The picture shows the Eastern Milk Snake. 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. 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. They have patterns that alternate yellow, black, white, and red. Common name:eastern ribbon snake, common ribbon snake. Both are tan to black in color with females being larger than the male. Length: around 20 in (51 cm) They inhabit areas along coastal South Carolina. The timber or canebrake rattlesnake is a large snake with rattles on the end of the tail. They achieve lengths of 24-48 inches (61-122 cm) and have keeled scales. A post shared by Tokyo Sexwale (@haris__safari). Adults average in size from 7-10 inches (18-25cm). Non-venomous Snakes . 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. The largest ever recorded was 8 feet in length. The belly scales have some black on the edges. 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 alternating bands of yellow, black, and red where the red touches the black but does not touch the yellow bands. Scientific name: Storeria occipitomaculata. 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. of Kingsnakes in South Carolina (With Pictures Baby Snakes Photos 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 all belong to the Nerodia genus. South Carolina is home to one species from this family. WebA collection of interesting pictures of snakes found in South Carolina. In this guide, well tell you about the poisonous snake species you should watch out for and several water snake species that arent poisonous. Featured Image Credit by Patrick K. Campbell, Shutterstock. iNaturalist offers a centralized location for wildlife enthusiasts to share observation data regarding plants and animals around the globe including South Carolinas reptiles. The scales on the tail have a pattern that looks like a braided whip. Probably Ticklish. Fun Fact: Neither of South Carolinas Hognose Snake species are common in captivity, but their west-coast cousin is! This is a small, un-patterned, brown snake with a narrow head, small black eyes, smooth shiny scales, and a pointed tail. It has alternating dark blotches on the back and sides. There is usually a pale triangular patch at the base of the snakes heads head and the snakes belly is pale with black blotches. 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. A fairly large bodied snake achieving an average adult length between 30 48 inches (76 122 cm). Venomous The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in North America. Often they will simply not move, but if threatened, they can give a serious bite, which will require immediate and urgent medical attention. These are small snakes that grow up to 13 inches and are slender. 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. Snakes are shy (and, many times, harmless) creatures that are more afraid of us than we are of them. Look for rattle segments. Snakes In South Carolina Yellow rat snake photo taken by Jessica Miller Just behind the head there is a pale ring that separates the dark color on the head from the neck. 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 often found under leaf litter, rocks, and logs. There are 38 snake species in South Carolina, only six of which are venomous. 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. Common name:Eastern racer. The belly of this snake is pale with square or triangular reddish blotches on the edges. These harmless snakes may put on a defensive display before they play dead. Baby Snakes There are five types of water snakes in South Carolina. The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in North America. Good field guides with illustrations exist and some are cited below. WebWith 39 species, snakes can be found in all of South Carolinas habitats and landscapes. Common name:striped crayfish snake, Allens snake, striped swamp snake, striped swampsnake, swamp snake. However, its range does extend to the western piedmont area. Venomous As its name suggests, this venomous rattlesnake is small in size. Rarely will this snake exceed 10-15 inches (25 38cm) in length. They are orange, red-brown, gray, or brown in color with square black margined red or brown blotches. Sometimes they will play dead, they will almost never bite. 12. You can often find the brown water snake basking in the sun spread out along tree branches instead of lying on the ground. Juveniles are grayish in color with brown to reddish blotches on the back. For more information, please read our privacy policy. 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. They are semi-aquatic and often seen on the edge of salt marshes, lakes, and bogs. Snakes The scales are smooth and they have a hard, sharp spine at the end of their tail. They can be found in western and southern Carolina, where there are two isolated populations. Venomous:Yes, Scientific name: Agkistrodon piscivorus 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:Ringneck snake. The snakes best known as Black racers inhabit most areas in the East from southern Maine to the Florida Keys. They forage along wetland margins and are active during the day. They have smooth scales with a spine-like scale on their tail, which is why they are sometimes called horn snakes. Venomous: Yes, Scientific name: Crotalus adamanteus They have keeled scales, a stout gray, tan or pinkish body, and irregular shaped dark blotches going down the back. They are decorated with red, yellow and black bands going down their body. Baby Snake Pictures That Will Help 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. They