Record #:

8065

Author(s):

Snelson, Franklin F.; Palmer, William M.

Abstract:

The eastern coachwhip attains the greatest length of any North Carolina snake. The largest one ever recorded measured seven feet nine inches. It prefers dry areas of sand, pine, and scrub oak, and is found mostly in the Sandhills region. In the Coastal Plain it ranges as far north as Carteret and Craven Counties. This snake feeds on small mammals, birds and their eggs, and smaller snakes. Because it is elusive, there is very little known about the snake's young or its breeding habits in the state.

Source:

Wildlife in North Carolina (NoCar SK 431 W54x), Vol. 30 Issue 2, Feb 1966, p26, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Masticophis flagellum

Record #:

9400

Author(s):

Beane, Jeff

Abstract:

The coachwhip is North Carolina's longest snake with a record length of 8 and one-half feet. The snake is characterized by a slender body, extremely fast movement, defensive action when cornered or restrained, and alert and active in extremely hot weather. In the southeastern section of the state, the snake inhabits sand ridges, pine flatwoods, beach dunes, and other dry, open, sandy habitats. In 1999, Beane became the first person in North Carolina to radio-track a coachwhip. His article records the experience.

Source:

Wildlife in North Carolina (NoCar SK 431 W54x), Vol. 71 Issue 9, Sept 2007, p8-13, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Masticophis flagellum