The Six Venomous Snakes of North Carolina: How To Identify A Venomous Snake!

[@rushfan1970]

Thank you so much for this!! Raised on the NC coast, my dad used to go catch all kinds of snakes & sold some to the local zoo! It was amazing as a child, riding in the front seat with a few venomous snakes hissing in tied pillow cases in the back seat!! Ah, the 70's...no seat belts, no helmets, snakes in cars... Yep, those were the days😂😂

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Dang what wild times.

[@pskemster]

Finally! Somebody from NC knows the proper identification for venomous snakes! They are venomous,,,not poisonous! Great job!

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Thanks Patrick, glad you enjoyed!

[@biggribb]

I’m from Charlotte North Carolina

[@williamsporing1500]

Exactly, that bugs me when people say that lol. No such thing as a poisonous snake....they’re all edible. There’s venomous and non-venomous.

[@patrickmollohan3082]

@@williamsporing1500 Actually there is a snake over in places such as Thailand called the Red Keelback. It's a rear-fanged venomous, but also secretes a very dangerous poison from its neck tissue. A big part of its diet is the infamous Cane Toad!! When it eats these toads, the snake sends all that nasty poison into sac-like skin on its neck. These snakes don't get bothered much bc they are deadly if eaten!! Bc they are making use of the same shit that it got from the Cane Toad.

[@sirandrelefaedelinoge]

Pedant

[@JS-yt1bl]

Thank you for providing us with the education of venomous snakes in North Carolina. we all appreciate it

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Glad it's helpful!

[@mrbsbeesntees7081]

Well YOUNG MAN , i am Almost 60 years old , and have lived in NC for almost 40 years , and I have lived allll over NC , and I have learned a few things FROM YOU , about what is in my state , and I thank u ,and please keep up the good work ,👍👍👍

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

That's fantastic, so glad I've been able to help you learn about our incredible state!

[@ludmillamodic950]

Thank you. You created an easy to follow video and as I was watching, I wondered if you might also consider posting a similar video highlighting the "non-venomous snakes" of NC along with reasons why we may want to avoid kiling or maiming them. It is nice to be able to recognize them walking or hiking or working in the yars. milka / loving life

[@seeharvester]

Yes, I'd like to see that as well.

[@michaelmercier4299]

I will also add my reply to that request. Harmless snakes are killed all the time due to misidentification. If we use the outdoors we need that knowledge too.

[@JRRalph59]

According to this Video I just saw a Copper head in my yard a few hours ago Here in Dudley N.C.

[@WildEncountersTV]

Gotta love those danger noodles, it’s great you covered all the amazing snakes that live in NC. The knowledge you have in this video is amazing! Great video, excited to see what you have in store next.

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Thanks so much, really glad that you enjoyed this video!

[@rushfan1970]

😂😂love "danger noodles", & "nope rope", "angry spaghetti" & others..."don't step on snek"😂 👏🏼🤟🏼✌🏼

[@sodacurt]

Born North Carolinian, I didn’t even know we had rattle snakes Lmao

[@jackiewilson7069]

Thank you for another fine & informative video. Shared to my FB. I'm trying so hard to get friends & family to educate themselves instead of continuing to believe that all snakes are bad & dangerous. I love your enthusiasm & how obvious it is that you truly love our wiggly friends. And I almost always learn at least a little bit from you even though I've been trying to educate myself for a long time now. Keep up the wonderful work!

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Really glad to hear that you enjoyed this video and are helping spread the word. I really appreciate your help! Thanks so much for your continued support of my content and vision.

[@cassiecraft8856]

That was really interesting. Also you are the first video I have ever seen that talks about all of N.C.’s venomous snakes. Keep up the good work.

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Awesome, thank you!

[@9740-i8b]

Thank you sir, great video. Very informative.

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching!

[@allenmoccasin2029]

Great video of NC snakes. I live in Raleigh so this is super helpful.

