Hey Scholars,
Since we have discussed Biodiversity and we are about to start our Herp. Survey, I want to know what kind of snakes should be in our area. So we know what to look for. Research a snake species local to our area, give some description and post a link to a photo.
Happy Hunting
Mr. D
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The copperhead, cottonmouth, timber rattlesnake, pigmy rattlesnake, eastern diamondback rattlesnake and eastern coral snake are the venomous snakes found in North Carolina. Also there are 31 nonvenomous snakes found in North Carolina. The snakes i have mostly found in my yard are copperheads, rattlesnakes, and garden snakes. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake weight 5 to 10 pounds. It is the largest rattlesnake in the world. The background color is usually brownish but may vary from silvery gray to dark black. A row of diamond shaped markings with brown centers outlined in yellow, cream or white spans the body from the neck to the vent. The tail is lightly stiped with brown and yellow or cream.The tail is tipped by a series of modified interlocking scales that are used to produce a warning sound.The head is very wide.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.desertusa.com/may96/du_rattle.html
Kayla Sanderson, Prd 4
According to this website, there are many snakes that could be found in our part of North Carolina. More than 37 species of snakes were discovered here, but only 6 species are poisonous. Examples of snakes that live nearby include the Coral Snake, the Scarlet Snake, etc.
ReplyDelete*Coral Snake: poisonous; has a distinctive pattern
*Scarlet Snake: nonpoisonous; often mistook for Coral Snakes because of their similar pattern.
Info Source: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/nreos/wild/wildlife/wdc/snakes.html
Destiny Jackson, 4th prd.
Rat Snakes
ReplyDeleteThey have many color patterns, from solid black in the mountains and Piedmont to yellowish-green and have dark stripes in the Coastal Plain. Intermediate color patterns can be found between the Coastal Plain and Piedmont. Young rat snakes are boldly marked with dark brown blotches on a gray or light brown background. As they get older, the blotched pattern changes to the adult color pattern. Their bellies are usually a mixture of white and black markings.
http://www.herpsofnc.org/herps_of_nc/snakes/Elaobs/Ela_obs.html
Jessica Corder
During our Herp. survey we might see an Eastern Coachwhip snake. This snake is long and slender. They generally have a darker head and neck which fades into a lighter tan color. The Coachwhip snake is really fast and tries to hide from humans but gets aggressive when cornered.
ReplyDeleteEastern Coachwhip
Gabbi Rohn
Period 3
Brown Water snake; nonvenomous large heavy-bodied snake with a wide, flat head and bulging jaws is frequently mistaken for a venomous cottonmouth snake. Has large "froggy" eyes. Lives in and around water, and is found basking in tree limbs overhanging the water.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ces.ncsu.edu/gaston/Pests/reptiles/pages/brownwater.htm
Alexandra Volz APES P3
Wow! An Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake! I heard that they're very venomous and that they love to eat rabbits, squirrels, and even rats! This snake is said to be found in places that is surrounded by forests. Unfortunately, they are becoming rare fast....but they don't attack people unless provoked. Hmmm....so could they be beneficial and essential to us? Maybe we'll see one on the nature trail if we're lucky.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ces.ncsu.edu/gaston/Pests/reptiles/diamondback.htm
A snake that is local to the area is the Eastern Coral Snake. It can be found in Southeastern U.S and Northeast Mexico. They are usually less than 31 inches long. It has wide red (usually w/ specks of black) and black rings separated by yellow ones. Its head is predominately black. It is a venomous snake.
ReplyDeletePicture:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micrurus_fulvius
Smooth Earth Snake
ReplyDeleteNonvenomous; adult size 6 - 12 inches. Less than 2 inches long when it hatches in summer, this gray snake has a flat head with black eyes and a somewhat leech-like appearance as a hatchling. It lives under stones and boards and in moist leaf litter, where it feeds on worms. It is totally harmless to humans, but will discharge a foul-smelling musk if disturbed.
http://www.herpsofnc.org/herps_of_nc/snakes/Virval/Vir_val.html
Owyn Pelletier ~ 4 period
The snake i chose was the copper head snake. It got it's name because of the copper like color on the dorsal side of its head. The copperhead snake belongs to the viper family. For food this snake feeds on rodents, other reptiles, and amphibians. The female copperhead gives birth live instead of laying eggs. This snake replaces its skin 1-3 times annually.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.venomoussnakes.net/copperhead.htm
Latina Bailey
Eastern Diamond Back Rattlesnake
ReplyDeleteThis snake is venomous. It mostly hunts small rodents and rabbits. The venom does tissue damage and since the snake is very large the bite is very big and it releases a lot of venom.It does have a rattle so it will give you a warning before bitting if it feels threatened.
