Being outside is a great way to clear your head and calm your nerves. And, when the weather in South Carolina permits comfortably spending time outdoors, it’s certainly only natural to take a walk or even a hike to enjoy a perfect morning or afternoon. While most of the time an adventure like this is simple, there are some times when you’ll want to take some extra caution. Whether you’re heading into a nature preserve or just out into the backyard, there could be danger ahead in the form of the few poisonous snakes in South Carolina. There may not be many, but even one bite from the creatures included on this list might ruin your day.
Encountering a snake in the wild can be terrifying. If you’ve done it then you’ve undoubtedly learned the hard way that being able to identify venomous snakes can be the difference between life and death.
Flickr/Gerry Dincher Most people stick to the old rule of the triangular-shaped head as an easy marker for identifying venomous snakes, but as you’ll see in this list it’s not a sure bet. For instance, one of the six poisonous snakes found in South Carolina doesn’t have a triangular-shaped head. Read on to learn more and familiarize yourself with this list so you’ll know precisely which snakes to steer clear of.
- Copperhead
Wikipedia/Wilafa
Flickr/Austin H. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources says that one of the most common poisonous snakes in South Carolina is the Copperhead. Adults can grow up to four feet in length. These snakes are easily identifiable by the hourglass shape found on their backs. Although a bite from a Copperhead is usually not fatal, the venom is quite poisonous. The mouth and snout of the Copperhead is distinct in helping to distinguish it from its close cousin, the cottonmouth. Additionally, Copperheads have a sloping jawline under the snout.
- Coral Snake
Flickr/Richard Crook
Wikipedia/Luther C Goldman - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (public domain) The coral snake is found in South Carolina with three differing color variations. The venomous variety is shown here with the biggest distinction among the three: the black and red bands never touch. Additionally, the venomous version of the coral snake always has a black nose. While the copperhead above is commonly reported throughout the Palmetto State, the coral snake is much more secretive and spends much of its time in hiding or even underground. Adults grow to an average of two feet.
- Cottonmouth (a.k.a. Water Moccasin)
Flickr/Dennis Church
Flickr/smashtonlee05 If you spend any amount of time in or near fresh water sources in South Carolina, you’ll want to be able to immediately identify this poisonous snake. It’s commonly found in the wetlands and swamps. Although the snake is known to only strike when it feels it has no other choice, the Cottonmouth doesn’t hesitate to stand its ground and strike a gaping, open-mouth pose to make an impression. Cottonmouths have a wide girth and grow to a full three or four feet in adulthood.
- Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Flickr/Matthew Paulson
Flickr/Ryan Poplin The largest of the poisonous snakes in South Carolina is found mostly in longleaf pine flatwoods, rolling pine hills, and in the grasslands of the lower coastal region of the state. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes are predatory and lay in wait for their prey to cross their path before striking. As its name suggests, this venomous snake gets its name from the dark brown diamond pattern that runs down its back. Eastern Diamondbacks give birth during the late summer to early fall, so be extra vigilant if hiking in the fall in South Carolina.
- Timber Rattlesnake
Flickr/Florida Fish & Wildlife - FWC Photo by Greg Workman
Flickr/Florida Fish & Wildlife - FWC Photo by Greg Workman South Carolina’s timber rattlesnakes take on two varieties. The one commonly found in the mountains is known to inhabit south-facing rock outcroppings in the cooler months and spends its time in nearby areas around streams and ponds during warmer months. The piedmont and coastal species of the timber rattlesnake is called the Canebrake Rattler. Seen here, it loves to inhabit wetland areas and forested settings. Both of these snakes grow to an adult length of three to five feet.
- Pigmy Rattlesnake
wikimedia commons/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Flickr/tom spinker The smallest of the rattlesnakes found in South Carolina, the pigmy rarely grows more than a foot or so in length. It’s found throughout the state with the exception of the mountains. If you’re anywhere near fresh water, such as ponds, swamps, or marshes, then it’s possible to encounter a pigmy snake. Its unusual markings include a gray or pinkish background color with pink or black spots. It also sometimes has a pink line that runs down its spine.
Have you ever encountered any of these six poisonous snakes in South Carolina? We’d love to know – and to see your photos uploaded in our Facebook comments! Additionally, is there anything else you think we should be on the lookout for?
Flickr/Gerry Dincher
Most people stick to the old rule of the triangular-shaped head as an easy marker for identifying venomous snakes, but as you’ll see in this list it’s not a sure bet. For instance, one of the six poisonous snakes found in South Carolina doesn’t have a triangular-shaped head. Read on to learn more and familiarize yourself with this list so you’ll know precisely which snakes to steer clear of.
Wikipedia/Wilafa
Flickr/Austin H.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources says that one of the most common poisonous snakes in South Carolina is the Copperhead. Adults can grow up to four feet in length. These snakes are easily identifiable by the hourglass shape found on their backs. Although a bite from a Copperhead is usually not fatal, the venom is quite poisonous. The mouth and snout of the Copperhead is distinct in helping to distinguish it from its close cousin, the cottonmouth. Additionally, Copperheads have a sloping jawline under the snout.