[@willperryman4559]

Hey, this was a great video and I met you at Umstead Lake a few years ago and so glad your channel has grown so much 👏👏👏 I have only seen the copperheads and water snakes in my area and a rat snake on my deck in the early summer (June).

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Thank you! Oh how cool, thanks for keeping up with my content for so long. Gotta love those classic yard snakes.

[@mell.7817]

Your videos are amazing high quality, both with information and videography. Really enjoying it all. Love your enthusiasm for wildlife.

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate the kind words!

[@tadream4561]

A very helpful and informative video. One of these was on my front porch. This video saved my life. Thank you!

[@MyWildBackyard]

Love those venomous guys! We supposedly get cottonmouths where I live, but I o let ever see the rare copperhead. Summer expedition to get a coral or pygmy?

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Yeah I rarely see copperheads here, even in excellent habitat. I would go vegan for either of those, but don't know where to look. I'll have to do some research and maybe we can plan an expedition.

[@YAYYayey]

Thanks you for the saving life information.

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Happy to help!

[@thearchivalist8179]

I grew up in Eastern NC, somewhat near the Outerbanks on the north eastern part of the state. Two things I want to mention. Over my entire lifetime, I have seen a skin shed from an Eastern Diamondback in Bertie County, but only once, and I did not see the snake itself. I have also seen a corn snake, with a color pattern very similar to a coral snake. (Also in Bertie County) The scarlet king snake isn't the only one that it could get mixed up with by untrained individuals. Everything else was pretty much spot-on.

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Wow, I'd love to even find an EDB shed. And interesting, thanks for pointing that out!

[@haydenfrisco]

Awesome video! I really enjoyed the great descriptions and imagery, such amazing creatures! I am glad to know what to look out for now.

[@Powerule23]

Great video. I visited a friend in eastern NC and upon arriving to their property, they were standing near a pygmy, approximately 50 feet from a large water source. It was such a tiny snake. Gorgeous, but really small. We watched it for about 15 minutes and walked away and let it do its thing.

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Oh wow! Glad you got to encounter one in the wild.

[@katiezino5676]

I love all the great facts

[@AnimalEncountersEP]

Wow it's crazy that those are the exact same 6 species of venomous snakes we have in FL! though as far south as where I am we don't got copperheads or timbers, which are the most common ones to find in NC. Cottonmouths are the only ones I encounter on a regular basis, to find rattlers and corals you gotta look in specific habitats

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Yeah, that is pretty neat. I'm actually surprised that there aren't any invasive venomous species in Southern Florida. I still need to make a cottonmouth video haha

[@MUSIC-JoyceHansonAnderson-d4m]

Thanks. That was soooo helpful and well done. :)

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jasonhopson7280]

Great info ! Thanks for helping to identify what I see in Surry Co. !

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Glad I could help, thanks for watching!

[@gvv1mhh]

Thank you

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Thanks for watching!

[@cynthiakoch3122]

In regards to the timber rattle snake, explain to people why their eyes are like that. I think it is important for people to know they are much more likely to bite when they are getting ready to shed because their vision is so severely impaired. And . . . . good for you for doing these video's!

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Thanks for the feedback, I'll think about including that in future videos featuring that species.

[@cynthiakoch3122]

@@TheWildReportOfficial :)

[@hoodyoverkill1697]

Good video. Clear talking and good quality.

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Thank you!

[@michaelpolk6875]

I've lived in the mountains of NC for nearly 37 years. We have cottonmouths and northern water snakes. Easy to tell apart though.

[@BattleChiefToons]

Gotta love “Nope ropes”. Great vid, found it after trying to wrangle a Rat snake on my porch, already browsed through and took the time to re-educate myself on the snakes of NC, and to learn how to pick them up. I kinda feel like a jerk with how I treated the one I had. All in all, thanks for updating me on what I may find in our state, Boy Scouts was a great beginners course, but you put it into far greater perspective. Again, good video, keep it up! 👍🏻

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Thanks very much, Matthew! Really glad that I could help you out.