These snakes are usually found on the southeastern plains of NC but since there habbitats are being destroyed many of them are not able to survive.
When the snakes reproduce which is in the fall they will have anywhere from 7 to 21 babies. Each snake only reproduces about 2 or 3 times.
http://www.herpsofnc.org/herps_of_nc/snakes/Croada/Cro_ada.html
Matthew McGarr
The Copperhead is a stout-bodied, venomous snake that prefers to live in wooded areas, around rocks, or near streams or ponds.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.snakesandfrogs.com/scra/snakes/cotton.htm
Coral snakes: Venomous; 20-35 inches
ReplyDeleteSandhills, wooded & wiregrass areas in sandy soil are home to this rare, small, secretive snake, which spends most of its life underground. It burrows in sand, leaf litter, and under loose boards, tin, or logs.
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/gaston/Pests/reptiles/coralsnake.htm
The coachwhip snake is the longest species of snake found in North Carolina. Known for their speed, the snake is a racer with gold,red , or orange eyes and pale buttom. They climb into bushes or trees to avoid being spotted. These creatures are on the list of species that should be conserved in NC.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.herpsofnc.org/herps_of_nc/snakes/Masfla/Mas_fla.html
-Nick Hall
The eastern Coral Snake is one that we've discussed the other day. I read a post from a couple in Onslow County that saw a 20" Eastern Coral Snake in their backyard one day.
ReplyDeletehttp://wildofanimals.blogspot.com/2011/06/cobra-coral.html
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Corn+Snakes&view=detail&id=8C83E334EE0EB6E07A3885ED55266D7F2D8010E9&first=0&FORM=IDFRIR <---here's the link.
ReplyDeleteI did my research on the Corn Snake which is one of the most popular snakes of all time. Some people tradethem, and some breed them. Corn Snakes rarely exceed 5 feet in length and are active feeders. They also can live in almost any condition and in any environment.
Black swamp snake- The black swamp snake is a small, shiny black snake with a bright red or reddish-orange belly. It has smooth scales and its head is not much wider than their neck.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1311&bih=588&tbm=isch&tbnid=p_vuFd90i3Ec6M:&imgrefurl=http://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/sempyg.htm&docid=n0roaNP2Xdv4DM&imgurl=http://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/pics/sempyg7.jpg&w=300&h=225&ei=msNKT_SQHOrL0QG388GdDg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=255&vpy=176&dur=455&hovh=180&hovw=240&tx=141&ty=106&sig=101408962435467335470&page=1&tbnh=107&tbnw=163&start=0&ndsp=22&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0
Rough earth snake
ReplyDeleteHas a solid brown or a grey back. They are usually very small and are called "rough" due to there keeled scales. Since they are so small they are known to eat insects and earthworms. They like to hide and can be found underneath logs, and other secretive areas.
http://www.herpsofnc.org/herps_of_nc/snakes/Virstr/Vir_str.html
this snake is related to Cobras and sea snakes. Coral snakes are not vipers. There is a good chance this snake will not attack unless you harm it.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ces.ncsu.edu/gaston/Pests/reptiles/coralsnake.htm
RAT SNAKE
ReplyDeleteRat snakes are medium to large constrictors that can be found through a great portion of the northern hemisphere. They feed primarily on rodents and birds and, with some species exceeding 3 m (10 feet), they can occupy top levels of some food chains. Many species make attractive and docile pets and one, the corn snake, is one of the most popular reptile pets in the world. Other species can be very skittish and sometimes aggressive but bites are seldom serious. As with nearly all colubrids, rat snakes pose no threat to humans. Rat snakes were long thought to be completely nonvenomous, but recent studies have shown that some Old World species do possess small amounts of venom (amounts so small as to be negligible to humans).