Flickr/Richard Crook
Wikipedia/Luther C Goldman - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (public domain)
The coral snake is found in South Carolina with three differing color variations. The venomous variety is shown here with the biggest distinction among the three: the black and red bands never touch. Additionally, the venomous version of the coral snake always has a black nose. While the copperhead above is commonly reported throughout the Palmetto State, the coral snake is much more secretive and spends much of its time in hiding or even underground. Adults grow to an average of two feet.
Flickr/Dennis Church
Flickr/smashtonlee05
If you spend any amount of time in or near fresh water sources in South Carolina, you’ll want to be able to immediately identify this poisonous snake. It’s commonly found in the wetlands and swamps. Although the snake is known to only strike when it feels it has no other choice, the Cottonmouth doesn’t hesitate to stand its ground and strike a gaping, open-mouth pose to make an impression. Cottonmouths have a wide girth and grow to a full three or four feet in adulthood.
Flickr/Matthew Paulson
Flickr/Ryan Poplin
The largest of the poisonous snakes in South Carolina is found mostly in longleaf pine flatwoods, rolling pine hills, and in the grasslands of the lower coastal region of the state. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes are predatory and lay in wait for their prey to cross their path before striking. As its name suggests, this venomous snake gets its name from the dark brown diamond pattern that runs down its back. Eastern Diamondbacks give birth during the late summer to early fall, so be extra vigilant if hiking in the fall in South Carolina.
Flickr/Florida Fish & Wildlife - FWC Photo by Greg Workman
South Carolina’s timber rattlesnakes take on two varieties. The one commonly found in the mountains is known to inhabit south-facing rock outcroppings in the cooler months and spends its time in nearby areas around streams and ponds during warmer months. The piedmont and coastal species of the timber rattlesnake is called the Canebrake Rattler. Seen here, it loves to inhabit wetland areas and forested settings. Both of these snakes grow to an adult length of three to five feet.
wikimedia commons/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Flickr/tom spinker
The smallest of the rattlesnakes found in South Carolina, the pigmy rarely grows more than a foot or so in length. It’s found throughout the state with the exception of the mountains. If you’re anywhere near fresh water, such as ponds, swamps, or marshes, then it’s possible to encounter a pigmy snake. Its unusual markings include a gray or pinkish background color with pink or black spots. It also sometimes has a pink line that runs down its spine.
If you can get over the fear of creepy crawlies we may have implanted in your head, consider heading out to enjoy more of the great outdoors. Check out these amazing South Carolina hikes under 3 miles you’ll absolutely love!
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Address: South Carolina, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Nature In South Carolina January 08, 2023 Michelle S. Despite the risk of poisonous snakes, enjoying nature in South Carolina is a great way to stay in love with this state. Does South Carolina have any natural wonders? South Carolina has some incredible natural wonders. Here are a few you’ll love:
The oldest live oak tree East of the Mississippi Congaree National Park, which holds 15 World Records The Natural Bridge in Keowee Toxaway State Park The ancient rock carvings at Table Rock and at Pinnacle Mountain
If you’re the type that loves to explore there are plenty of awe-inspiring natural wonders to see. For an easy way to make an adventure out of it, consider heading out on this natural wonders road trip. What are the most beautiful lakes in South Carolina? Some of the most beautiful lakes in South Carolina are:
Tugalo Lake in Oconee County Lake Jocassee in the Jocassee Gorges Lake Murray in the midlands Pinnacle Lake in Table Rock State Park
Of course, there are plenty of waterways we think you should explore. Here are a few more lakes in South Carolina that are considered some of the most beautiful
The OIYS Visitor Center
Nature In South Carolina
January 08, 2023
Michelle S.
Despite the risk of poisonous snakes, enjoying nature in South Carolina is a great way to stay in love with this state. Does South Carolina have any natural wonders? South Carolina has some incredible natural wonders. Here are a few you’ll love:
The oldest live oak tree East of the Mississippi Congaree National Park, which holds 15 World Records The Natural Bridge in Keowee Toxaway State Park The ancient rock carvings at Table Rock and at Pinnacle Mountain
If you’re the type that loves to explore there are plenty of awe-inspiring natural wonders to see. For an easy way to make an adventure out of it, consider heading out on this natural wonders road trip. What are the most beautiful lakes in South Carolina? Some of the most beautiful lakes in South Carolina are:
Tugalo Lake in Oconee County Lake Jocassee in the Jocassee Gorges Lake Murray in the midlands Pinnacle Lake in Table Rock State Park
Of course, there are plenty of waterways we think you should explore. Here are a few more lakes in South Carolina that are considered some of the most beautiful
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Does South Carolina have any natural wonders?
South Carolina has some incredible natural wonders. Here are a few you’ll love:
- The oldest live oak tree East of the Mississippi
- Congaree National Park, which holds 15 World Records
- The Natural Bridge in Keowee Toxaway State Park
- The ancient rock carvings at Table Rock and at Pinnacle Mountain
If you’re the type that loves to explore there are plenty of awe-inspiring natural wonders to see. For an easy way to make an adventure out of it, consider heading out on this natural wonders road trip.
What are the most beautiful lakes in South Carolina?
Some of the most beautiful lakes in South Carolina are:
- Tugalo Lake in Oconee County
- Lake Jocassee in the Jocassee Gorges
- Lake Murray in the midlands
- Pinnacle Lake in Table Rock State Park
Of course, there are plenty of waterways we think you should explore. Here are a few more lakes in South Carolina that are considered some of the most beautiful