[@smetlogik]

40 species. Had no clue NC had that many. I see you're trying to get me out there. Nice job.

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

I probably only see five with any consistency, but that's how it is with most places. If you do ever make it out here and really want a black rat snake or the incredibly rare Northern water snake (that's a joke, they are disgustingly common), just let me know!

[@smetlogik]

@@TheWildReportOfficial I know NC has some pretty amazing herps and wildlife. I'm sure we'll make it out for an east coast trip one of these days.

[@kurtdowney1489]

Great video- I am moving to NC soon luckily the western part after watching this.

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Thanks! Western NC is an amazing place, so many great areas to explore.

[@chrisegnoto]

Great video, Ben. So well compiled and presented. Thanks for all the work you put into this. I camped NC a couple times and absolutely loved it. A herping paradise! There were a ton of Black widows in October which was pretty cool. Too bad all my footage back then was analogue. Also, I like your id keys, too. TTYL!

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Thanks so much, Chris! Where did you go camping? I rarely see black widows here, but might be looking in the wrong parts of the state.

[@chrisegnoto]

@@TheWildReportOfficial It was in The Great Dismal Swamp area. October is when I found all the widows. I went again in May I think. This was ten years ago, though.

[@justinsessoms4733]

Diamonds are found all over my hometown of Scotland County , I see them often in the summer! Literally never seen a coral tho

[@richardhincemon]

Report any sightings of Eastern Diamondback rattlesnakes to your nearest state wildlife officials to be documented. They are listed on the endangered species list in North Carolina and only 6 sightings in the past ten years all in Onslow County Camp Lejeune NC .

[@dessiplaer]

The rhyme about Coral Snakes only applies to North American Coral Snakes. There are Coral Snakes in South America that have red touching black, but are venomous. Great video!

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Yep, very true. The coral snake diversity down there is crazy. Thank you!

[@richardhincemon]

The rhyme isn't reliable due to melanistic and albino specimens in North America.

[@jasonphilbeck5693]

We live in the foothills of NC, I have personally witnessed Cottonmouths in the Broad River and the Green River as far up as the dam of Lake Lure

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

You should definitely try and snag a photo of one, that would be a scientifically valuable observation!

[@jasonphilbeck5693]

@@TheWildReportOfficial I will be sure and snap one the next time we see one up there. The last one I saw was as big around as a man’s forearm. They eat well on the river up there.

[@joylayton8794]

If you ever get a chance to do a more detailed video on the variation of color in cottonmouths compared to what nonvenomous water snakes look like, that would be wonderful.

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

I just saw your comment on that video, glad you found it!

[@lftdblazer]

Someone posted a pic of an Eastern Diamondback heading into some brush around the Hampstead area not too long ago. I know they're still around but very scarce. Last one I personally seen was 30 yrs ago as a kid. He was a big boy long in the tooth.

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Wow, I would love to see one in person some day.

[@gwarrichmond6232]

In North Carolina myself, only seen bout 5 snakes on my property since the weather has gotten warmer. No poisonous ones YET. GREAT VIDEO BUD 👍🏼

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Oh cool! What species? Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@gwarrichmond6232]

@@TheWildReportOfficial 1) worm snake 2) 2- adult Gardner snakes 3) black snake 4) King snake

[@markkubiak8296]

Excellent job putting this informative video together.

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Glad it was helpful!

[@loriawinfree478]

Thanks for your vidoes

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Glad you like them!

