We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Common name:eastern ribbon snake, common ribbon snake. Explore the species list below and click on the description or photo to open a more detailed account. They are seldom observed due to their secretive nature and if restrained, will seldom bite. Adults are heavy bodied and can reach lengths of over six feet (72in, 183cm). There are 38 snake species in South Carolina, only six of which are venomous. Like other hognose snakes, this snake has a stout body, keeled scales and an upturned snout. Juvenile redbellies look very different from the adults as they are boldly marked with series of dark crossbands on the neck and WebTwo subspecies of milk snakes, the Eastern and Scarlet inhabit South Carolina. They usually have a reddish or orange stripe going down the spine of the back. WebEastern Kingsnake ( Lampropeltis getula) Photos by J.D. Many individuals may have light black flecks on the back and sides. Its not uncommon to encounter a corn snake in an old barn or deserted house, where they hunt for mice and rats. Venomous: Yes, Scientific name: Micrurus fulvius These snakes are small and slender and grow up to 9.6 inches. The smooth earth snake from the Coastal Plains is smaller than those from the mountainous areas. While they are not venomous, they will bite if captured. This is a fairly thick bodied snake with keeled scales. While this species can be active all the time, youll see them out hunting most often at night. The majority of these snakes, even though considerably large, are not aggressive, even if you encounter them in their natural habitats. Coachwhips are among the longest snakes in South Carolina, this slender snake can reach lengths of more than 40 inches. 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. Adults can reach lengths of up to five feet. They are commonly observed near running waters, such as rivers and streams, though they sometimes live in lakes. 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 head is solid brown with two dots on the top of the head. They achieve lengths of 24-48 inches (61-122 cm) and have keeled scales. This snake is almost entirely black. They can grow up to 81 inches and are heavy bodies with black on their backs. From above, the snake looks as if it has a series of red, black and yellow bands extending down the body. Even though they are venomous, fatalities are very rare. Image by Dean Stavrides via inaturalist The Black Kingsnake (Lampropeltis nigra) is one of the most common species in certain Southeastern and Eastern states. 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 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. They have keeled scales, a stout gray, tan or pinkish body, and irregular shaped dark blotches going down the back. Length: 10 15 in (25 38 cm) SC Distribution: Coastal Zone, Coastal Plains, Sandhills. Their color can range from light gray to white or yellow with dark square patches on the back and side that lighten as they near the tail and darken as they near the head. The scales on the tail have a pattern that looks like a braided whip. In between these two populations individuals express an integrate between the two morphs. They are slender in light brown or tan with a black head, black of the neck, and chin. The bar can vary from red to brown to black. Even more in-depth species information is available from the Savannah River Ecology Laboratorys Herpetology program. 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) Brown water snakes are some of the largest snakes in South Carolina, growing to between 30 and 60 inches as they mature into adulthood. This family of venomous snakes includes cobras, mambas, kraits, and new world coralsnakes. 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. They are long, thin snakes with a black body, and as the picture highlights, white chins. Some key features to look for when attempting to identify a wild snake: South Carolina is home to six venomous snakes. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake The natural predators of this species include raccoons, opossums, birds of prey, coyotes, and snapping turtles. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. 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. The natural predators for this species include bass and other sports fish, raccoons, foxes, snapping turtles, and even hawks. Water Snakes are often mistaken for Copperheads because some Water Snakes colors are similar to those of the Copperhead. Contact the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center on1-888-426-4435 for advice on what to do if a suspected venomous snake bites your pet and seek immediate veterinary advice. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Milksnakes are mid-sized snakes growing to 35 inches and have a Y shape on the base of the head. 13 Types of Angelfish for Freshwater Aquariums (With Pictures). Dorsally this snake has three red lines running down a dark stout body. The banded water snake lives in the swamps, lakes, and rivers of Eastern South Carolina. Cottonmouths or Water Moccasins are common in the east, where both snakes share a preference for water habitats. They are not observed often, due to their secretive nature. Featured Image Credit by Patrick K. Campbell, Shutterstock. The scarlet snake is a small slender snake that is vibrantly colored. Northwestern 3. This snake can be quite large with lengths up to 66 inches (168cm). Southern 5. Markings are triangular and bordered in black. Common name:eastern copperhead, copperhead. The chin is usually lighter in color. Scarlet snakes are small and slender snakes, growing to around 20 inches in length. South Carolina Snakes SC Distribution: Coastal Zone, Coastal Plains. The belly is pale to pinkish with two or more irregular half moons on each ventral scale. The belly is dark with like the dorsum with pale 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. Have you ever seen a reptile in the wild? Common name:rough green snake, grass snake, green grass snake. The belly is pale yellowish with four brown stripes extending down the length of the body. South Carolina is known well for residents southern drawl, their friendliness, the sweet tea, and the blisteringly hot summer days. They live off frogs, worms, and the smaller fish in the water source they occupy. There is a dark line through the eye. They are a separate genera and fairly common in the Southeast. Body is brown or black with or without yellow. The length of this snake can reach up to 80 inches (207cm). This is the most common venomous snake in South Carolina. They prefer forested habitats and are common in woodlands or forests near wetlands and swamps. In some populations this belly coloration can be pink or white. Its not uncommon for the milksnake to be confused with the venomous copperhead, except copperheads have an hourglass shape, rather than square or rounded patches. Eastern racers are large, slender, solid black snakes that can grow up to 60 inches in length. Additionally, most have overlapping territory, especially in the geographical center of the state. are often unfortunate victims of mistaken identitythought to be Water Moccasins. The following is a list of the 42 different varieties of snakes that may be found in South Carolina. They are common in the Coastal Plain and being highly aquatic they prefer wetland habitats. If approached, they will hiss, vibrate their tail and strike, but they are not venomous. Tourists need to always be aware of but not always afraid of potential venomous snakes. They are large and vary in appearance depending on their geographical range. Some individuals are plain, while others may have faint lines or blotches extending down the length of the body. baby Most of them are specially adapted to hunt and consume fish. Juveniles resemble adults, but usually have redder patterning on the back. The bad thing about this species is that their coloring is a lot like the cottonmouth and copperhead, two snakes that are poisonous. The Southeastern Crowned Snake is a small slender snake that usually measures under a foot in length. 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 underside is generally dark grey to black. Snakes are shy (and, many times, harmless) creatures that are more afraid of us than we are of them. Now, having known those warnings, lets give time to checking out these cute snake pictures! Some individuals may have reddish or orange highlights incorporated in the pattern. The young mud snake often lives in a seasonal wetland as a juvenile and moves to a permanent water source as it gets older. Eastern Worm Snake Scarlet Snake Black Racer Snake Ring-necked Snake Whipsnakes (Masticophis flagellum) rank as the most common species, with subspecies living in states from Florida, west to California. The biggest threat to the brown water snake is humans. Both are tan to black in color with females being larger than the male. The underside of the tail lighter than the belly. The remainder of the article provides pictures and descriptions of some of the states most common snakes.