Record #:

8315

Author(s):

Snelson, Franklin F.; Palmer, William M.

Abstract:

The canebrake rattlesnake is one of the most impressive and colorful of all the eastern rattlesnakes. It commonly attains a length of almost five feet. In North Carolina it is found most frequently in the low grounds and pocosins of the Coastal Plain. Breeding occurs in the spring, and the young are born alive. Small mammals make up the main food of this snake.

Source:

Wildlife in North Carolina (NoCar SK 431 W54x), Vol. 32 Issue 2, Feb 1968, p24, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Rattlesnakes; Crotalus horridus atricaudatus

Record #:

8318

Author(s):

Snelson, Franklin F.; Palmer, William M.

Abstract:

This poisonous snake is identified by shiny rings of red, yellow, and black, completely encircling its body, a black snout, and the contact of red and yellow rings. Its habitat in the state is in the southeastern Coastal Plain. It is an elusive snake, and very little is known of its breeding habits or its young. Small snakes and lizards make up the main part of its diet.

Source:

Wildlife in North Carolina (NoCar SK 431 W54x), Vol. 32 Issue 4, Apr 1968, p11, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Micrurus; Poisonous snakes; Coral snakes

Record #:

8187

Author(s):

Snelson, Franklin F.

Abstract:

The pygmy sunfish, Elassoma zonatum, is not as well-known as the typical sunfish most people are familiar with. It is among the smallest fishes in the world, reaching a maximum size of slightly over one inch. Three known species of the pygmy sunfish exist, with two of the species occurring in North Carolina. The habitat of this fish is the soft, acidic, coffee-colored waters of the southeastern part of the state. It has few natural enemies. The diet of the pygmy sunfish consists of small crustaceans.

Source:

Wildlife in North Carolina (NoCar SK 431 W54x), Vol. 31 Issue 2, Feb 1967, p11, 27, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Sunfishes; Elassoma zonatum

Record #:

8198

Author(s):

Snelson, Franklin F.; Palmer, William M.

Abstract:

The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest and most impressive of all the venomous snakes in North Carolina. Adults measure between four and five feet, but some exceed six feet in length. This snake lives mostly in the Coastal Plain and is slow to retreat when its habitat is invaded. Its diet consists of rabbits and other small mammals.

Source:

Wildlife in North Carolina (NoCar SK 431 W54x), Vol. 31 Issue 3, Mar 1967, p23, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Eastern diamondback rattlesnake

Record #:

8201

Author(s):

Snelson, Franklin F.; Palmer, William M.

Abstract:

Because of its slender shape and the leaf green color on top of its body, the rough green snake is not easily confused with other snakes. It is probably the most arboreal of the state's native snakes, and most specimens are discovered in vines, trees, or shrubs. This snake is distributed over most of the state and in mountain regions has been found at elevations of 2,500 feet. Its preferred food is spiders and insects.

Source:

Wildlife in North Carolina (NoCar SK 431 W54x), Vol. 31 Issue 5, May 1967, p13, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Rough green snake

Record #:

6833

Author(s):

Snelson, Franklin F.; Palmer, William M.

Abstract:

The eastern hognose snake is found mostly in the coastal plain and piedmont, although it has been reported in the mountains as high as 3,000 feet. This snake is known by a number of names, including spreading adder, puff adder, and cornfield adder. What sets it apart from other snakes is the flat, slightly upturned snout. The hognose has an extremely variable coloration and is harmless to man.

Source:

Wildlife in North Carolina (NoCar SK 431 W54x), Vol. 30 Issue 1, Jan 1966, p23, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Eastern hognose snake

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 #:

8066

Author(s):

Snelson, Franklin F.; Palmer, William M.

Abstract:

The eastern garter snake is one of the most common and widely distributed of all the state's snakes. Its coloration is typically some shade of olive, green, or brown with three longitudinal yellowish stripes along its sides. It is seldom found far from moist areas, and its food consists primarily of earthworms, insects, small fish, frogs, toads, and salamanders. It is one of the most prolific species in the state, often producing fifty or more living young during the breeding season.

Source:

Wildlife in North Carolina (NoCar SK 431 W54x), Vol. 30 Issue 3, Mar 1966, p24, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Garter snakes

Record #:

8067

Author(s):

Snelson, Franklin F.; Palmer, William M.