live off frogs, worms, and the smaller fish in the water source they occupy. Juveniles have a distinct crossbar pattern on their dorsum. Two thinner stripes in the center of the belly, and two bolder stripes towards the outside of the ventral scales. They are often mistaken as the venomous cottonmouth, except that the cottonmouth has bands not patches. WebOutside suburban areas, these juvenile snakes face common enemies such as foxes and raccoons. Whipsnakes (Masticophis flagellum) rank as the most common species, with subspecies living in states from Florida, west to California. Return to SC Reptiles & Amphibians Index. Think logically. The Eastern Kingsnake is a long black snake with smooth scales and yellow/whitish chain-link markings extending down the back and connecting on the sides. Timber rattlesnakes are usually more yellow or brown with some being black. They are ground dwellers and will flee when encountered. The southern hognose is a small snake with a heavy body that can grow up to 24 inches in length. SC Distribution: Coastal Zone, Coastal Plains. The species are carnivores, which means they like to snack on fish, frogs, and even other snakes at times. Young are darker than the adults and have a light band on their neck, which fades as they age. Eastern ribbon snakes are slender snakes that have three yellow stripes, one down the center of the body and two down the sides with a dark background. Common name:eastern copperhead, copperhead. The head is solid brown with two dots on the top of the head. You may encounter one as it basks in the sun on a branch that hangs over the water. South Carolina is home to an outstanding diversity of snakes. In South Carolina there are 5 species from this family. Common name:timber rattlesnake, canebrake rattlesnake, banded rattlesnake. Unfortunately, it is also venomous, so if youre bitten, you need to go to the emergency room for treatment. Venomous: No, Scientific name: Coluber constrictor 14 Rabbit Myths And Misconceptions You Need To Stop Believing Now! Common name:prairie kingsnake, yellow-bellied kingsnake. Venomous: Yes, Scientific name: Crotalus horridus They are rarely seen and spend most of their time underground. Length: up to 60 in (152 cm) 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. This heavy-bodied snake can grow up to 60 inches in length. The juveniles generally are light gray in color with dark blotches going down the back. 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 curl their lips in bizarre behavior when threatened, but very seldom bite. 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. Cottonmouths are venomous snakes, that are also semi-aquatic, sometimes called water moccasins. These blotches are typically darker near the head, and fainter on the tail end. Reptile.Guide 2023 - All Rights Reserved, Join the discussion! They spend the majority of their time underground, sometimes hiding under logs and rocks. Snakes play a vital role in South Carolinas ecosystem. Like other rat snakes, they too are known for climbing trees. This is one of the longest snakes in the Southeastern United States with adults reaching up over 72 inches (244cm) in length. In the event of any sighting, theres little doubt that someone would immediately post a picture on social media, and it would be the news of the day. Eastern racers are large, slender, solid black snakes that can grow up to 60 inches in length. There is a dark line through the eye. The Eastern Hognose Snake can be incredibly variable in appearance across its range. The belly is pale to pinkish with two or more irregular half moons on each ventral scale. Among the 35 harmless non-venomous snakes, five species of Water Snakes (Nerodia spp.) The belly is pale with some dark speckling. The bad thing about this species is that their coloring is a lot like the cottonmouth and copperhead, two snakes that are poisonous. They achieve lengths of 24-48 inches (61-122 cm) and have keeled scales. 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. Length: 30 48 in (76-122 cm) Look for presence of dark stripe near eye. The crossbands are wider on the center of the back and narrow as it reaches the sides. The explanation requires a few introductory remarks. Common name:eastern coral snake, common coral snake, American cobra. 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. Adults can grow to around 72 inches, though one individual has been recorded at 96 inches (244cm). The list of South Carolina snakes would not be complete without giving mention to these additional species. They have tan to white bellies. Scientific name: Pantherophis alleghaniensis. They can often be found around drying pools in the wetlands, where they feed on the trapped amphibians and fish. However, of the 41 snake species native to Georgia and South Carolina, only six are venomous all others are completely harmless. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account. Southwestern Why Look Out for Baby Copperhead Snakes? These and most other water snakes are said to make great pets. Snakes Web11. Tourists need to always be aware of but not always afraid of potential venomous snakes. These woodland snakes come in a variety of colors with some being orange to brown, others black, and some gray. This snake is almost entirely black. A post shared by Lane Leopard (@lane__leopard). Baby 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. 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. While they are not venomous, they will bite if captured. All five are classified in the subfamily Crotalinae commonly called Pit Vipers. 