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. 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. They can be observed in a host of woodland habitats in the Coastal Plain, where there are small wetlands. Removal and Control Property owners should use caution when they encounter any size snake as babies can still bite. An adult rat snake can grow up to 72 inches in length. There are five types of water snakes in South Carolina. Baby Snakes Most snake bites occur as a result of someone trying to kill, relocate, or harass a snake. 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. Oh You, Little Noodle. If you find an injured snake, heres a list of wildlife rehabilitation experts that accept reptilian patients in South Carolina. They are found scattered throughout the Coastal Plain with the majority of inland populations identified on the Savannah River Site in South Carolina. The bad thing about this species is that their coloring is a lot like the cottonmouth and copperhead, two snakes that are poisonous. Racers are noted for eating a diversity of smaller prey items, including smaller snakes, rodents, frogs, lizards and even small turtles. This snake is found throughout South Carolina, except in the mountains. Unfortunately, this species also gets mistaken for a cottonmouth, though they are not venomous at all. Black swamp snakes are small and high aquatic. Featured Image Credit by Patrick K. Campbell, Shutterstock. Search our database of over 13528 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. Common name:timber rattlesnake, canebrake rattlesnake, banded rattlesnake. 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 nocturnal, and unlike the other water snakes on our list, they will travel for long distances by land to find another body of water. 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. Snakes This is a fairly thick bodied snake with keeled scales. 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 Common name:eastern coral snake, common coral snake, American cobra. Banded water snakes are mid-sized snakes with heavy bodies, they are semi-aquatic and can grow up to 42 inches in length. They are decorated with red, yellow and black bands going down their body. WebThe head is solid brown with two dots on the top of the head. WebA collection of interesting pictures of snakes found in South Carolina. A medium sized aquatic snake, brownish to olive green in coloration, with a yellow stripe situated on the either side of the lower body, and three faint narrow dark stripes running down the back. Learn more. The head of this snake is black with pale yellow lip scales (labials) and there is a namesake yellow ring on the collar. You can find a snake relocation professional in your area with this Free Snake Relocation Directory on Facebook. 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. These water snakes are not constrictors. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is said to be the largest venomous snake in South Carolina. They have a light yellow to white belly and are very similar in appearance to the eastern ribbon snake. Red-bellied Watersnake As its name suggests, this venomous rattlesnake is small in size. The Eastern indigo snake is a large black snake that is the longest snake native to the US. They are tan, brown, or yellow with brown diamonds, which are surrounded by lighter-colored scales. The base color is a glossy back with a red or pink belly with black spots and color on the sides and the head. The top of the head is red and the underside is solid white in coloration. Like other rat snakes, they too are known for climbing trees. 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. From above, the snake looks as if it has a series of red, black and yellow bands extending down the body. 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. 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. WebThe coral snakes snout is also black, unlike its mimics. Nerodia erythrogaster. Two subspecies of milk snakes, the Eastern and Scarlet inhabit South Carolina. If a suspected venomous snake bites you in South Carolina, contact the Palmetto Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. Look for rattle segments. They are highly aquatic and are seldom seen. 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 common in South Carolina and are found in forested habitats where there is ample ground cover. WebThe 4 types of kingsnakes found in South Carolina are the eastern kingsnake, mole kingsnake, scarlet kingsnake, and the eastern milk snake. Venomous: No, Scientific name: Coluber constrictor They are mostly brown, though can range from a red to a golden brown color with a darker head. 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 racer. 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. Common name:crayfish snake, glossy crayfish snake, glossy swampsnake, glossy water snake, striped water snake. They have square patches on their back and sides. They will freeze if encountered, trying to camouflage into their surroundings. 