[@Lifebydeath]

About ran over a timber rattlesnake last night out at a 220 acre nature preserve with mountain bike trails. I looked down as I was going over root with big trees on each side and as I passed over noticed the back half of the snake which was just out of the way enough for me to go around it while I lifted my legs. It had more yellow in its pattern but very distinct markings that set off alarm bells the second I noticed it. I put my bike down and tried to see it and make sure it wasn’t ran over because it’s in a blind spot till you corner but it was gone. The snake gods are looking after me I almost ran over a 3 ft copperhead blocking a bike path around a corner and was spared then just last week raked a 1.5-2 foot copperhead out onto my shoe which made my heart stop but it slithered away as I leaped back. I’m a landscaper and love snakes but I like venomous ones with more distance then my last few encounters 😂 and I’m not one of the “it was a copperhead” people talking about garter snakes😂

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Wow that's wild! I need to go herping where you go biking haha

[@Xraydelta14sector2]

Thanks for the info.👍

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

No problem, thanks for watching!

[@nancyknights7957]

Thank you but still scared. Great information. I have been wanting to move to NC around Lake Norman area and we will be camping in an RV there in May. What are the chances I will see a snake? Do they really inhabit neighborhoods and towns/cities? What are the chances of not seeing them and stepping on them? What can we do to relax and not be worried 24/7?

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

There's a great chance that you will encounter a snake near a lake in May, but there's a low chance you don't see it unless you are walking in incredibly dense vegetation or leaf litter. Just be aware of where you are stepping!

[@justinsessoms4733]

Never knew that about how the cotton swims, that's cool to know seeing as their both all around me

[@parenthecoltsenr]

great video, can you do alligators next?

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Yes, I've filmed them before but want to again soon!

[@kevinallen2386]

Great pictures/videos

[@TheWildlifeBrothers]

This was great Ben, I didn’t know that Eastern Diamondbacks or Eastern Corals made it up that far north. I imagine that NC is the northernmost range for them, and the Cottonmouth as well. We do get Timber Rattlesnakes and Northern Copperheads in PA, but I’ve never seen any myself. You presented great tips on how to identify these guys, and I think a lot of people will learn from this video and be a lot safer and more respectful of both venomous and nonvenomous snakes now that they know what to look for. Amazing work as always! - Harrison and Evan

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

NC is pretty unique because it is the northern range for many herps of the Southeast like gators, EDBs, corals, and cottons. Thanks so much for the kind words, really glad that you enjoyed!

[@richardhincemon9423]

Coral snakes and Eastern and pygmy rattlesnakes live in the Southeastern portion of North Carolina. The cottonmouth range goes all the way into Southeastern Virginia Great Dismal swamp region. It extends all the way up to Central Virginia the city of Hopewell along the James and Appomattox River tributaries.

[@tomconner5067]

Note: cottonmouths and banded water snakes only live together in North Carolinas coastal plains was mistaken meaning that's the only place in North Carolina they're found together, they're also found together in general in other southern states.

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Yep, great tip!

[@Proffessorkitty25]

This really helped when I went to nc one time thx keep up the amazing work

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Really glad that I could help, thanks for watching!

[@edwardgomez5616]

Here in eastern N.C what you call a timber is actually called a canebrake rattler.

[@kd8199]

It’s used interchangeably.

[@sammylacks4937]

If you see a snake on a tree branch or log more than a few inches from water sunning its a harmless water snake . Cottonmouths may get on a half submurged log a few inches out of the water but normally they stay on or near ground or water level.

[@ryanbrandt6589]

Excellent presentation!

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Glad you liked it!

[@jon5one7]

Well done video showcasing NC herps. 👍

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Thank you very much!

[@jamiejohnson8176]

Awesome video

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Thanks!

[@RN-qu1cp]

I have seen a coral snake 4 1/2ft back in 2007 on the bank of the Cape Fear River in Erwin, NC. My dog and I walked up on it and it never even stopped to look. Just watched it slither away. Kinda startled me but was really cool

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

That's awesome, I've never found one in the wild but am (obviously) really hoping to some day!

[@charlesteune6416]

I just came across these videos this morning and I think they’re amazing. I live in North Carolina so it’s nice to know what I’m looking for when I’m looking at. But thank you for these amazing videos. Keep up the great work you guys do awesome keep it up and God bless.

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Thanks so much for the kind words, glad you are enjoying my content!