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). The Southeastern Crowned Snake is a small slender snake that usually measures under a foot in length. These snakes are small heavy-bodied snakes that are gray to brown with a pointed snout and smooth scales. Nerodia erythrogaster. The snake is ridged in appearance with keeled scales. Some are gray with an orange or brown stripe down their backs. 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. They are not observed often, due to their secretive nature. Eastern coral snake photo courtesy ReptileFact.com Yellow Rat Snake Growing six feet or more, these striped serpents are skilled climbers and will search your yard top to bottom for rodents. Unfortunately, this species also gets mistaken for a cottonmouth, though they are not venomous at all. There are 33 species represented in the state and all are harmless to people. Like many viperids,copperheads are fairly heavy bodied snake. The key identifying feature of this snake is the unmarked orange to red belly. They can be found in a range of aquatic habitats including tidal or brackish water. Pet Keen is reader-supported. 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. Scientific name: Lampropeltis calligaster. 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. This small gray, tan, or brown snake is usually under 20 inches (51 cm) in length when full grown. These snakes, sometimes referred to as puff adders, are thick-bodied snakes that can grow up to 46 inches in length. Snakes They have square spots on the side of the belly and a dark stripe that runs from the jaw to the eye. Its dorsal coloration and pattern can be rather variable with colors ranging light brown to dark gray. Green water snakes are the largest water snake you will encounter in North America and can grow up to 55 inches in length. Juveniles are typically tan on their whole body and may have irregular dark bands on the head and neck. The Eastern kingsnake is a large smooth scaled snake that is shiny black, growing up to 48 inches. These and most other water snakes are said to make great pets. The sides have alternating smaller blotches. This medium to large snake (20-48 in, 76-122 cm) almost always has some hints of reddish or orange in its pattern. to Identify a Baby Copperhead Snake They are generally characterized by having fixed, front fangs used for venom delivery. They are excellent at burrowing and spend the majority of their time underground, surfacing from May to October. Their body is a collection of red, black, and yellow/whitish bands. The belly scales are pale with two rows of distinct black half moon patterns. If a harmless snake bites you, simply wash the area with warm soapy water. They reach between 24 and 40 inches in length and are carnivores who feast on small animals and fish on and off the land. Use the photo gallery to identify snakes that are common to SC, NC and GA. VENOMOUS Copperhead ( VENOMOUS ) Credit: J.D. Juveniles closely resemble adults in appearance. They can be found mostly in the marshes of South Carolina. Two subspecies of milk snakes, the Eastern and Scarlet inhabit South Carolina. They have large eyes with white under the chin and smooth scales. 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. The remainder of the article provides pictures and descriptions of some of the states most common snakes. Explore the species list below and click on the description or photo to open a more detailed account. They reach three to 6 feet long and can weigh up to 10 pounds. Overall, we could just say that snakes can look super cute if you gaze at them from a considerable distance. You can find a snake relocation professional in your area with this Free Snake Relocation Directory on Facebook. They have narrow heads and eyes are positioned further forward on the head than other snakes. Common name:pine woods snake, yellow-lipped snake, brown-headed snake. As its name suggests, this venomous rattlesnake is small in size. Watch out for signs of infection. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. They grow to 13 inches and have tiny dots on either side of the belly. Even though they are venomous, fatalities are very rare. The young copperhead snakes look just like the adults except for new hatchlings. Adults can reach lengths of up to five feet. Willson Cottonmouth or Water Moccasin ( VENOMOUS ) Credit: J.D. Description: The red-bellied watersnake is easily identified by its unmarked, orange or reddish belly and unmarked, reddish brown to dark brown back. The young mud snake often lives in a seasonal wetland as a juvenile and moves to a permanent water source as it gets older. They can also be seen in open habitats, which include mountains and fields. They have spots mid-dorsal with a bar that runs from the eye to the mouth. Racers are noted for eating a diversity of smaller prey items, including smaller snakes, rodents, frogs, lizards and even small turtles. The males are larger than females. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Venomous). The red bands are almost always surrounded by the black bands and the front of the snakes head is red. They are observed in the Coastal Plain and have progressed to the mountainous areas and the coast. Common name:cottonmouth, water moccasin, swamp moccasin, black moccasin, viper. They live in a variety of aquatic habitats, including marshes, streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. WebAccording to official resources, there are four different varieties of copperhead snakes to look out for: 1. Since they tend to be in trees a lot, they sometimes find themselves falling into peoples boats. The Dorsal ground color is dark, but can also range in color from black to olive green. Common name:cottonmouth, water moccasin, swamp moccasin, black moccasin, viper. Worm snakes are small 13 inches snakes that are brown in color with shiny and smooth scales. They have a light spot which can be seen on both sides of the neck and a white to yellow belly. While this species can be active all the time, youll see them out hunting most often at night. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. 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). Eastern garter snakes grow up to 26 inches with three yellow stripes that run down their body. I find them to be one of our most docile species. All three subspecies are adapted to human living environments, and can often be found in residential areas climbing trees. This large stout snake is white, light gray, or tan in coloration with a series or dark blotches extending down most of the body. Northern 2. 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 two lateral stripes of this snake are confined to rows three and four of the dorsal scales. Banded water snakes are mid-sized snakes with heavy bodies, they are semi-aquatic and can grow up to 42 inches in length. Adults are heavy bodied and can reach lengths of over six feet (72in, 183cm). The top of the head has a spear shaped blotch with the tip of the point meeting between, or just behind the eyes. They are tan to gray with black-bordered brown patches on the base of the dorsum. Some individuals may have reddish or orange highlights incorporated in the pattern. Black and yellow rat snakes can be found in South Carolina where they live in hardwood forests, swamp margins, and river floodplains. South Carolina typically reports 150 to 300 snake envenomations per year. This medium-sized snake is highly aquatic and can grow up to 20 inches. They can be seen throughout the year and on sunny days, they will be basking on rocks and logs along the edge of the water. South Carolina Snakes Pictures and Identification Copperheads are venomous and large snakes, growing up to 37 inches. WebCommon Snakes in South Carolina . In some populations this belly coloration can be pink or white. The head is generally darker brown than the body and some individuals, especially juveniles, may have a pale, light brown band on the neck. They view us as their predators, not their prey. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Venomous: No, Scientific name: Cemophora coccinea Like other hognose snakes, this snake has a stout body, keeled scales and an upturned snout. Give wild snakes a wide berth if you encounter them. They can also be found in agricultural and suburban areas. They have orange or red-brown dorsal stripes with younger snakes having yellow at the tip of their tail, which fades as they age. Juveniles look like adults but have more red on the head. They can usually be found in the wetlands and like to have plenty of vegetation to hide in. Eastern Worm Snake Scarlet Snake Black Racer Snake Ring-necked Snake This small and slender brown or grayish snake has smooth scales, an unmarked light brown to pale belly, and a small head. 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 South Carolina Snakes Southeastern crown snakes are 8 to 10 inches long and are usually light brown with black heads. Discover 38 Snakes Found In South Carolina (6 are Venomous!) Common name:Florida Green Watersnake, Eastern Green Watersnake. The scarlet snake is a small slender snake that is vibrantly colored. SC Distribution: Coastal Zone, Coastal Plains, Sandhills, Piedmont. Fun Fact: Pit vipers and garter snakes dont lay eggs they give birth to live young! If a suspected venomous snake bites you in South Carolina, contact the Palmetto Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. If captured, they will hiss and strike, but they seldom bite. Snakes in Upstate South Carolina They are slender in light brown or tan with a black head, black of the neck, and chin. Ringnecks are small and slender snakes, growing up to 15 inches (38cm). Scarlet kingsnakes are smaller than the milk snake, growing to 20 inches in length with beautiful coloration. Common name:worm snake. They can be gray, green, black, or gray in color with large rectangular markings down the center of the back. Common name:rough green snake, grass snake, green grass snake. Weba tiny baby coiled grass snake (natrix natrix) sometimes called the ringed snake or water snake, is a eurasian non-venomous snake. The two subspecies can be distinguished by the internasal and prefrontal scales, which are unfused in C. a. amoenus and fused in C. a. The colors can vary and some have beautiful dark crossbands on brown and yellow, while others are plain black or brown. This species eats frogs, centipedes, and insects. WebThis Web site provides some information about the snakes that occur in upstate South Carolina. 13. 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. They can be encountered throughout South Carolina where they prefer areas close to water. 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. Many individuals may have light black flecks on the back and sides. 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. WebHave you seen a snake in South Carolina and aren't sure if it's venomous? 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.
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