Most of the state, except north-central areas.Д¬ommon in the eastern Coastal Plains region.Д«lack, gray, or brown with dark v-shaped bands.Д¬oloration varies geographically. Timber Rattlesnake The timber rattlesnake is also referred to as a вЂњcanebrakeвЂќ rattlesnake in the southeast region of the state. If it does have a rattle, it only produces a quiet вЂbuzzingвЂќ sound. You may not hear this rattlesnakeвЂ™s warning rattle. Some individuals in eastern North Carolina have pink or reddish patterns. Pygmy rattlesnake coloration varies geographically. Gray with dark spots along its sides and back.Д«lack stripe from the eyes to the corner of the mouth. Pygmy Rattlesnake The pygmy rattlesnake is the smallest species of rattlesnake in the US, usually reaching a maximum of 24 inches. ItвЂ™s responsible for the most venomous bites in the state. The copperhead is the most common venomous species in North Carolina. Light brown with brown, hour-glass-shaped crossbands.ДЄ variety of habitats, but mainly woodlands. Watersnakes:Д¬opperhead The copperheadвЂ™s bite is agonizing but rarely fatal. ItвЂ™s often mistaken for non-venomous water snakes. When threatened, a cottonmouth will vibrate its tail and open its mouth to show a bright-white interior. Juveniles have more distinct patterns, and the tips of their tails are bright yellow. Older cottonmouths can be almost entirely black. Triangle-shaped Heads вЂ“ Venom glands on either side of the head create an arrow shape.Д¬ottonmouth (Water Moccasins) Cottonmouths are also called вЂњwater moccasinsвЂќ because of their semi-aquatic lifestyles.Д¬rossbands that are darker along the edges and lighter inside.ДЄquatic habitats such as swamps, creeks, rivers, ponds, and lakes.Д¬ottonmouth coloration varies between individuals.Elliptical Pupils вЂ“ They have thin, vertical pupils, like cat eyes.Facial Pits вЂ“ Their heat-sensing pits are between the eye and nostril on each side of the face.Several distinctive characteristics are useful for quickly identifying these venomous species:

Pit VipersДЇive of the six North Carolina venomous snakes are pit vipers. The best action is to take caution and give wild snakes their distance.

Even for those with experience, they can be difficult to distinguish. Unfortunately, many harmless species look similar to venomous ones. There are a few ways of quickly identifying these venomous species. They belong to two different families, Elapids and Vipers. There are six venomous snake species in North Carolina. Quickly Identifying Venomous North Carolina Snakes This guide is only for snakes found in North Carolina.Д®ven with our help, you should always be cautious when encountering a snake in the wild. Many snakesвЂ™ appearances vary based on location and habitat. YouвЂ™ll also find individuals within the same species that look entirely unrelated. ItвЂ™s not uncommon for snakes of different species or families to have similar features. Looking at pictures of a snake and seeing one in the wild are surprisingly different.

Quickly Identifying Venomous North Carolina Snakes.

Brown snake with white stripes