Snakes in North Carolina? (Charlotte, Raleigh: new house, live, dryer)

[mm34b]

Mecklenburg County Woman Bitten by Copperhead

A woman's experience Saturday night near the Ballantyne area is a reminder of yet another necessary caution at this time of year – copperheads.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police say a 26-year-old woman was bitten about 9 p.m. Saturday by a copperhead on Rainbow Forest Drive, north of Ballantyne Commons Parkway.

The woman, who was not identified, was treated at an area hospital. Her wounds were described by police as not serious.

Wildlife experts say copperheads, the only poisonous snake found in Mecklenburg County, are unlike other North Carolina venomous snakes, because they will strike quickly when threatened.

Dr. Peter Bromley, a Zoology specialist with the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service, said copperheads are not aggressive snakes, but when they feel endangered, they will lash out. In comparison, rattlesnakes vibrate their rattles when cornered, and scientists say studies have shown that cottonmouth moccasins also tend not to attack quickly.

The good news is that copperhead bites "are typically not fatal," Bromley said.

Copperheads grow to be 24 to 36 inches long and have thick bodies. They have hourglass bands on their bodies.

Baby copperheads, which often are mistaken for rat, corn and water snakes, have yellowish tails. The other snakes do not.

Local wildlife experts say copperheads are the only type of venomous snake found in Mecklenburg County, but the cooperative extension service in North Carolina says the canebrake rattlesnake can be found in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties

Interestingly, North Carolina annually leads the nation in reports of poisonous snake bites.

The state has four types of venomous snakes:

COPPERHEADS, which are found across North Carolina.

RATTLESNAKES, found in the mountains and the eastern half of the state (as close to Charlotte as the Morrow Mountain area near Albemarle).

COTTONMOUTH MOCCASINS, in the southeastern part of the state (as close as Richmond County in North Carolina and Chesterfield County in South Carolina).

CORAL SNAKES, in the extreme southeast corner of the state. These are very rare.

[Niki]

I've lived in North Carolina most of my life and have only seen a few snakes. The last time I saw a snake "in the wild" was almost 10 years ago. We lived in the country then, so it was no surprise. It was a copperhead and one of our dogs was "playing" with it. (Whipping it around with his mouth until it was dead.)

We live in the suburbs now (outer suburbs - very close to the country) and have never seen a snake here. Wait. I take that back. I did see a snake here a few weeks ago lying dead in the middle of a road here in our neighborhood. Of course, I was driving and couldn't tell what kind it was, but it looked all black (or nearly all black) and, so probably wasn't something poisonous like a copperhead.

I'm kind of surprised I don't see them more often. There are a lot of wooded areas nearby and in our neighborhood, a farmer's field and lots of trees across the street from our neighborhood, and a horse pasture (with trees & a pond) behind our house.

[mm34b]

Originally Posted by Niki

I'm kind of surprised I don't see them more often. There are a lot of wooded areas nearby and in our neighborhood, a farmer's field and lots of trees across the street from our neighborhood, and a horse pasture (with trees & a pond) behind our house.

I think snakes in general are more active at night than daytime.

[I_LUVNM]

"Interestingly, North Carolina annually leads the nation in reports of poisonous snake bites."

I have been thinking about moving to NC but now I am not so sure. I live in New Mexico and love the climate here but I am tired of rattlesnakes and have seen quite a few since living here for about 4 years now. I don't like having to constantly be on the lookout for one. Now hearing that NC has more poisonous snake bites then any other state really concerns me.
I have a baby girl who is 3 and I would like to be able to be in an area where I wouldn't worry about her if she found a snake. Non poisonous snakes aren't a concern but the toxic ones are. I noticed it states more rattlesnakes are found in the mountains. Are you referring to the ones in Western NC like Asheville? Someone mentioned the Piedmont area was a better place to live for not having the bad snakes, what cities would be in that area? Thanks!

[cakeprincess]

I rather deals with snakes than ALLIGATORS! To me, gator is terrifying! Went fishing for a bass, but caught gator! Went canoeing, gator almost tipped over our canoe! Went to backyard to bbq, gator just sit there and stare, waiting for his big meal: my dog! (luckily, no one is hurt!)

[mm34b]

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, about 8,000 people a year receive venomous snake bites in the United States, and only 9 to 15 victims (.2%) die. In fact more people die from wasp and bee stings than from snake bites. Most of the fatalities received no medical treatment or first aid. The same simple care one takes around wasp nests and busy roads also suffices to keep the risk of snake bite to acceptable levels.

Some bites, such as those inflicted when snakes are accidentally stepped on or encountered in wilderness settings, are nearly impossible to prevent. But experts say a few precautions can lower the risk of being bitten:

Leave snakes alone. Many people are bitten when they try to kill a snake or get a closer look at it.

Stay out of tall grass and remain on hiking paths as much as possible.

Keep hands and feet out of areas you can't see.

Don't pick up rocks or firewood unless you are out of a snake's striking distance. (A snake can strike half its length.)

Be cautious and alert when climbing rocks.

Living with venomous snakes is really no different than living with hornets, or other minor risks of daily life. If one finds a hornet nest, one does not disturb it. The same caution should be applied if one sees a snake. Injury may result if hornets or snakes are disturbed or harassed. However, injuries from playing sports or slipping in the bathtub are far more common than are injuries from snakes. Venomous snakes are simply not a significant human health issue in North Carolina. The appropriate response to encountering a snake is to simply walk away. Do not attempt to capture or kill it, as 70-80% of bites occur in this manner.

[Adream]

Originally Posted by mhogan10010

I live in NYC now. Most of the snakes I see are wearing Armini suits.

That's funny! I'd prefer to take my chances with the slithery snakes!

[mmdj43]

Originally Posted by VickiR

Well if they are uninvited, can't you just shoot 'em???
My husband found a black snake in the garage because of all the building going on around us...I guess they have to live somewhere...he didn't kill it, says it eats mice, etc. He threw it into some nearby woods. Trust me...I haven't seen a snake in years and don't wanna see one either!!!

Vicki

I think I'll take seeing a snake any day compared to those big flying roaches.

[Catrick]

Originally Posted by mhogan10010

Thanks - I was quite proud of that one.

Only problem with the Armini Snakes is that they won't let you kill them with a hoe.
Aw-shucks!!!

That was a good one. I guess they won't let you use golf clubs either?? Too bad. Good luck on any future encounters with them

[Niki]

Someone mentioned the Piedmont area was a better place to live for not having the bad snakes, what cities would be in that area?

Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, Burlington, Salisbury, Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, Charlotte and all towns in between. Don't venture too far east of the Raleigh area if you want to be in the Piedmont.

And, yes, Asheville and western NC is where our mountains are.