[@mariemaroney7891]

Love it, thanks for another wonderful video. 💕

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Thanks Marie!

[@brandonbaldwin4535]

I love the Deuteronomy verse in your bio. I live in Richmond county north Carolina you should see the timber rattlers we have here I've got a 6foot one that lives under my house in the country lol. I have also finally got to see my 2nd eastern diamondback rattlesnake here. I am 38 years old and I seen one when I was 8 when I was walking with my grandfather at the country house it was crossing the road and I finally got to see my second one last month it was also crossing the road. I think they must be almost extinct here in north Carolina so seeing my second one was special. So special infact I had to turn around and watch him or her till they crawled out of the road safely. I hope they find a mate and bring their population back here strong because they are truly a beautiful sight to see.

[@richardhincemon]

Report any sightings of Eastern Diamondback rattlesnakes to your nearest state wildlife officials for documentation. Only 6 sightings in the past ten years all in Onslow County Camp Lejeune NC . Take photos and give the exact location to your nearest state wildlife biologist for verification.

[@artie9403]

you really did a great job with this video. Thank you for the effort!

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

I appreciate that! Thank you for watching.

[@elizabethnavarrete1632]

You did really Great job

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Thank you very much Elizabeth!

[@earlwheeler5652]

Love all your episodes Ben Zino!

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Thanks so much Earl!

[@robertpayne9009]

Thanks!

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Robert, thanks so much for your support! It means a lot that you are finding value in my content.

[@cawa2576]

Great color description

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Thanks!

[@Chris-zn2pz]

Eastern diamond backs in piedmont as well!!

[@travisyoutube456]

Great video, very helpful!

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed!

[@SoaringRedEagle]

Had a coral snake at my door way. Used my golf club to shoe away. 😁😁😁

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Man I wish I had that problem xD

[@SoaringRedEagle]

@@TheWildReportOfficial A couple of times this week I ran over a couple of Copper Head with my bicycle.. 🚲

[@kzmaven7478]

Great job....!!!!!

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Thank you!

[@sassylrhg]

Thanks for this video. Im sharing to my Nextdoor group because they are akways trying to kill or harm snakes and every snake they see is "a Copperhead". Knowkedge is power...and maybe saves a few of the 36 ither species we live among.

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Absolutely, glad you enjoyed and I really appreciate the share!

[@5xwichi258]

This video was very helpful

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Great, glad to hear that!

[@FixinToFish]

Very helpful video for folks. I used to hope I would see an Eastern Diamond back or Coral snake in the Croatan Forest but I never did. I live down the coast in S.C now. Maybe I will sight one down here.

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

You are more likely to see one down there, I would have a public freakout if I actually saw either of those haha

[@FixinToFish]

@@TheWildReportOfficial I would too! Been stomping around the coastal woods here a lot. Fingers crossed!

[@rich6966]

Can you show us the colors of venomous snakes when they are young? Do they change colors throughout their lives as they mature? IE: Is a Copper head always copper color? Maybe go to different zoo's and show us the color in younger snakes. Since moving here to Easter NC next to Pamlico River, I have Black snakes, Racer snakes, and Grey snakes around my house quite often. Because of your videos I am getting much braver to pick one up someday......well except the Racer, I don't like how it bites and shakes it's head to rip your skin. lol.

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

This is a great idea, I'll have to try and get a video like that filmed!

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

This is a great idea, I'll have to try and get a video like that filmed!

[@gameguy2389]

Good video

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Thank you!

[@VickiAnkney]

Where did the name of cane break rattler come about for the timber rattler on are n.e. coast here in NC?

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Because they were historically found in vast areas of rivercane in riparian areas!

[@DarkMetaOFFICIAL]

what about when a snakes presence alone is harassing me, endangering my life, then it decides i was harassing it? i have no patience for snakes

[@Maryland_Kulak]

The Gadsden flag features a timber rattlesnake according to every source I can find except this video. Timber rattlesnakes are evolving to not rattle. When they rattle, humans notice them and often kill them. When they don’t rattle, humans don’t see them and just walk on by.

