Sometimes they will play dead, they will almost never bite. They range in hue from tan to dark brown with darker brown hourglass shaped bands going down the length of the body. Older adults are usually solid brown to almost black in appearance. Common name:brown snake, De Kays snake. Venomous This highly venomous snake is certainly one of the most vibrant and colorful snakes in the Southeastern United States. They are agile and fast and will flee if approached. Scarlet snakes are small and slender snakes, growing to around 20 inches in length. Snakes are shy (and, many times, harmless) creatures that are more afraid of us than we are of them. They have orange or red-brown dorsal stripes with younger snakes having yellow at the tip of their tail, which fades as they age. You can learn more about South Carolinas snakes, and other wildlife, on their DNR website. They range in hue from tan to dark brown with darker brown hourglass shaped bands going down the length of the body. They have keeled scales, a stout gray, tan or pinkish body, and irregular shaped dark blotches going down the back. For identification purposes, the Scarletsnake (Cemophora coccinea) also gets into the conversation because as the picture shows, it looks very similar to a Milksnake or Kingsnake. Additionally, most have overlapping territory, especially in the geographical center of the state. They have a checkered belly that is done in black and white. They have large eyes with white under the chin and smooth scales. WebThe 4 types of kingsnakes found in South Carolina are the eastern kingsnake, mole kingsnake, scarlet kingsnake, and the eastern milk snake. Some are gray with an orange or brown stripe down their backs. The venomous coral snake is a medium and slender snake, growing up to 30 inches in length with smooth scales. SC Distribution: Coastal Zone, Coastal Plains. Your email address will not be published. The belly scales have some black on the edges. Copperhead snakes are most common in the forest areas throughout South Carolina. 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. Willson Timber Rattlesnake ( VENOMOUS ) Credit: J.D. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. Common name:banded water snake, southern water snake. Overall, we could just say that snakes can look super cute if you gaze at them from a considerable distance. These snakes hide and wait for their prey to come into range, then strike to kill them. Their belly is orange to yellow with dark spots down the center. They prefer to live near the water and can often be found hiding in beaver dams or muskrat houses. Corn snakes are large 48 inches snakes that are slender in build. Juvenile redbellies look very different from the adults as they are boldly marked with series of dark crossbands on the neck and Common non-venomous snakes in South Carolina All types of copperhead snakes are venomous. 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. They are completely harmless to humans. Like other rat snakes, they too are known for climbing trees. Look for presence of dark stripe near eye. 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). Brown snakes are small brown snakes that can be reddish, yellow, or gray/brown in color. The explanation requires a few introductory remarks. The key identifying feature of this snake is the unmarked orange to red belly. The black rat snakes are from the northern distribution and are black on the upper half with white in between the scales. Younger snakes show significantly more patterning with alternating dark brown and light brown cross bands going down the body, and a uniformly dark tail. Both are tan to black in color with females being larger than the male. 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. Juveniles are similar to adults, but with more of the belly pattern extending up on the sides of the body. The belly is pale to white in color with dark marking resembling a nearly-checkered pattern. They are decorated with red, yellow and black bands going down their body. Five of South Carolinas six venomous snakes are pit vipers. Juveniles are typically tan on their whole body and may have irregular dark bands on the head and neck. This means people kill them when they see them when theres no need to. The scarlet snake is a small slender snake that is vibrantly colored. 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. 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 are orange, red-brown, gray, or brown in color with square black margined red or brown blotches. They are common around wetland margins. WebPhoto by JD Willson. Northern 2. Common name:worm snake. The older the snake, the more solid the color appears. The top of the head is a darker than the body and a key identifier of this snake is the dark strip on the face passing through the eye. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. 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. 14 Rabbit Myths And Misconceptions You Need To Stop Believing Now! This large stout snake is white, light gray, or tan in coloration with a series or dark blotches extending down most of the body. Reptile.Guide is not a veterinary website, nor should any of the reptile health information on our site replace the advice of a certified veterinary professional. 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 picture shows the Eastern Milk Snake. Good field guides with illustrations exist and some are cited below. Venomous: Yes, Scientific name: Carphophis amoenus. Markings are triangular and bordered in black. This species dines on frogs, lizards, and small non-scale snakes. Length: around 20 in (51 cm) Plain-bellied water snakes are large snakes growing to 48 inches (122cm). Their body is a beautiful pattern of red, black, and yellow rings with a black nose. South Carolina Snakes They view us as their predators, not their prey. These snakes live in a variety of habitats from marshes and hillsides to meadows and woodlands where they prefer moist areas. WebBaby snakes feed on prey including insects, small amphibians, and rodents smaller than themselves. Two subspecies of milk snakes, the Eastern and Scarlet inhabit South Carolina. hroughout its range this snake has been observed in a variety of color tones. Rainbow snakes are large non-venomous snakes that can grow up to 66 inches in length. Nerodia erythrogaster. They have a uniformly tan or light brown body with a darker brown head and neck. The Southeastern Crowned Snake is a small slender snake that usually measures under a foot in length. The natural predators for this species include bass and other sports fish, raccoons, foxes, snapping turtles, and even hawks. The pigmy rattlesnake in South Carolina prefers drier habitats, such as pine forests and sandhills. The Eastern Hognose Snake can be incredibly variable in appearance across its range. Rough green snakes are long and slender snakes that are bright green with white or yellow bellies. Natural predators of this species include hawks and humans. The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in North America. Milksnakes are commonly found in barns, hiding under rocks and boards, while the scarlet kingsnake prefers to live underground. Younger snakes show significantly more patterning with alternating dark brown and light brown cross bands going down the body, and a uniformly dark tail. Snake diversity in South Carolina is fairly high and page space limits the number of species that can be presented. Though its very seldom fatal, the bite of a copperhead is poisonous, so you do need to seek medical treatment if bitten. Cottonmouths or Water Moccasins are common in the east, where both snakes share a preference for water habitats. Use the search! 