They have a uniformly tan or light brown body with a darker brown head and neck. Scientific name: Lampropeltis elapsoides. Length: 18 30 in (46 76 cm) Discover 38 Snakes Found In South Carolina (6 are Venomous!) 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. 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: up to 60 in (152 cm) pigeones. The colors can vary and some have beautiful dark crossbands on brown and yellow, while others are plain black or brown. Now, having known those warnings, lets give time to checking out these cute snake pictures! Watch out for signs of infection. 14 Rabbit Myths And Misconceptions You Need To Stop Believing Now! Here are ten additional types of black snakes in South Carolina. Eastern racers are large, slender, solid black snakes that can grow up to 60 inches in length. Their belly is orange to yellow with dark spots down the center. 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. Common name:pygmy rattlesnake. The pigmy rattlesnake in South Carolina prefers drier habitats, such as pine forests and sandhills. Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin) (Venomous), 10. They have square spots on the side of the belly and a dark stripe that runs from the jaw to the eye. Nerodia erythrogaster. WebThe head is solid brown with two dots on the top of the head. 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) Blue Racers, for example are common around the Great Lakes region. There are five types of water snakes in South Carolina. They can also be found in agricultural and suburban areas. Like many viperids,copperheads are fairly heavy bodied snake. While most green water snakes are in Florida, they do live in South Carolina and Georgia as well. The belly is dark with like the dorsum with pale blotches. They simply snatch their prey and swallow it quickly instead. 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. Use the search! The front of the head is black with a yellow band crossing just behind the eye. The pygmy rattlesnake is the smallest venomous snake in South Carolina, reaching 14 to 22 inches in length by adulthood. I find them to be one of our most docile species. 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. The majority of these snakes, even though considerably large, are not aggressive, even if you encounter them in their natural habitats. Weba tiny baby coiled grass snake (natrix natrix) sometimes called the ringed snake or water snake, is a eurasian non-venomous snake. These rattlesnakes give birth during the summer months, so if youre hiking trails or walking along the roads of South Carolina in the fall of the year, you need to be careful and watch out for this large predator. They can be observed in a range of habitats including swamps, floodplains, pine forests, mountains, and rural habitats. The southern hognose is a small snake with a heavy body that can grow up to 24 inches in length. 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 inhabit the wet areas of cypress swamps and wetland margins in the Coastal Plain and are found in residential areas. Like other rat snakes, they too are known for climbing trees. They can be observed throughout the Coastal Plain where they are found near lakes, rivers, swamps, and most commonly seen basking near the water source, soaking up the sun. They are heavy-bodied with triangular heads and cat eyes. They are oviparous snakes and lay eggs which usually hatch in the fall. Use the photo gallery to identify snakes that are common to SC, NC and GA. VENOMOUS Copperhead ( VENOMOUS ) Credit: J.D. They are glossy black in color with a bright red belly. 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). Females are larger than the male. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. They fill unique niches and play integral roles as both predators and prey. Red-bellied watersnakes, another common species, might be the exception to the rule. Juveniles have a distinct crossbar pattern on their dorsum. Their large Triangular shaped copper-colored head gives them their common name. They kill their prey by constriction. Explore the species list below and click on the description or photo to open a more detailed account. Black swamp snakes are small and high aquatic. They are common in the Coastal Plain and being highly aquatic they prefer wetland habitats. Common name:Eastern diamondback rattlesnake. This is a small slender snake has scales that are smooth and the dorsal coloration varies from a golden brown to a light reddish brown, while the ventral scales are a paler brown. 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. 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. These snakes are found throughout the Coastal Plain and all mountainous areas in northwestern South Carolina. These and most other water snakes are said to make great pets. They have large eyes with white under the chin and smooth scales. They have narrow heads and eyes are positioned further forward on the head than other snakes. The timber or canebrake rattlesnake is a large snake with rattles on the end of the tail. All five are classified in the subfamily Crotalinae commonly called Pit Vipers. WebMidland water snake: Nerodia sipedon sipedon: Northern water snake: Nerodia taxispilota: Brown water snake: Opheodrys aestivus: Rough green snake: Pituophis melanoleucus: Pine snake: Regina rigida rigida: Glossy crayfish snake: Regina septemvittata: Queen snake: Rhadinaea flavilata: Pine woods snake: Seminatrix pygaea paludis: Carolina Some individuals are plain, while others may have faint lines or blotches extending down the length of the body. Juveniles are typically tan on their whole body and may have irregular dark bands on the head and neck. This snake can be quite large with lengths up to 66 inches (168cm). These secretive snakes are usually encountered when lifting a log or rock. The dorsal scales are keeled and the snake has a rough, stiff appearance. Willson Cottonmouth or Water Moccasin ( VENOMOUS ) Credit: J.D. They grow up to 10 inches (24.5cm) and have black spots on their backs and sides with a white to tan belly. Oliver (Ollie) Jones - A zoologist and freelance writer living in South Australia with his partner Alex, their dog Pepper, and their cat Steve (who declined to be pictured). WebEastern Kingsnake ( Lampropeltis getula) Photos by J.D. 