North Carolina has 37 native snake species, and Western North Carolina's mountain counties host a diverse mix of them, from the common and beneficial Eastern black rat snake to the genuinely dangerous timber rattlesnake. Knowing how to tell them apart, and knowing what to do when one appears near your home, is practical knowledge for anyone who lives in or visits the mountains.
Venomous Snakes of Western North Carolina
Six snake species in North Carolina are venomous. Of these, three are regularly encountered in the mountain counties:
- Northern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix): The most commonly encountered venomous snake in WNC. Identified by its distinctive hourglass-shaped banding in copper-brown tones, often described as looking like Hershey's kisses when viewed from above. Adults are typically 2 to 3 feet long. Often found near rock outcroppings, wood piles, and stone walls.
- Timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus): The largest venomous snake in WNC, reaching 4 to 5 feet. Found in forested mountain terrain, rocky ridges, and areas near water. Has a rattle that is often heard before the snake is seen. Coloration varies from yellow-gray to nearly black.
- Carolina pigmy rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius carolinensis): Small, thick-bodied snake under 2 feet. Has a tiny rattle that produces a buzzing sound rather than a classic rattle. Found in drier upland habitats in the mountains.
Common Non-Venomous Snakes
The vast majority of snakes in WNC are non-venomous and beneficial. The Eastern black rat snake is the most common large snake in the region and is an effective rodent controller. Corn snakes, ring-neck snakes, Eastern garter snakes, and northern water snakes are all common and harmless. A general identification rule: venomous snakes in WNC have triangular, arrow-shaped heads that are notably wider than their necks; non-venomous species have narrower, more uniform heads. This is a useful heuristic but not foolproof, when in doubt, do not approach.
How Snakes Enter Homes
Snakes enter structures through gaps that are surprisingly small. A quarter-sized opening in a foundation wall, a gap under a garage door, a crawlspace vent without a screen, or an improperly sealed utility penetration are all common points of entry. Cool, damp crawlspaces attract rat snakes and copperheads during warm months. Snakes in the home are almost never an indication of a snake "infestation", they are typically individuals following food sources (rodents) or seeking thermal regulation.
What to Do When You Find a Snake
Do not attempt to handle or kill any snake you cannot positively identify as non-venomous. A non-venomous snake inside the home can usually be encouraged to move to an exit with a broom; do not try to grab it. If you find a snake you believe is venomous, leave the room and call for removal assistance. Seal the bottom of the door to the room if possible. Do not attempt to catch it under a container, which can result in a bite.
