North Carolina has six venomous snake species, but only three are commonly encountered in the mountain counties of Western North Carolina. Knowing which species live here, where they are typically found, and how to identify them is practical knowledge for anyone spending time outdoors in the region.
Northern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen)
The copperhead is the most frequently encountered venomous snake in WNC and across North Carolina as a whole. Adults are 2 to 3 feet long, stout-bodied, and patterned with distinctive hourglass-shaped crossbands in reddish-brown and tan. When viewed from above, the pattern has often been described as looking like Hershey's kisses laid in a row.
Habitat: Rocky hillsides, forest edges, areas near water, stone walls, woodpiles, and brush piles. Frequently found near rocky outcroppings in mountain communities. Also the species most likely to be encountered near structures in WNC neighborhoods.
Activity: Active from April through October. Primarily nocturnal in summer, but active during the day in spring and fall. Often found crossing roads on warm nights.
Venom: Hemotoxic. Bites are rarely fatal but cause significant tissue damage and require medical evaluation. Do not apply a tourniquet; transport the patient to an emergency room.
Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)
The timber rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake native to WNC, reaching 4 to 5 feet in length and significantly heavy-bodied. Coloration is variable, from yellow-gray with dark chevron banding to nearly black in some mountain populations. The rattle at the tail tip is often heard before the snake is seen. The timber rattlesnake is a species of conservation concern in NC; do not kill or harm it.
Habitat: Rocky ridgelines, south-facing rocky outcroppings, mature forest, and mountain stream corridors. Less likely to be found near structures than the copperhead, but present in many WNC mountain communities.
Activity: Primarily active from May through October in the mountains. Dens communally in rocky hillside sites during winter.
Venom: Hemotoxic with some populations having cytotoxic components. Bites are medically serious and require immediate hospital treatment.
Carolina Pigmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius carolinensis)
The smallest of the three venomous species in WNC mountain counties. Rarely exceeds 18 to 24 inches. Thick-bodied with a dark, spotted pattern and a very small rattle that produces a buzzing hiss rather than the classic rattle sound. Easy to overlook due to its small size and cryptic pattern.
Habitat: Drier upland habitats, rocky areas, and forest edges at lower elevations in the western mountain counties. Less common at high elevations.
Venom: Hemotoxic. Less medically severe than copperhead or timber rattlesnake bites due to lower venom volume, but still requires medical evaluation.
The Eastern Cottonmouth in WNC
The Eastern cottonmouth (water moccasin) is present in North Carolina but is most common in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain. It is uncommon in the high mountain counties of WNC. Many non-venomous water snakes, particularly the Northern water snake, which is common in WNC streams and lakes, are mistaken for cottonmouths. Non-venomous water snakes will flatten their bodies and exhibit defensive behavior that mimics cottonmouth posturing. When in doubt, leave the snake alone.