http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1366&bih=675&tbm=isch&tbnid=aFT7zt4F7nai6M:&imgrefurl=http://maryeaudet.hubpages.com/hub/Rat-Snake-or-Copperhead--How-To-Tell-the-Difference&docid=aSDPGGxrx7oM6M&imgurl=http://s4.hubimg.com/u/101887_f520.jpg&w=520&h=346&ei=idhKT6iPFoPqtgfw_JTvAg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=1050&vpy=379&dur=836&hovh=183&hovw=275&tx=171&ty=89&sig=109446372085724851041&page=1&tbnh=149&tbnw=211&start=0&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:0
Corn Snake (elaphe guttata)
ReplyDelete-very strong constrictors
-most active at night during warmer months
-commonly found around edges of old fields/clearings
-hide under bark of dead pine trees, logs, old boards, and tin
-black and white checkerboard belly resembles Indian corn
-commonly mistaken for copperheads
-can grow up to around 5.5 ft.
http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/snakes/corn-snake/sp_cornsnake.jpg
Cottonmouth snakes are found throughout the southeastern United States, particularly in freshwater habitats such as cypress swamps and heavily vegetated wetlands. They are normally about thirty inches in length, but stories have been told of ones up to 54 inches long. Cottonmouths are brightly colored when they are younger, but that fades to a dull brown. Some have dark crossbands on a black or brown background. Cottonmouths are named for the way they open their jaw to reveal their white mouth and teeth. It is their way of warning aggressors to stay away. Cottonmouths are significantly more aggressive than their Copperhead cousins, and are venomous so one should treat them with the greatest caution.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.snakesandfrogs.com/scra/snakes/cotton.htm
Queen Snake
ReplyDeleteNonvenomous; adult size 16 - 37 inches. This shy snake is found in and around water and feeds almost entirely on crayfish.
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/gaston/Pests/reptiles/pages/queen.htm
Samantha Paule p.3
Corn snakes are rather large snakes distinguished by squarish blotches of red on an orange, brown or gray background. Alternating rows of smaller blotches run along their sides. In the Coastal Plain, corn snakes are generally much brighter, with more orange in their background color, than those found in other parts of the state. Corn snakes have weakly keeled scales. The young are patterned like the adults, except the blotches on their backs are usually much darker.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.herpsofnc.org/herps_of_nc/snakes/Elagut/Ela_gut.html
The Timber Rattlesnake
ReplyDeleteThis snake is the most often found in North Carolina and is frequently called the Canebrake snake. It is venomous so don't try to pick it up. The snake lives throughout North Carolina in unpopulated areas, especially rocky hillsides, fields, woodland edges and swamps. It is frequently found hiding in and under stumps and other woody surface cover. (exactly where we're going to be looking, awesome) They are active both day and night in cool but not cold weather. During hot summer months, they are most active at night. The timber rattle snake feeds on rodents and other small mammals and gives birth to between 5 and 19 young in August or September.
Picture: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/gaston/Pests/reptiles/timberattler.htm.
I also found out a type of diamond back lives in NC.. in California I ran into a one and they are pretty intimidating... it said they're rare to encounter, and I while I'm kind of glad for that, I wish it wasn't because of habitat destruction :( Ignorance also plays a role since people tend to attack snakes thinking "I'll get it before it gets me!" but in reality, the snake is just passing by... it isn't out to get you.
