Here, we’ll learn about the five largest snakes near Charlotte, North Carolina. We’ll take a look at the appearance and behavior of each, as well as their distribution and what kinds of habitats they prefer. Read on to learn about the five largest snakes near Charlotte!
5. Eastern Kingsnake
Appearance and Behavior
Eastern kingsnakes are among the largest snakes near Charlotte, North Carolina. They grow to a maximum length of four feet long. Kingsnakes have medium heavy bodies with heads not much wider than their necks. Their most characteristic feature is the thin, tan banding that runs up the sides of their body and across their backs. Kingsnakes also have small, yellow eyes. Their bellies are mottled tan and black.
Location and Habitat
Eastern kingsnakes live as far north as New Jersey, their range includes all of North Carolina. They don’t climb trees or swim, but they do like hanging out near sources of water. Eastern kingsnakes are habitat generalists who can thrive just about anywhere, as long as there is adequate cover and plenty of prey. They constrict their prey, which may include turtle eggs, smaller snakes and lizards, rodents, and birds. But, most interestingly, kingsnakes frequently eat venomous snakes like cottonmouths, rattlesnakes, and copperheads.
4. Timber Rattlesnake
Appearance and Behavior
Timber rattlesnakes grow up to six feet long, with heavy bodies. They’re also known as canebrake rattlesnakes. Timber rattlers have pale, tan bodies, with narrow, hexagonal, dark brown bands. Their heads are wide and triangular, a hallmark of the pit viper family. In addition to their rattles, these snakes also have vertically elliptical eyes, large fangs, heat sensing pits and venom glands just behind the eyes.
Location and Habitat
Timber rattlesnakes are some of the largest snakes near Charlotte, North Carolina. These terrestrial snakes are habitat generalists, and live primarily in rural areas. You’re not likely to find a timber rattlesnake in suburban settings.
3. Northern Water Snake
Appearance and Behavior
The northern water snake is one of the largest snakes near Charlotte, North Carolina. They grow to a maximum length of six feet long, and have heavy bodies. Northern water snakes are similar in appearance to cottonmouths, though they lack both the white mouth and the vertically elliptical pupils of the cottonmouth. They range in color from dusky gray to dark brown, and have irregular splotches covering their bodies. Their heads are slightly wider than their necks, and have a slight triangular shape.
Location and Habitat
Northern water snakes don’t live in suburban or even urban areas. As their name suggests, they’re semi-aquatic, and live near sources of permanent water, like rivers, lakes and swamplands. They eat fish, frogs and small mammals. In North Carolina, they are absent from the southeastern quarter of the state. Northern water snakes are often seen basking on tree limbs overhanging the water.
2. Black Racer
Appearance and Behavior
Black racer snakes may be thin, but they’re one of the largest snakes near Charlotte, North Carolina. These light-bodied snakes reach up to six feet long. They have shiny black scales and narrow heads with round pupils. Their bellies are dark, but they have white scales on their throats and chins. Juvenile black racers are light gray with brown splotches and bright red eyes. Black racers are often confused with other snakes, like rat snakes or hognose snakes.
Location and Habitat
Black racer snakes live throughout North Carolina, but aren’t likely to be found in urban settings. These snakes can thrive in a wide variety of habitats, and will eat everything from insects and frogs to mice and birds. They’re not venomous, and present no threat to humans. Unlike some species of snakes in the southeast, black racers only come out during the day. Black racer snakes live near water, but don’t generally live in, or hunt in, aquatic settings.
1. Eastern Rat Snake
Appearance and Behavior
Eastern rat snakes start out as brown, patterned juveniles. Adults are almost entirely black, and grow up to seven feet long, making them some of the largest snakes near Charlotte, North Carolina. Adult rat snakes have pale, white bellies and chins, and dark sides and back. Their heads are wider than their bodies, but are not triangular in shape like the timber rattlesnake’s head. These snakes are nonvenomous, and have round pupils and no heat sensing pits.
Location and Habitat
Eastern rat snakes don’t shy away from the suburbs. In fact, these snakes may actually come into outbuildings, like sheds or garages, to hunt for rodents like mice and rats. They also eat frogs, toads, birds and other small creatures. Because they lack venom, eastern rat snakes rely on constricting their prey to death. They live as far north as Connecticut, and as far south as South Carolina.
