This time of year is prime condition for snake activity. While most snakes are nonvenomous, the few that are can be extremely dangerous. In this article I will provide you with information concerning the poisonous snakes common to St. James Plantation.
Copperhead
The copperhead is the most common venomous snake in North Carolina. Copperheads are marked with dark brown, hourglass shaped crossbands on a light brown or gray body. Their stomachs are a mix of white and red markings. Copperheads typically feed on mice, small birds, insects and frogs.
These snakes are commonly found in wooded areas. They are tolerant to humans and can be found in wooded developments.
When copperheads are disturbed they will vibrate their tail. If severely threatened they will usually bite to defend themselves. Although painful, their bites are rarely fatal to humans.
Here is a link with more information about copperhead snakes.
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| Copperhead distribution |
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| Copperhead snake |
Cottonmouth "Water Moccasin"
Cottonmouth snakes are semi-aquatic snakes with dark crossbands on a olive to dark brown body. Cottonmouths are most active at night and feed on rodents, frogs, fish and other snakes.
Water moccasins are typically found in or near aquatic environments. They prefer swamps, canals, and slow moving streams and rivers.
When disturbed a cottonmouth will usually try to escape their enemy rather than biting. However, if severely threatened, this snake will bite. The cottonmouth's venom is very toxic and bites can be severe.
Here is a link with more information about cottonmouths.
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| Cottonmouth distribution |
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| Cottonmouth snake |
Rattlesnake
Rattlesnakes are the most common poisonous snakes in the United States. There are 30 different species of rattlesnakes. Three of them are common to southeast North Carolina.
Rattlesnakes can vary in color and size depending on their location and diet. The common trait of these snakes are their rattles. These rattles serve as a warning sign for enemies to stay away.
The eastern diamondback, timber and pygmy rattlesnake are the most common rattlesnakes to North Carolina coast.
Here is a link with more information on rattlesnakes.
The eastern diamondback is the largest of the rattlesnakes and the most dangerous snake native to the United States. The eastern diamondback is marked with dark diamonds outlined on black running along their gray or yellowish bodies. Diamondbacks have two light lines running along the sides of their heads.
Diamondbacks are typically found in sandy pine flat wooded areas along the Coastal Plain. Diamondbacks are ambush predators and usually feed on rodents and rabbits. As of now this particular rattlesnake is protected in North Carolina.
Diamondbacks depend on their camouflage and try to remain undetected when danger is near. Even if disturbed, most diamondbacks are reluctant to bite and will try to escape first. If they can's escape they will rattle loudly as a warning, and if necessary will bite.
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| Eastern Diamondback distribution |
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| Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake |
The Timber rattlesnake's key characteristic is a solid black tail. However, there is considerable variation in overall color depending upon location. In mountainous areas this snake is usually yellow, dark gray or almost completely black. The timbers in the Piedmont and coastal regions have a pinkish background and often a brown or orange stripe running down their back.
Timber rattlesnakes are commonly found in forested areas. They will often hibernate in large numbers. Timber's are ambush predators that feed on rodents and sometimes birds that venture too near to them.
Similar to the Eastern Diamondbacks, timbers are reluctant to rattle or bite. They too rely on their camouflage for protection. The timber rattlesnake's venom is extremely toxic, and deaths from bites have been reported.
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| Timber distribution |
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| Timber Rattlesnake |
Pigmy's are the smallest species of rattlesnakes in the United States. This snake is usually gray with a row of dark spots running down its back and along its sides. The pigmy's rattler is so small that its rattle sounds like a small insect.
Pigmy rattlesnakes are very rare, but can be found in pine flat woods and scrub oak habitats. These snakes feed on lizards, mice and frogs.
Like other rattlesnakes, pigmy's rely on their camouflage for protection. If threatened and unable to escape a pigmy rattlesnake will bite to defend themselves. Due to its size this rattlesnake's bite is generally less serious as opposed to its larger relatives. However, if bitten you should still seek medical attention.
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| Pigmy distribution |
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| Pigmy Rattlesnake |
