Pine Snake P.C. RW Van Devender
RALEIGH, N.C. — As the weather continues to warm up, wildlife officials say snake sightings will become more common.
Officials with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission ask that if you do see a snake, do not be alarmed, do not kill it, give it plenty of room, and if you see a pine snake or rattlesnake, report it.
“Snakes are an important part of the ecosystem and help control the rodent, slug and insect populations,” said Jeff Hall, reptile conservation biologist with the Wildlife Commission. “There are many ways we can coexist with snakes, which is important because of 38 of North Carolina’s native snake species, ten are listed endangered, threatened or of special concern.”
Officials say the Northern pine snake is one example of a native threatened snake species.
Biologists with the commission are asking the public to report sightings of this animal so they can learn more about its distribution.
Officials say the pine snake is non-venomous and ranges between 4 to 5 feet long, but can get over 7-foot-long.
It has a white or tan background color with dark brown or black markings that begin as solid coloring or messy blotches near the head before gradually becoming distinct saddle-like blotches toward the tail, according to a news release.
Officials say this particular snake is mostly found in the Sandhills and the southern Coastal Plain, although there are confirmed reports of pine snakes in Cherokee and Swain counties.
These snakes prefer open areas within pine-oak forests with well-drained, sandy soil.
“We are partnering with several organization and agencies to conduct surveys in the areas where pine snakes have either been seen or areas with potentially good habitat,” stated Gabrielle Graeter, conservation biologist with the Wildlife Commission. “It’s difficult to conserve a species when we don’t even know all the places it occurs. Assistance from citizens in recording and documenting the pine snake will be a huge help. Websites like HerpsofNC.org are great for helping people to identify snake species.”
Anyone who sees a pine snake out in the wild is asked to email pinesnake@ncwildlife.org with a photo, date and time the snake was seen, and the location (GPS coordinates preferred).
Officials say of the six venomous snake species native to North Carolina, three are rattlesnakes – the timber, the pigmy, and the Eastern diamondback.
Each one is in decline and protected by the North Carolina Endangered Species Act, according to a news release.
The Wildlife Commission says persecution by humans and habitat destruction are the main culprits.
If anyone spots a rattler, they are encouraged to send an email to rattlesnake@ncwildlife.org with a photo, date and time the snake was seen, and a location.
Wildlife officials added “Most snakes will leave people alone if they aren’t bothered and are provided an escape route. Watching for snakes and giving them a wide berth are effective habits for co-existing with snakes safely.”
Questions about human-wildlife interactions can be directed to the agency’s NC Wildlife Helpline, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., at 866-318-2401 or by email, HWI@ncwildlife.org.
