A Guide to Identifying Different Types of Snakes
In the animal kingdom, many creatures are either a real threat or clever imitators. Mimicry is a survival tactic that lets them appear more dangerous than they are. Snakes often use this strategy, with non-venomous species looking like venomous ones to protect themselves. Our guide explains how to tell these snakes apart. Never try to handle a snake yourself. Wildman Wildlife Removal & Exclusion has the training and tools to do it safely.
Residents of North Carolina can encounter snakes in yards, parks, or wooded areas, so learning to identify them is important.
Venomous Snakes and Their Mimics
The United States is home to four families of venomous snakes: copperheads, cottonmouths, coral snakes, and rattlesnakes. Pit vipers, including copperheads, cottonmouths, and rattlesnakes, are easily recognized by their diamond-shaped heads. Yet many harmless snakes can mimic this shape, making it difficult to identify dangerous species at a glance.
Harmless snakes like the gopher snake are expert mimics. These snakes may bite if they feel threatened, but they are not venomous. To mimic rattlesnakes, gopher snakes coil their bodies, flatten their heads, and even tap their tail tips on dry leaves to make a rattling sound. This mimicry is so convincing that most predators and humans leave them alone.
The main takeaway is that a diamond-shaped head should raise caution, but it is not a definitive warning. While it is a common feature of pit vipers, some non-venomous snakes imitate the shape as a defense. Observing from a safe distance is always the best approach.
Escaped or Released Constrictors in North Carolina
In warmer climates like North Carolina, escaped or released pet snakes have adapted to life in the wild, thriving in forests and swamps. Constrictors, such as boa constrictors, kill their prey by suffocating them. Although they are not venomous, their bite and constricting ability can be dangerous. Boas tend to strike first and then assess the threat. Native constrictors, like the small rubber boa, also inhabit these areas and contribute to the local ecosystem.
One tip for identifying venomous snakes is to examine their eyes. Non-venomous snakes usually have round pupils, while venomous species tend to have vertical slits. This rule is not always reliable, especially when snakes are shedding. During shedding, the eyes of some species become cloudy, impairing their vision and making it harder to determine venom status.
Coral Snakes vs King Snakes
The coral snake is easy to recognize because of its bright, warning colors. In nature, animals with red, yellow, blue, or other flashy colors use them as signals to warn predators to stay away. Unlike the coral snake, rattlesnakes rely on camouflage to hunt and avoid threats. Their muted colors help them blend into their surroundings, and they are shy snakes that rely on stealth rather than warning signals.
The king snake has a banding pattern very similar to the coral snake, but it is completely harmless. Both snakes have black, yellow, and red bands, which can make identification tricky. To tell them apart, focus on the banding pattern. If red touches yellow, it is a coral snake. If red touches black, it is a king snake. This distinction is remembered by the rhyme “if red touches yellow, you’re a deadly fellow.”
Interestingly, the non-venomous king snake even eats rattlesnakes, showing that snakes play important roles in the ecosystem. This is why it is always best to let professionals handle snake removal. Even venomous snakes provide benefits by controlling rodent populations and keeping the balance of nature.
Protecting Your North Carolina Home from Snakes
There are a few rules of thumb that can help identify venomous snakes, though exceptions always exist. For instance, snakes with dull scales are often venomous, but coral snakes are a notable exception. Venomous snakes also tend to have larger, more pronounced scales, and a body that looks thick or “fat” for their length. Keeping these characteristics in mind can help you assess snakes safely in North Carolina.
If you encounter a snake on your property, it’s best to call trained professionals. At Wildman Wildlife Removal & Exclusion, we handle snake removal efficiently, ensuring your home and yard are protected. Our team works carefully to remove the snake while minimizing risk to you and your family.