Here you’ll find a list of indigenous South Carolina venomous snakes. Here, you can use this as a reference guide for snakes you may have seen in your area. If you need to know more about snakes and other nuisance wildlife, you can call The Snake Chaser anytime! For snake removal call The Snake Chaser today, or to keep snakes away from your home, ask about the all-natural product Russ developed to keep snakes away from areas of your choice.
Warning: Venomous snakes should not be approached, as their bite(s) can be harmful and/or potentially deadly! If you think you may be looking at a venomous snake, call The Snake Chaser, your professional reptile and nuisance wildlife removal service!
Southern Copperhead
This snake usually has a coppery red head and hourglass pattern of dark chestnut bands, but colors vary in geographic regions. It’s usually quiet, almost lethargic, and usually more afraid of you than you are of him. When the copperhead perceives a threat, it will usually lie very still, relying on its camouflage, in wait for prey, resulting in bites around the feet or ankles. When it does strike, however, it’s very vigorous and will usually vibrate its tail.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
This is not the snake you want to meet up close and personal, as it has compact coils, a broad head, and a loud, buzzing rattle. The tell tale dark brown or black diamonds are outlined in yellow, and if approached, will often stand their ground rattling loudly, which is the cue to back away!
Canebrake Rattlesnake
The Canebrake rattlesnake also uses its camouflage to remain unseen by its prey. Each time the snake sheds, which may occur several times per year, a new segment to the rattle end of the tail is added, indicating growth of the snake.
Eastern Cottonmouth
"Water Moccasin"
Spends most of its time in the water, and is usually olive, brown, or black. Cottonmouths will either stand their ground or crawl slowly away, as opposed to other water snakes which flee quickly or drop with a splash into the water. When aroused, it will throw its head back with its mouth wide open, revealing the white lining that gives it its name.
Pigmy Rattlesnake
This is a Southeastern rattler with a skinny tail and a tiny rattle, often mistaken for a buzzing insect. It’s usually gray or brown with dark bars or blotches. Some strike aggressively, while others do not even rattle.
Eastern Coral Snake
This is a shiny snake with red, yellow, and black rings, where the red and yellow rings touch. These bright colors indicate to surrounding predators that it is poisonous and should heed the warning. The Eastern Coral snake lives in pine woods, pond borders, and hardwood brush in the Southeastern states.
