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