What are the Most Venomous Snakes in North and South Carolina?

I've spotted a snake in my yard and want to know which species are dangerous, so what are the most venomous snakes in the Carolinas?

The Carolinas are home to around thirty-eight native snake species, but only a handful are venomous. Of all the snakes in South Carolina, just six are venomous, while North Carolina has five.

The venomous snakes to watch for in South Carolina are the copperhead, cottonmouth (water moccasin), eastern diamondback rattlesnake, timber (canebrake) rattlesnake, pygmy rattlesnake, and eastern coral snake. North Carolina shares all of these except the coral snake, found only in South Carolina. Copperheads are the most common and most likely to bite, though their venom is relatively mild. The eastern diamondback is the largest and among the most dangerous, while the coral snake, though highly venomous, is more reclusive and easily recognized by its bands of red, yellow, and black.

Most snakes you'll meet are harmless. The vast majority of NC and SC snakes are non-venomous, including rat snakes, king snakes, and water snakes, and they control rodents and insects, although many are mistaken for their venomous doppelgangers, so treat them with caution.

If you spot a venomous snake, keep your distance and never try to handle or kill it—most bites happen during these attempts. If snakes are a problem on your land, contact Gregory’s snake control services.