[@dannymccoy1783]

5 years I had a copperhead and western diamondback. After 2 years my copperhead was extremely tame where I could handle him freehand every single dayy. He would never ever bite me.The rattler on the other hand would bite me in a blink of a eye if he could.

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Wow, that's crazy!

[@dannymccoy1783]

@@TheWildReportOfficial .Absolutely.

[@dannymccoy1783]

@@TheWildReportOfficial.After 5 years I was turned in for having venomous snakes in Illinois which issss a Felony. I paid the price.Sadly.

[@williamsporing1500]

Thanks for not calling these amazing critters ‘poisonous’.

[@kick8472]

Great video! Thanks!

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed!

[@jeffhays1968]

One common feature shared by most is the vertical iris or eye slit rather than round. You are probably too close if you can see that feature though !

[@jeffhays1968]

Coral snakes, I think, are the exception with round pupils ?

[@jamesingram3752]

Good video dude!

[@stoopidhaters]

4:32 No step on snek

[@adambordeaux4876]

I almost stepped on a coral snake near Charlotte NC when I was a kid

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Wow, they are extremely rare so that's wild!

[@adambordeaux4876]

@@TheWildReportOfficial Yeah I tweaked out when I looked closer and saw red touch yellow😂 never saw another one in 15 years tho

[@bobsmoot8454]

When I was growing up, besides black snakes taking care of rodents that they also kept copperheads away. We live next the the Potomac River with tons of rocks. When my parents built the house the contractor dug up many copperhead dens and we had them coming into our garage, so we did keep a flat nose shovel next to the door. I live near the Potomac and I have a boatload of black, ring neck, garter, rat, and brown and ……

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Yeah those two species don't always seem to like hanging out in the same areas, I'm sure there is some predation going on or at least intense competition for food.

[@kevinallen2386]

Rattling is uncommon in NC and Timber’s will 100% bite without warning if they feel threatened

[@paulanix7561]

Thank you so much. Saw 2 water snakes and we thought they were cotton mouths. Are there any snakes that eat venomous snakes? I'm hoping.

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Glad I could help! And yes, king snakes frequently eat venomous species.

[@bryanharrington5417]

A black Racer will also eat other snakes that it can overpower, including venomous species.

[@richardhincemon9423]

Coach whip snakes can also eat venomous snakes.

[@MP-zf7kg]

Coral snakes are beautiful. My parents told me that rattlesnakes, while not mean, will NOT just get out of your way if encountered on a path. Large ones sort of have that "I ain't moving" attitude. Finally....copperheads will end up in your garage, under your porch, in woodpiles, and so on. Not a pleasant snake to have around.

[@WesaTwoRivers]

Told to me by an elder over 60 years ago “Red before yeller- kill a feller, red before black- venom lack.”

[@Aoekin]

I have holes in my lawn, do any snakes here make those holes?

[@Aoekin]

@@TheWildReportOfficial no I don’t see any mud chimneys it’s just a circular hole going straight basically, but also I can’t see anything in there .

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

@@Aoekin Hmm in that case maybe but it is still more likely to be somthing else like a crayfish

[@rebeccajerkins7482]

Share it

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Yes, please

[@mikevi33023]

I came across a snake last fall in central North Carolina. It was dark flat gray with single red pinstripe off center on its back, its head was large triangle venomous shaped. @15 inches long and thick, I cannot find anywhere an ID that matches this snake. any ideas?

[@richardhincemon]

Garter snake or Ribbon snake no venomous snakes have stripes down their backs.

[@mikevi33023]

@@richardhincemon this one did, single red pin strip, the head was triangular an huge , new species ?

