The initial issue with confusion between the two snakes is how similar they seem at first glance. Both are often encountered near water, both have dark bodies with bands, both have rough looking scales. However, if you are up close and personal with the snake and want to be able to identify if this water snake is venomous or not, notice the body type. Water Moccasins have thick and heavy builds — think a piece of firewood.
Harmless water snakes, on the other hand, have long slender builds — think a stick. The other telltale difference between the snakes is the head. The copperhead snake is the most prevalent venomous snake in North Carolina , being found in all corners of the state. This is not an attempt to bite or kill, but the fangs can break the skin. The good news is that copperhead bites are rarely fatal. More good news is that all snakes will avoid contact with humans if at all possible.
Even large venomous snakes will instinctively disappear into a hole or crevice if they have enough warning. The pits face forward and are used to detect differences in temperature. This faculty is primarily used to acquire food—just as snake venom is. However, it also can help snakes detect the presence of animals that might prey upon or otherwise harm them.
All pit vipers have vertical, elliptical pupils, and most of the scales under the tail are in a single row, although these characteristics can be difficult to observe. It has many characteristics in common with the 31 nonvenomous snakes, which have round pupils, no pit and a double row of scales under the tail. You can reduce the likelihood of their presence near your residence by removing items they might use for shelter — or which their prey might use -- such as scrap sheet metal, boards, woodpiles and similar debris.
Raising materials off the ground promotes dryer storage and attracts fewer critters. When woodlands and other plant communities are nearby, eliminating the possibility of a snake is virtually impossible. Learn to identify the dangerous species in your area, and be cautious when conducting activities that could promote encounters e.
Follow directions given by the Carolinas Poison Center :. More species of snakes occur in the Coastal Plain 36 than in the Piedmont 29 or the mountains In most habitats, nonvenomous snakes far outnumber venomous snakes in both number of species and number of individuals. One or more species of snakes are likely to occur in most natural habitats that are not intensively manicured.
Riparian habitats along stream corridors probably have the highest diversity of snakes. Snake diets vary widely depending on the species. Some prefer warm-blooded prey and eat mostly rodents and birds, while others prefer amphibians, other reptiles, fish, insects, spiders, earthworms, slugs and a variety of other invertebrates. Most snakes eat once a week to once a month, depending on the size and availability of food. In North Carolina, chances are excellent that the snake involved is a rat snake.
If you need to verify the identification, collect as much of the shed as possible, put it in a protective container and send it to a science center or natural history museum for identification. The Museum will identify the shed or will help you locate someone in your area who can help. Once snakes shed their skin, they usually go in search of food. If a shed is dry, chances are the snake is not present. Most snakes shed three or more times each year.
They usually shed shortly after emerging in the spring. After that, sheds are geared to the growth rate and general health of the snake. A snake with a skin infection or injury might shed more often than normal.
A young, growing snake will shed more often than an older, mature one. The most common snake in North Carolina very likely is the eastern worm snake. The largest one recorded from the state was mm 13 inches. It is usually seen when dug up or uncovered while moving objects such as logs or mulch. The rat snake and black racer also are commonly seen large snakes that are active by day and live in habitats frequented by humans. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake possesses this dubious distinction, closely followed by the eastern coral snake.
Both are on N. Loss of habitat and declining numbers landed two venomous snake species on N. Two additional venomous and four nonvenomous species are classified as N. These designations make it illegal to collect the snakes without a permit. Killing them is allowed only when they pose a clear and imminent threat to health and safety.
All plants and animals are protected within the boundaries of national and state parks, as well as in some other nature preserves and sanctuaries. Some eat rats and mice that damage crops and property, and carry diseases; all are important parts of their ecosystems. Some also have beautiful colors and markings, and many help people learn about the natural world.
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