Scientific Name: Crotalus horridus
Classification: State Listed as Special Concern
Photo Credits: Richard Barlett
Timber rattlesnakes are ambush predators that feed primarily on rodents. They are venomous and are most common in the mountains and Coastal Plain. These heavy-bodied snakes are characterized by dark crossbands or chevrons on a lighter background. Timber rattlesnakes inhabit forested areas, and in the mountains, they will often hibernate together in large numbers.
Scientific Name: Sistrurus miliarus
Classification: State Listed as Special
Photo Credits: JD Wilson
This venomous snake feeds on lizards, mice, and frogs. Found in the southeastern Coastal Plain and the Sandhills of North Carolina, pigmy rattlesnakes are dull gray with a row of dark spots running down their back. These snakes are so small and well camouflaged that they are rarely seen.
Scientific Name: Crotalus adamanteus
Classification: State Listed as Endangered
Photo Credits: Ian Deery
Found in sandy pine flatwoods of the southeastern Coastal Plain, these Diamondbacks are ambush predators of rodents and rabbits. They have a series of dark diamonds running down gray backs. Though venomous, the snake prefers to escape first. Listen for their loud rattle warning.
Scientific Name: Micrurus fulvius
Classification: Nongame; state listed as Endangered
Photo Credits: Jeff Hall
Scientific Name: Agkistrodon contortrix
Classification: Nongame
Abundance: Statewide
Photo Credits: Ian Deery
The copperhead is familiar, at least by name, to most North Carolinians. Deriving its common name from its coppery brown head, the copperhead also is known by such local names as “pilot,” “chunkhead,” “poplar leaf” and “highland moccasin.”
Non-venomous watersnake
Scientific Name: Nerodia erythrogaster
Information hosted elsewhere
Scientific Name: Farancia erytrogramma
Photo Credits: JD Wilson
Rainbow snakes can be found in large streams, small lakes, swamps, and marshes. This non-venomous watersnake eats amphibians like salamanders and tadpoles. The belly is yellow with two rows of prominent black spots. A third row of black spots may run down the center of the belly in some individuals.
Explore the full species profile, including their habitat, diet, and behavior on Herps of NC.
Scientific Name: Regina septemvittata
Photo Credits: Eric Stine
This non-venomous watersnake is gray with one light stripe on each side. The Queen Snake eats molting crayfish. It's found along rocky streams and small rivers in the mountains of North Carolina. They will spend time on tree limbs above water and swim away when threatened.
Explore the full species profile, including their habitat, diet, and behavior on Herps of NC.
Scientific Name: Nerodia sipedon
Photo Credits: JD Wilson
This non-venomous watersnake is reddish brown and usually cross-banded. The diet of northern water snakes is fish and amphibians. They are found in salt marshes of the Outer Banks as well as the Coastal Plain, the Piedmont, and the mountains of North Carolina. When threatened, they spread their jaws to look larger.
Explore the full species profile, including their habitat, diet, and behavior on Herps of NC.