[@richardhincemon]

@mikevi33023 Copperheads,Cottonmouths and Rattlesnakes are pitvipers in NC which are venomous with a triangle shaped head because of the venom glands being located behind the eyes none of them have a red stripe running down their backs. The only venomous snake that has a red collar that is venomous is the Eastern Coral snake Elapid family of snakes with a small blunt head that is black before the eyes that has red,yellow and black bands not stripes . There are 37 species of snakes in North Carolina only 6 are venomous with no new species of venomous snakes in North America . Edit collar replace with red color. Copperheads have Hershey kisses patterns and the Cottonmouth is similar but not as visible. Timber/Canebrake rattlesnakes have chevron marking on their backs and the Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake has diamonds on their backs . The only venomous snake that is left is the Carolina Pygmy rattlesnake that lives in the Coastal plains and long leaf pine forest of NC with sometimes red and black mid dorsal spots depending on the region they are found.

[@richardhincemon]

@@mikevi33023 Eastern Garter snakes average 3ft can flatten their heads and bodies to make them appear larger and have pin stripe running down their backs. Suggest you look at a picture of that species of nonvenomous snakes.

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

@mikevi33023 I second garter, they often flatten their heads when startled. Potentially aberrant northern water

[@malicemike6875]

Came because I just picked up a thin green snake and it bit me. Glad I'm not gonna die.

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Yep no worries, probably a Rough green snake!

[@malicemike6875]

@@TheWildReportOfficial it was pretty smooth actually. Ba dum tss..

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

@@malicemike6875 I regret to admit that I laughed at this

[@donnyblondy8506]

not to mention, those "yo yo,s" who decide to have a mumba or python, for a house pet lol

[@innsanewayne]

Hognose are also venomous, but not harmful to humans most of the time.

[@drewrobinson9120]

Several milk snakes can also have similar coloration to coral snakes as can the Scarlet Snake.

[@richardhincemon9423]

Coral snakes will have a blunt head that is black before the eyes. They're banding will encircle their whole bodies which none of the other mimics will have.

[@eileennavarrete9459]

Rattles tell you how old the snake is. The one showing that's an old veteran. Wow, been around awhile. Females are bigger then males, mate for life and known to travel up to 200 miles looking for their mate. Not a matter of relocating this guy on the other side of town. Couple states over, maybe.

[@richardhincemon]

Rattlesnakes grow a new segment every time they shed their skin which can be 3 to 4 times a year. You can't tell how old they are by the segments on the end of their tails. After rattlesnakes establish their den the farthest that they travel is 3 to 5 miles to mate.

[@mikesaunders4775]

An interesting film, as a curious Englishman, what is the northern limit of the Coral snake and the Eastern Diamondback ?

[@autumnfragrance7185]

Northern limit for Diamondbacks is southern North Carolina.

[@mikesaunders4775]

@@autumnfragrance7185 Thank you very much Autumn.

[@richardhincemon9423]

Coral snake Southeastern North Carolina near the South Carolina border Sandhills and Pine Forest. Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake in habits the same territory as the coral snake but the range goes a little further all the way up until Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune North Carolina. The timber, eastern and pygmy rattlesnakes are all protected in North Carolina under state law.

[@mikesaunders4775]

@@richardhincemon9423 Many thanks Richard.

[@johngarnergarner6724]

I'm curious as to when the last Eastern Diamondback was found in North Carolina. I have heard that it has been twenty five or thirty years and that they are basically extirpated in NC

[@johngarnergarner6724]

@@richardhincemon9423 I've never seen one although I live in eastern NC. I do recall a couple of years ago a gentleman I met showed me a photograph of one that he had taken not too far from Goldsboro. My understanding is that there are pockets in Cumberland County and in some of the surrounding counties. I've also heard that there might be some in the Croatan Nat Forest near New Bern. And I've heard reports of eastern diamondbacks on the base at camp lejeune.

[@johngarnergarner6724]

@@richardhincemon9423 I've deer hunted in the Holly Shelter Gamelands. I didn't see any snakes there--surprisingly. However, I have seen a timber rattler in Durham County in the Butner Falls Gamelands just off of Old Oxford Hwy about two miles past the federal prison complex.