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. They fill unique niches and play integral roles as both predators and prey. Most commonly, this snake is yellowish-brown to gray with black chevrons segmenting their way down the dorsal side of the body. These colored bands extend around the whole snake, both dorsum and belly. Banded water snakes are mid-sized snakes with heavy bodies, they are semi-aquatic and can grow up to 42 inches in length. It can grow up to 84 inches and is black to blue in color, which includes the belly. Common name:eastern hognose snake, spreading adder, deaf adder. 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 Copperhead snakes are most common in the forest areas throughout South Carolina. This is a small, un-patterned, brown snake with a narrow head, small black eyes, smooth shiny scales, and a pointed tail. They inhabit areas along coastal South Carolina. They are light to dark brown and have dark brown square patches that run down the center of the dorsum with two lines that run in alternating arrows down the side of the body. Cottonmouth bites are not that common unless they are picked up or accidentally stepped on. Have you ever seen a reptile in the wild? 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. Florida brown snakes are small gray to brown snakes with a light band across the neck and dark on the lip scales. 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. A medium sized snake that is extremely variable in appearance. They live in aquatic habitats, which include saw grass prairies, sphagnum bogs, cypress stands, swamps, and ditches. They will bite if cornered, which can be painful but is not considered dangerous or venomous. Juvenile redbellies look very different from the adults as they are boldly marked with series of dark crossbands on the neck and Please press the snakes button for additional snake pictures and information. The list of South Carolina snakes would not be complete without giving mention to these additional species. They are common in South Carolina where they can be found in old fields, wetland edges, agricultural habitats, and the edges of forests. The sides have alternating smaller blotches. They are large and can grow up to 48 inches with large triangular heads and large jowls. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Length: 30 60 in (76 152 cm) Length: up to 13 in (33.5 cm) They are decorated with red, yellow and black bands going down their body. On the head, the Eastern Ribbon Snake has pale un-patterned lips and a white or yellowish spot just in front of the eyes. 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 live in a variety of aquatic habitats, including marshes, streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. Continue reading to help you identify the snakes you may come across in South Carolina. Worm snakes are small 13 inches snakes that are brown in color with shiny and smooth scales. They are semi-aquatic and are dark brown, gray, or light brown in color with orange to yellow belly. Fun Fact: Pit vipers and garter snakes dont lay eggs they give birth to live young! Among the 35 harmless non-venomous snakes, five species of Water Snakes (Nerodia spp.) They can be encountered in the mountainous areas of northwest South Carolina and throughout the Coastal Plain. As the most common venomous snake in both North and South Carolina, copperheads can be found all over each state. SC Distribution: Coastal Zone, Coastal Plains, Sandhills. All individuals have keeled dorsal scales and subocular scales separating the eye from the upper lip (labial) scales. Southeastern crown snakes are 8 to 10 inches long and are usually light brown with black heads. They have a light-colored belly with brown patches and black crescents. Northern water snakes can grow up to 55 inches and are dark in color, which can range from brown to gray or tan. 3 South Carolina species in this family have rattles at the end of their tail. However, its range does extend to the western piedmont area. Adults average in size from 7-10 inches (18-25cm). Common name:eastern ribbon snake, common ribbon snake. Just like regular water snakes, this species feeds on fish, reptiles, and amphibians. A post shared by Tokyo Sexwale (@haris__safari). Body is banded in bright red, yellow, and black red and yellow rings typically touch, Triangular head with colored bars that run from the eye to the base of the mouth on either side, Gray, tan, lavender, orange, or red body with a row of darker dorsal spots, a red or brown dorsal stripe, and one or two rows of faded lateral spots on either side, Woodlands, sandhill habitats, and near water sources, Triangular head with two light lines on either side of face, Gray, brown, dark yellow, or black body with black chevron dorsal and lateral markings, with the point of the (V) pointing forward, Rural farmlands, woodlands, and high ground near water sources, Brown, tan, or yellow body with darker diamond-shaped dorsal markings that are bordered in yellow or off-white. They are beautiful snakes with three red stripes that run down their backs. You may encounter one as it basks in the sun on a branch that hangs over the water. Humans need not worry, they are otherwise peaceful and nonvenomous snakes. The juveniles look the same as adults, except they have bright yellow on the tip of their tail, which fades as they age. Snake diversity in South Carolina is fairly high and page space limits the number of species that can be presented. They are completely harmless to humans. The top of the head has a spear shaped blotch with the tip of the point meeting between, or just behind the eyes. If youre new to South Carolina, you need to learn them well. Adults are heavy bodied and can reach lengths of over six feet (72in, 183cm). 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. 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. Like other hognose snakes, this snake has a stout body, keeled scales and an upturned snout. iNaturalist offers a centralized location for wildlife enthusiasts to share observation data regarding plants and animals around the globe including South Carolinas reptiles. The northern water snake is found in the extreme northwestern parts of South Carolina, close to the border. This small woodland snake has an average length of under 10 inches (25 cm). This species has the same natural predators as the other water snakes on our list. Common name:crayfish snake, glossy crayfish snake, glossy swampsnake, glossy water snake, striped water snake. There are 33 species represented in the state and all are harmless to people. Venomous: No, Scientific name: Coluber constrictor Though its very seldom fatal, the bite of a copperhead is poisonous, so you do need to seek medical treatment if bitten.