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Alamance County is home to many species of non-venomous snakes. Here are just a few of the more common species you're more likely to encounter:
Eastern Ribbon Snake
Eastern Ribbon Snakes are a type of garter snake: thin, semiaquatic snakes that range between 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 feet in length. They are found along the edges of marshes, streams, swamps, ponds, and other bodies of water. They feed on salamanders, frogs, and small fish.
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Eastern Ribbon Snake
aka Thamnophis Sauritus
Photo Courtesy of John Willson
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Eastern Worm Snake
Eastern Worm Snakes are very small snakes, ranging from less than 6 inches to almost a foot in length. Worm snakes are found state-wide but are most common woodlands and fields in the Piedmont under rocks and in rotting logs and stumps. In the winter and summer worm snakes dig deep into the ground to escape extreme temperatures. Worm Snakes eat worms, insects and small salamanders.
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Eastern Worm Snake
aka Carphophis amoenus
Photo Courtesy of John Willson |
Black Racer
One of two American snakes commonly called the Black Snake, Racers are slender, fast, snakes that range between 3 and 6 ft in length. They are found across the state. They are most common in open areas such as fields, farms, and wetland margins. Racers will eat almost anything they can catch: rodents, amphibians, lizards, birds, insects, turtles, and other snakes, even other snakes.
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Black Racer
aka Coluber Constrictor
Photo Courtesy of John Willson |
Black Rat Snake
The other "Black Snake" Rat Snakes range between 3 ft. and 7 ft. (1.02-2.03 m) in length. Black Rat Snakes are common in the mountains and Piedmont and they inhabit wooded areas and nearby habitat. Rat snakes are excellent climbers and they are frequently found in trees. They eat birds, eggs, small mammals and lizards.
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Black Rat Snake
aka Elaphe Obsoleta
Photo Courtesy of John Willson |
Rough Green Snake
Rough Green Snakes measure between 2 and 3 feet in length. These are slender snakes that are almost uniformly green in coloration.These snakes are found state-wide in wooded areas and they are especially common in dense vegetation surrounding water. Rough Green Snakes are highly arboreal and their cryptic coloration makes them very difficult to spot. They swim frequently. Rough Green Snakes feed on insects and spiders.
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Rough Green Snake
aka Opheodrys Aestivus |
Northern Water Snake - SPECIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN
Northern Water Snakes (also called Carolina Water Snakes) are large, heavy-bodied water snakes that range from 2 to 4 feet. in length. The Northern Water Snake lives in most freshwater environments in the state. They eat amphibians and fish, and are listed as a species of special concern in North Carolina. They are commonly mistaken for venomous Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin) snakes.
In fact, the Northern Water Snake is a perfect example of a snake being killed needlessly. Unless a snake is threatening, the best action to take is to leave it alone. |
Northern Water Snake
Nerodia Sipedon |
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