Abstract:

This species of snake has as many vernacular names as color-pattern variations. In North Carolina it is known as the highland moccasin, pilot, poplar-leaf, white oak and red oak. In coastal areas it is often confused with the corn snake. The copperhead accounts for 90 percent of all the venomous snake bites in the state, but its bite is seldom fatal. It can be considered a beneficial snake because part of its diet consists of mice and small rodents. Breeding usually occurs in the spring and three to twelve young are produced.

Source:

Wildlife in North Carolina (NoCar SK 431 W54x), Vol. 30 Issue 4, Apr 1966, p20-21, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Copperhead

Record #:

8095

Author(s):

Snelson, Franklin F.; Palmer, William M.

Abstract:

Cottonmouths are very dangerous snakes, and their bite can be fatal. Their distribution in the state is generally limited to permanent or semi-permanent bodies of water in the Coastal Plain. This species breeds in the spring, and their young are born alive. Coloration is variable and ranges through shades of brown, olive, and sometimes yellowish. Their average length is around four feet. When aroused, the cottonmouth's rapidly vibrating tail and gaping mouth readily distinguish it from harmless water snakes.

Source:

Wildlife in North Carolina (NoCar SK 431 W54x), Vol. 30 Issue 5, May 1966, p16, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Agkistrodon piscivorus; Poisonous snakes

Record #:

8101

Author(s):

Snelson, Franklin F.; Palmer, William M.

Abstract:

The scarlet snake, one of the state's most colorful snakes, has a pattern of black-edged red blotches separated by yellow or grayish interspaces. Though harmless, it is often mistaken for the poisonous coral snake. Scarlet snakes are most abundant in the Coastal Plain, but some have been found as far west as Clay County. The largest scarlet snake ever found in the state measured two feet. It is very secretive and spends most of its time underground or under groundcover, like rotting stumps and logs. Very little is known of its breeding habits.

Source:

Wildlife in North Carolina (NoCar SK 431 W54x), Vol. 30 Issue 6, June 1966, p12, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Cemophora coccinea

Record #:

8135

Author(s):

Snelson, Franklin F.; Palmer, William M.

Abstract:

The brown water snake is harmless, but its bad temper, heavy body, and large flattened head make it appear dangerous. It is the largest of all the water snakes and has a maximum length of five feet. North Carolina's largest specimen measured fifty-seven inches in length. The brown water snake is very abundant along lakes and sluggish waterways of the Coastal Plain. It has a tendency to climb trees and bushes, often to a height of fifteen feet or more. The snake's food consists mostly of fishes.

Source:

Wildlife in North Carolina (NoCar SK 431 W54x), Vol. 30 Issue 7, July 1966, p21, 27, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Snakes; Natrix taxispilota

Record #:

8138

Author(s):

Snelson, Franklin F.; Palmer, William M.

Abstract:

The rainbow snake is a colorful, inoffensive reptile. Its average length is 3 to 3 and one-half feet. The largest ever found in North Carolina measured 4 and one-half feet. It is an aquatic snake and is rarely found any great distance from water.

Source:

Wildlife in North Carolina (NoCar SK 431 W54x), Vol. 30 Issue 8, Aug 1966, p19, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Rainbow serpent; Abastor erythrogrammus

Record #:

8170

Author(s):

Snelson, Franklin F.; Palmer, William M.

Abstract:

The Carolina pygmy rattlesnake is characterized by its small size, tiny rattle, and typical pit viper appearance. Its coloration is highly variable, running the gamut from gray to brick red. Most adult snakes measure around eighteen inches, but a few approaching two feet have been found in North Carolina. Its preferred habitat is in the Sandhills and southeastern part of the state.

Source:

Wildlife in North Carolina (NoCar SK 431 W54x), Vol. 30 Issue 9, Sept 1966, p7, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Sistrurus

Record #:

8173

Author(s):

Snelson, Franklin F.; Palmer, William M.

Abstract:

The northern water snake is harmless to man, but it is often killed by fishermen and others who believe it to be dangerous. In the state this species is found primarily in the Piedmont and in the mountains at an elevation up to 3,500 feet. Its favorite habitats are streams, rivers, lakes, and farm ponds. The water snake, a beneficial predator, prefers amphibians and fishes for food. It is of prime importance in controlling fish populations and preventing small specimens from completely taking over a water area.

Source:

Wildlife in North Carolina (NoCar SK 431 W54x), Vol. 30 Issue 10, Oct 1966, p23, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Northern water snake