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. Snake Species Found in South Carolina WebAccording to official resources, there are four different varieties of copperhead snakes to look out for: 1. This guide is only for South Carolina snake identification. Some individuals are plain, while others may have faint lines or blotches extending down the length of the body. I find them to be one of our most docile species. WebFamily Colubridae (Non-venomous Snakes) Worm Snake (Carphophis amoenus)Scarlet Snake (Cemophora coccinea)Black Racer (Coluber constrictor)Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus)Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon couperi)Corn Snake (Elaphe [Pantherophis] guttata)Rat Snake (Elaphe [Pantherophis] obsoleta)Mud Snake (Farancia These snakes are not venomous but will often mimic the actions of a venomous snake to scare away prey. Their heads are small with a pointed snout. However, they do all possess unique food capturing behaviors and reside in a plethora of habitats. 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 81 inches and are heavy bodies with black on their backs. The coral snake is another venomous species in South Carolina. Adults average between 14-22 inches (38-56cm). With 39 species, snakes can be found in all of South Carolinas habitats and landscapes. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake These snakes are small heavy-bodied snakes that are gray to brown with a pointed snout and smooth scales. Length: 14 22 in (38 56 cm) 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). Look for rattle segments. WebSnakes mostly feed on pinky mice; with a baby snake needing a mouse every 5-7 days and an adult snake needing a mouse every 1-2 weeks. Cottonmouths are also restricted to the Coastal Plains. Snakes in Upstate South Carolina 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. The tail is yellowish and ends in a small rattle. 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 Eastern racers are large, slender, solid black snakes that can grow up to 60 inches in length. 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. The pine snake is a large heavy-bodied snake that can grow to 66 inches in length. There are 38 snake species in South Carolina, only six of which are venomous. The picture shows the Eastern Milk Snake. They are found in scattered locations in South Carolina where they live in pine flat woods, coastal dunes, and sandhills. The following is a list of the 42 different varieties of snakes that may be found in South Carolina. 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. Unlike non-venomous water snakes, the cottonmouth will not flee if approached but will stand its ground. Cottonmouths are venomous snakes, that are also semi-aquatic, sometimes called water moccasins. 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. The best thing you can do if you encounter a wild snake is to admire it from a distance. They fill unique niches and play integral roles as both predators and prey. The sides of the head and chin have orange-brown to red coloration. Color is a common name applied to many of the species as well as the Black Racer. All three subspecies are adapted to human living environments, and can often be found in residential areas climbing trees. Most snake bites occur as a result of someone trying to kill, relocate, or harass a snake. The sides of the snake are usually yellow and the scales are smooth giving the snake has a glossy appearance. They reach three to 6 feet long and can weigh up to 10 pounds. Some key features to look for when attempting to identify a wild snake: South Carolina is home to six venomous snakes. Juveniles are similar in appearance to adults, but have a vibrant yellow tail. Dorsally this snake has three red lines running down a dark stout body. 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. They are solid black above, have smooth scales and large eyes. Red-bellied Watersnake In between these two populations individuals express an integrate between the two morphs. If youd like to learn to quickly and accurately identify South Carolina snakes, including the common ones, the pretty ones, and the dangerous ones youve come to the right place! The average adult length is 22 40 inches (61- 107 cm). We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. You may encounter one as it basks in the sun on a branch that hangs over the water. The body is dark to light brown on top and white to pink on the bottom. The colors can vary and some have beautiful dark crossbands on brown and yellow, while others are plain black or brown. Venomous The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in North America. 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. Occasionally a sensational story of one on the beach makes headlines. They will suck in the air if confronted and spread the skin around their neck and head while hissing and pretending to strike. There is often a dark spot at the center of each ventral scale. Many snakes provide an important service keeping rodent and other pest populations under control. Common name:Eastern racer. This small and slender brown or grayish snake has smooth scales, an unmarked light brown to pale belly, and a small head. While they are not venomous, they will bite if captured. WebA collection of interesting pictures of snakes found in South Carolina. The tail is yellowish and ends in a small rattle. A medium sized snake that is extremely variable in appearance. They usually have a reddish or orange stripe going down the spine of the back. 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. If youve ever wondered how to tell venomous snakes from harmless snakes or how many types of venomous snakes there are in South Carolina, keep reading! Rattlesnakes also live along the coastal areas. The head of this snake is black with pale yellow lip scales (labials) and there is a namesake yellow ring on the collar. one individual has been recorded at 96 inches, Differences between corn snakes and milk snakes, 27 Contrasting Red and Black Birds (with Pictures), 24 Birds With Blue Eyes (Pictures and Identification), 40 Birds With Red Eyes of The World (with Pictures), 22 Fish With a Big Forehead (with Pictures).