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 coastal area golf courses popular with the tourist crowd also contain water areas that these snakes might call home. These snakes can be found in the mountains and Coastal Plain in South Carolina. Timber rattlesnakes are usually more yellow or brown with some being black. Common name:scarlet kingsnake, scarlet milk snake. They have white to yellow chain-linked bands across the back, connecting on the sides, which is why some people refer to them as chain kingsnakes. Unfortunately, it is also venomous, so if youre bitten, you need to go to the emergency room for treatment. They have keeled scales, a stout gray, tan or pinkish body, and irregular shaped dark blotches going down the back. Some are gray with an orange or brown stripe down their backs. 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 simply snatch their prey and swallow it quickly instead. A medium sized snake that is extremely variable in appearance. The belly scales have some black on the edges. Eastern indigo snakes can be found in southern South Carolina. They have a dark stripe that goes through the eye with yellow scales on the upper lip. These snakes are not venomous but will often mimic the actions of a venomous snake to scare away prey. Snake diversity in South Carolina is fairly high and page space limits the number of species that can be presented. 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. 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 enjoy a variety of habitats where it is moist with plenty of ground covers, such as swamps, wetland margins, hardwood hammocks, and suburban yards. Their large Triangular shaped copper-colored head gives them their common name. They kill their prey by constriction. This family of venomous snakes is characterized by having long, hinged fangs used for venom delivery. Snakes They spend the majority of their time underground, sometimes hiding under logs and rocks. They are beautiful snakes with three red stripes that run down their backs. WebAccording to official resources, there are four different varieties of copperhead snakes to look out for: 1. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! Look for presence of dark stripe near eye. Young are darker than the adults and have a light band on their neck, which fades as they age. Copperhead snakes are most common in the forest areas throughout South Carolina. The key identifying feature of this snake is the unmarked orange to red belly. Worm snakes are small 13 inches snakes that are brown in color with shiny and smooth scales. WebThis Web site provides some information about the snakes that occur in upstate South Carolina. to Identify a Baby Copperhead Snake 14 Rabbit Myths And Misconceptions You Need To Stop Believing Now! Adults are heavy bodied and can reach lengths of over six feet (72in, 183cm). They can be found mostly in the marshes of South Carolina. Coachwhips are among the longest snakes in South Carolina, this slender snake can reach lengths of more than 40 inches. Common name:cottonmouth, water moccasin, swamp moccasin, black moccasin, viper. VenomousCottonmouths, also known as water moccasins, are venomous heavy bodied snakes. Image by Dean Stavrides via inaturalist The Black Kingsnake (Lampropeltis nigra) is one of the most common species in certain Southeastern and Eastern states. Between March and October, it is possible to encounter a pygmy rattlesnake anywhere near bodies of freshwater like marshes, swamps, ponds, and streams. They are long, thin snakes with a black body, and as the picture highlights, white chins. Juveniles look like adults but have more red on the head. For more information, please read our privacy policy. The green water snake is also non-venomous and grows to between 30 and 55 inches. 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. Adults average in size from 7-10 inches (18-25cm). South Carolina Snakes Northern 2. The pigmy rattlesnake in South Carolina prefers drier habitats, such as pine forests and sandhills. Common non-venomous snakes in South Carolina In fact eleven different subspecies inhabit almost every state in the lower 48 states. Common name:prairie kingsnake, yellow-bellied kingsnake. Explore the species list below and click on the description or photo to open a more detailed account. The picture shows the Eastern Milk Snake. All three subspecies are adapted to human living environments, and can often be found in residential areas climbing trees. They have tan to white bellies. Their heads are small with a pointed snout. They have a black and white checked pattern on the belly. Adults average between 14-22 inches (38-56cm). 42 Snakes In South Carolina (Pictures & Identification) - ThePetEnthusiast A post shared by Lane Leopard (@lane__leopard). Snakes 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. Members of this family are found in Africa, Asia, Eurasia, and the Americas. In South Carolina there are 5 species from this family. Fun Fact: Many experts consider the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake the deadliest snake in the U.S. According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the most common snakes in South Carolina are: Weve learned about some of these abundant snakes* in previous sections. 