Eastern Kingsnake
ReplyDeleteThe eastern kingsnake is fairly stout with a black back marked with a chain-like pattern of thin white or yellow bars. The eastern kingsnakes found in the outer banks are usually brown rather than black. Eastern kingsnakes are strong constrictors that prey on a variety of other animals, including rodents, eggs, frogs, lizards, small turtles, salamanders, and snakes—even venomous species such as rattlesnakes and copperheads. They are often found near water.
http://www.herpsofnc.org/herps_of_nc/snakes/Lamget/Lam_get.html
The copperhead snake is found all thought North Carolina. This snake is Venomous. The copperhead lives in wooded areas,rocks, and near bodies of water.This snake will come out in cool weather but not to cold and during the summer it only comes out at night.The copperhead begins its hibernation from October until March.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ces.ncsu.edu/gaston/Pests/reptiles/copperhead-1.htm
Coral snakes that live in the southeastern and southwestern United States prefer wooded, marshy, and loose-soiled areas. They are very reclusive, staying in the safety of underground burrows or dens during the day and emerging in the evening and early morning to feed. Among their own kind, coral snakes are solitary, showing aggression even during breeding. The most common species in the United States have a universal red-yellow-black-yellow pattern
ReplyDeletehttp://www.snake-removal.com/coral.html
Chaila.Y P3
the cottonmouth snake is found in coastal north carolina, it is a large venomuous snake that is usually between 30-48 inches in length. they are aquatic. the color is dark on top with a lighter bonding color.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.jhocy.com/gallery/snakes-a207/cottonmouth-snake-p7159.html
The southeastern crowned snake is found in most of North Carolina. They are small, shiny, and brown with a white or yellowish belly and a light band at the rear of their black head. They are active at night and spend the day underneath rocks. They feed primarily on centipedes, and they have fangs that inject venom into their prey. They are harmless to humans.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.herpsofnc.org/herps_of_nc/snakes/Tancor/Tan_cor.html
During the Herp. Survey we may see a eastern coachwhip snake. The Eastern Coachwhip is a long, slender-bodied snake that can move extremely quickly. This snake is found on grassy dunes, in sandy flatwoods, sandhills with pines, oaks, and wiregrass, and maritime forests.
ReplyDeleteDominique Heath 3rd
While we are doing the Herp survey we may come across a coachwhip snake which is a long slim snack that varies in coloration from head to tail, the body is usually charcoal black and the black transitions to tan throughout the rest of the body. They're not constrictors they grasp their mouth and hold on.
ReplyDeletehttp://snr.unl.edu/herpneb/snake/coachwhip.html
Sierra Davis
Coral snake is one that is found her. There are different types like the eastern coral, south central coral, and Sonoran species. Coral snakes are small they get up to about 20 inches and it spends much of its time underground in cracks and crevices. They also have a grooved jaw and hollow fixed fangs. They eat small lizards, snakes, reptiles, and amphibians.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.wf.net/~snake/coral.htm
The copperhead, cottonmouth, timber rattlesnake, pigmy rattlesnake, eastern diamondback rattlesnake and eastern coral snake are the venomous snakes found in NC, and there are 31 nonvenomous snakes.
ReplyDeleteThe copperhead is one of the most frequently encountered venomous snakes in the southern Appalachians. Young copperheads have a bright, yellow-colored tail. The snake will sit among leaves on the forest floor and wriggle its tail.
http://www.tnaqua.org/OurAnimals/Reptiles/Copperhead.aspx?gclid=CMeYsJvt164CFUZN4Aod-WA3cA
Virginia valeriae or also known as the Smooth Earth Snake can be identified as a snake that is smooth and it is often characterized by tiny black dots scattered across the back it can also be confused witht the rough earth snake.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&sa=N&gbv=2&biw=1280&bih=841&tbm=isch&tbnid=7MfysgG9FgEIyM:&imgrefurl=http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/snakes/eastern-smooth-earthsnake/eastern_smooth_earthsnake.htm&docid=psTJ20gMkgy0HM&imgurl=http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/snakes/eastern-smooth-earthsnake/Eastern%252520Smooth%252520Earth%252520Snake%252520(Virginia%252520valeriae).JPG&w=1024&h=747&ei=dhFZT5P8D4aJtwfJ87z2Dg&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=983&sig=114334901042460046869&page=1&tbnh=151&tbnw=180&start=0&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:16,s:0&tx=92&ty=77
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/gaston/Pests/reptiles/copperhead.htm
ReplyDeletehunter alphin
during the herp survey we would probably come across the corn snake its a long slender snake and generally orangish brownish colors
ReplyDeletehttp://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/ReptilesAmphibians/Facts/FactSheets/Cornsnake.cfm