What snakes are in Wilmington NC?
Mia Phillips
Updated on February 26, 2026
Listed Species Include: Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes, Timber Rattlesnakes, Carolina Pygmy Rattlesnakes, Eastern Coral Snakes, Northern Pine Snakes, Carolina Watersnakes, Outer Banks Kingsnakes, Smooth Green Snakes, Southern Hognose Snakes.
Are there rattlesnakes in Wilmington NC?
Of the six venomous snake species native to N.C., three are rattlesnakes – the timber, the pigmy and the Eastern diamondback.
What is the most poisonous snake in NC?
copperhead
The copperhead can be considered the most dangerous in North Carolina simply because in many areas of the state, it is the only venomous snake you are likely to encounter.
Are there water moccasins in NC?
Cottonmouths, also known as water moccasins, are found in North Carolina and South Carolina. Their bite is reportedly similar to a copperhead. Copperheads are the most common venomous snake found in North Carolina.
Do poisonous snakes have diamond shaped heads?
The Venomous Snakes Pit vipers, including rattlesnakes, copperhead and cottonmouths (also called water moccasins), all have a diamond shaped heads; however, many of the mimics also cause their head to form the diamond shape.
What is the largest snake in North Carolina?
rat snake
Regularly reaching 5 to 6 feet in length, the rat snake is one of North Carolina’s longest snakes, surpassed only by the eastern coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum).
What is the most dangerous snake in North Carolina?
The timber rattlesnake, eastern diamond back, and pigmy are the three types of rattlesnake found in North Carolina. All are found throughout the state except for the pigmy which is only found in the southeastern region. The eastern diamondback is the most dangerous rattlesnake in all of North America.
What snakes are native to NC?
Endangered Species. The eastern coral snake produces a lethal neurotoxic venom and can be distinguished from non-venomous mimics, such as the scarlet kingsnake, by its adjoining yellow and red banding. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake, native to North Carolina, is the longest known rattlesnake at up to 8 feet long.
What snakes are common in North Carolina?
Green Snake. Again, both the rough and smooth green snakes are common snakes of North Carolina, a snake given its name because of its bright green color, allowing it to easily become camouflaged in the green grasses of back yards and other residential places.
Are there rattlesnakes in NC?
There are three types of rattlesnakes that call North Carolina home: the timber rattlesnake, eastern diamond back, and pigmy. The timber can be found throughout the state, and the eastern diamond back and pigmy rattlesnakes are found in southeastern areas.