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 Among the 35 harmless non-venomous snakes, five species of Water Snakes (Nerodia spp.) They have a dark belly with brown to yellow patches and the underside of the tail is black. They range in hue from tan to dark brown with darker brown hourglass shaped bands going down the length of the body. These snakes, sometimes referred to as puff adders, are thick-bodied snakes that can grow up to 46 inches in length. I find them to be one of our most docile species. Your email address will not be published. The fact that venomous snake sighting happens so infrequently also testifies to the infrequency of snake bites. Venomous: Yes, Scientific name: Sistrurus miliarius Length: 33 72 in (84 183 cm) WebEastern Kingsnake ( Lampropeltis getula) Photos by J.D. The biggest threat to the brown water snake is humans. They will bite if cornered, which can be painful but is not considered dangerous or venomous. Their primary diet is rodents. They prefer sandhills and coastal areas. They can be observed in scrub habitats and pine forests. 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. 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 all belong to the Nerodia genus. 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. Colubridae is the largest family of snakes in the world, and is also the largest family in South Carolina. Central Florida crowned snakes are small snakes growing up to 9 inches. The prairie kingsnake is very seldom observed. Of those bites, very few (if any) result in the victims death. Please press the snakes button for additional snake pictures and information. These snakes are found throughout the Coastal Plain and all mountainous areas in northwestern South Carolina. Venomous: No, Scientific name: Diadophis punctatus 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). Now, having known those warnings, lets give time to checking out these cute snake pictures! Like other hognose snakes, this snake has a stout body, keeled scales and an upturned snout. Non-venomous Snakes . However, the pattern on the water snake is always narrow on the sides and wide near the backbone. Their large Triangular shaped copper-colored head gives them their common name. Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin) (Venomous), 10. Red-bellied snakes are small snakes that grow to around 10 inches. Tell us about your cold-blooded experience in the comment section below! They can be seen throughout South Carolina, except in mountainous areas of northwestern South Carolina. WebCommon Snakes in South Carolina . Adults average in size between 15-20 inches. They have a white to light brown belly with black dots on each side. It can grow up to 84 inches and is black to blue in color, which includes the belly. They have a uniformly tan or light brown body with a darker brown head and neck. There are 33 species represented in the state and all are harmless to people. Snakes in Also known as the Glossy Crayfish Snake, this is a medium sized shiny snake with a plain-brown to olive-brown dorsal coloration with faint dark stripes going down the length of the body. They have narrow heads and eyes are positioned further forward on the head than other snakes. They have a bright orange to red underside, which helps you distinguish them from other small woodland snakes in the area. Their body is a beautiful pattern of red, black, and yellow rings with a black nose. It typically has three pale yellowish stripes extending down the length of the dorsum. of Kingsnakes in South Carolina (With Pictures 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. However, they will still scare you, which youll want to keep an eye out for whether youre visiting the hiking trails, fishing in the swamps and rivers, or having a picnic on your back porch on a breezy spring evening. Length: up to 13 in (33.5 cm) Cottonmouths, also known as water moccasins, are venomous heavy bodied snakes. These secretive snakes are usually encountered when lifting a log or rock. This snake can be quite large with lengths up to 66 inches (168cm). Green water snakes are the largest water snake you will encounter in North America and can grow up to 55 inches in length. Eastern Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis getula) generally have a black body with with a series of thin white bands down the back. Most of them are specially adapted to hunt and consume fish. The underside of the tail lighter than the belly. If youre new to South Carolina, you need to learn them well. The belly is pale with some dark speckling. 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). The two subspecies can be distinguished by the internasal and prefrontal scales, which are unfused in C. a. amoenus and fused in C. a. These snakes are small and slender and grow up to 9.6 inches. They are solid black above, have smooth scales and large eyes. Natural predators of this species include hawks and humans. WebOutside suburban areas, these juvenile snakes face common enemies such as foxes and raccoons. These snakes can be aggressive if threatened and will repeatedly bite while spraying a musk-like substance at their attacker. The adults average in size from 7-10 inches (18-25cm). Many of the subspecies have different color patterns from red to yellow to brown to dark to tan. 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 can grow up to 32 inches in length and are bright green, which helps you identify them in South Carolina.