their primary diet is rodents. They are decorated with red, yellow and black bands going down their body. It hasshiny black smooth scales above, dark eyes, and a deep red coloration on the belly. Even though their bite might not kill an adult human, it can pose very serious harm. These snakes typically live in mixed forests, sandhills, and floodplains. 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 prefer to live near the water and can often be found hiding in beaver dams or muskrat houses. The southern hognose is a small snake with a heavy body that can grow up to 24 inches in length. They are glossy black in color with a bright red belly. They are tree-dwelling snakes and spend most of their time above the ground. 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. Many individuals may have light black flecks on the back and sides. Pet Keen is reader-supported. Like other constrictors, they bite their prey and then proceed to wrap their body around it until it can no longer breath. Rarely will this snake exceed 10-15 inches (25 38cm) in length. Non-venomous Snakes . They can be observed near freshwater, which includes lakes, rivers, swamps, marshes, streams, and ponds. Five of South Carolinas six venomous snakes are pit vipers. Colubridae is the largest family of snakes in the world, and is also the largest family in South Carolina. If captured, they will hiss and strike, but they seldom bite. In some populations this belly coloration can be pink or white. Markings are triangular and bordered in black. Young are darker than the adults and have a light band on their neck, which fades as they age. From above, the snake looks as if it has a series of red, black and yellow bands extending down the body. Watch out for signs of infection. Red-bellied watersnakes, another common species, might be the exception to the rule. pigeones. Their body is a beautiful pattern of red, black, and yellow rings with a black nose. These snakes are small heavy-bodied snakes that are gray to brown with a pointed snout and smooth scales. A small slender brown snake with keeled scales and a light brown to whitish belly. iNaturalist offers a centralized location for wildlife enthusiasts to share observation data regarding plants and animals around the globe including South Carolinas reptiles. They have large eyes with white under the chin and smooth scales. 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 Both are tan to black in color with females being larger than the male. Common name:eastern hognose snake, spreading adder, deaf adder. Adults average in size between 15-20 inches. Cottonmouths or Water Moccasins are common in the east, where both snakes share a preference for water habitats. Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin) (Venomous), 10. There is usually a pale triangular patch at the base of the snakes heads head and the snakes belly is pale with black blotches. The juveniles look the same as adults, except they have bright yellow on the tip of their tail, which fades as they age. Many tourists might cross paths with the Yellow ratsnake. 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. The dorsal scales are keeled and the snake has a rough, stiff appearance. They are mostly brown, though can range from a red to a golden brown color with a darker head. Two thinner stripes in the center of the belly, and two bolder stripes towards the outside of the ventral scales. They have dark markings on the edges of their upper lip (labial) scales and have a dark stripe extending from the back of the eye to the base of the jaw. However, it is not a typical identification guide or field guide. The scales are smooth and the underside is pale to yellow with dark mottling. These water snakes can be found in a range of aquatic habitats, but they prefer flowing water such as cypress creeks, rivers, and canals. 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. This species eats frogs, centipedes, and insects. Dorsally this snake has three red lines running down a dark stout body. The last inch of their tail is a yellowish-green color, and that will fade as they shed their skin. Venomous: Yes, Scientific name: Sistrurus miliarius 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. The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in North America. The banded water snake lives in the swamps, lakes, and rivers of Eastern South Carolina. They can be gray, green, black, or gray in color with large rectangular markings down the center of the back. Common name:pine woods snake, yellow-lipped snake, brown-headed snake. Their heads are small with a pointed snout. Younger snakes show significantly more patterning with alternating dark brown and light brown cross bands going down the body, and a uniformly dark tail. Length: 14 22 in (38 56 cm) This small snake is dark gray to black above and yellow to orange on the belly. Common name:Eastern racer. Scientific name: Pantherophis alleghaniensis. Its dorsal coloration and pattern can be rather variable with colors ranging light brown to dark gray. Look for rattle segments. Common name:Eastern coral snake, common coral snake, American cobra. The northern water snake is found in the extreme northwestern parts of South Carolina, close to the border. They also help to keep rodent and insect populations in check. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account. The snake is ridged in appearance with keeled scales. The picture shows the Eastern Milk Snake. WebTwo subspecies of milk snakes, the Eastern and Scarlet inhabit South Carolina. They live in a variety of aquatic habitats, including marshes, streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. Use the photo gallery to identify snakes that are common to SC, NC and GA. VENOMOUS Copperhead ( VENOMOUS ) Credit: J.D. They are rarely seen and spend most of their time underground. Snakes play a vital role in South Carolinas ecosystem. A medium sized snake that is extremely variable in appearance. They are sometimes encountered in aquatic habitats such as bays, swamps, marshes, slow-moving streams, lakes, ponds, and wetlands. When most people in South Carolina think of a water snake, the cottonmouth, also called the water moccasin, is what instantly comes to mind. They are agile and fast and will flee if approached. You should always seek immediate medical attention if a snake envenomates you to avoid medical problems such as permanent nerve damage, limb amputation, and breathing problems. They can be encountered throughout South Carolina in woodlands, farmland, and coastal areas. All types of copperhead snakes are venomous. The chin is usually lighter in color. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. They can grow up to 35 inches and have no patterns on their lip scales, which helps you differentiate them against the closely related eastern garter snake. They have a light spot which can be seen on both sides of the neck and a white to yellow belly. Unfortunately, it is also venomous, so if youre bitten, you need to go to the emergency room for treatment. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. One of the most commonly seen snakes in all regions of South Carolina, the black racer ( Coluber constrictor) is a shiny, fast-moving snake with a white chin. They are ground dwellers and will flee when encountered. Green water snakes are the largest water snake you will encounter in North America and can grow up to 55 inches in length. These snakes hide and wait for their prey to come into range, then strike to kill them. However, these stripes can be conspicuous to nonexistent in some individuals, and can range in color from yellow to brown to blueish green. This large stout snake is white, light gray, or tan in coloration with a series or dark blotches extending down most of the body. The sides of the head and chin have orange-brown to red coloration. WebHave you seen a snake in South Carolina and aren't sure if it's venomous? The largest ever recorded was 8 feet in length. They are secretive and can be found under objects. 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. Length: 30 60 in (76 152 cm) Your email address will not be published. Length: up to 60 in (152 cm) 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! 5 Best Sources of Iron for Dogs (& How Much They Need Daily), 10 DIY Reptile Enclosures You Can Build Today (With Pictures). Your email address will not be published. The underside is generally dark grey to black. Length: 2037 in (51 94 cm) The underside of the tail lighter than the belly. Willson Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake ( VENOMOUS ) Credit: J.D. Sometimes they will play dead, they will almost never bite. These woodland snakes come in a variety of colors with some being orange to brown, others black, and some gray. Some white may show on the underside of the head. Adults can reach lengths of up to five feet. Many individuals are tan to brown with dark blotches across back. Between March and October, it is possible to encounter a pygmy rattlesnake anywhere near bodies of freshwater like marshes, swamps, ponds, and streams.

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