[@johngarnergarner6724]

@@richardhincemon9423 A lot of people think they are extirpated here, but perhaps they are coming back. I know a gentleman who showed me a picture of one he had taken a couple of years ago. This was near Goldsboro.

[@johngarnergarner6724]

@@richardhincemon9423 I believe there have been a couple of sightings in Craven County. And my girlfriends son in law swears that he has seen one. He lives in Wilmington. But I don't think there would have been a sighting in Alleghany County. That's in the mountains. I live in Wake county and all we have here are copperheads.

[@richardhincemon9423]

@@johngarnergarner6724 after looking at the plans for i-42 in North Carolina I deleted my comments. That will probably be the icing on the cake as far as habitat destruction for that species.😔

[@unclecrusty5241]

good job man, the lethality is pretty important, as well, many people don't know , even though water snakes aren't venomous, the bacteria in their mouth can cause serious problems,, and ocasionally death, due to blood poisoning, if not treated immediately... Keep up the great work. Sub'd & liked, from N. Ga.

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Thank you! I did not know that about water snakes, do you know if there are any publications out there where I can learn more?

[@unclecrusty5241]

@@TheWildReportOfficial I can't remember the name of the authors atm, I'll get back to you. in the 80's-90's i was studying for a phd in herpetology. Didn't get too far before life had other plans for me. Been avid all my life. I'll see if I can find a copy of the toxicology of north American snakes for you. Hint, Look for "toxicology", over "venomous".

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

@@unclecrusty5241 Okay, thank you so much! And that's really neat, do you have any words of advice for someone pursuing a career in this discipline?

[@unclecrusty5241]

@@TheWildReportOfficial Basic math/ science/ LATIN, try to be strong in that. nothin fancy just get a good hold of the basics. Biology, again, strong grasp of the basics. Forresty...VERY important... This could lead to a career as a game warden or other kick ass jobs. Then in the masters league start to focus on your specific field of interest. This will be hard and take time, but if you built a strong foundation early, you'll do fine and most of it will seem like common sense at that point. Your collegues will probably be lost or have a hard time if they spent too much time partying, or just tried to race through it. Build your house on rock, not sand. Join the IHS. International Herpelogical Society. I know many of the top names in the industry. Some pioneers like John Tashjian (close personal friend) Philip De Vojolie, And many more. It comes with the territory. Many great folks...Listen and learn from those ahead of you, spend time with the old ones. You'll learn more in 1 hr than in 3 weeks on campus. REMEMBER treat them with respect, and have fun, most don't like a dull boy. Many like to "celebrate" if ya know what I mean. All in all the best way I found was making friends with the best around, respecting them and proving I was fun and valuable. This is just my experience, yours may be different, but chances are, you will still learn more, have fun, and connections of great value for your future. Warning. You will miss them terribly, like family, when their gone, so don't waste their time, make the best of it and take every opportunity that comes your way...make it happen...it's a small family and a privilage to be in. I wish you the best of luck. The bell is on so I'll catch you next vid! be well, be safe, have fun. Wes B

[@CoreyT127]

Man, ive been bit a good half dozen times by northern water snakes in my youth. Black snake bits hurt worse but i didnt know water snakes bits were dangerous?

[@louiewatson9389]

cottonmouth aka water moccasin.

[@Chris-zn2pz]

Not true they are both in piedmont area Montgomery county Rowan Stanley county Also pigmy rattlers are in piedmont!!

[@richardhincemon]

Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake are on the endangered species list in North Carolina . If you have seen a EDB take a photo along with the exact location of the sightings and give it to your nearest state wildlife officials for documentation . There have only been 6 verified sightings in the past ten years all in Onslow County Camp Lejeune NC. Timber/Canebrake rattlesnakes have a wider range than the EDB all rattlesnakes are protected by law in North Carolina.