Are you curious about the diverse snake population in Alabama? Look no further! This article will give you an overview of the most common snake species found in this southern state. From the venomous Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake to the non-venomous Rat Snake, you’ll discover the fascinating world of these slithering creatures that call Alabama home. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just want to be informed about your surroundings, this article will provide you with valuable insights into the most common snakes in Alabama. So, let’s embark on this friendly snake adventure together!
Copperhead
Physical Characteristics
The Copperhead snake, also known as Agkistrodon contortrix, is a venomous snake that can grow up to 2 to 3 feet in length. It gets its name from the copper-like coloration on its head and is easily recognizable by its hourglass-shaped bands on its body. The top of the Copperhead’s head is usually a reddish-brown color, while its body is a combination of various shades of brown and tan.
Habitat and Range
Copperheads are found throughout Alabama and are most commonly spotted in wooded areas with a mix of open fields. They prefer moist environments such as forests, swamps, and rocky hillsides. These snakes can adapt to different habitats, making them quite versatile in terms of range. They can be found in the eastern United States from Texas to New England and are considered one of the most widespread venomous snakes in North America.
Behavior and Diet
Copperheads are generally docile snakes and prefer to avoid confrontation with humans or other animals. They are known to be more active during the evening and nighttime, especially during warmer seasons. These snakes are excellent swimmers and climbers, allowing them to access a variety of prey. Their diet primarily consists of small mammals, such as mice, voles, and bats, but they can also feed on birds, amphibians, and insects.
Venomous Nature
While Copperheads are venomous, their venom is relatively mild compared to other venomous snake species. Bites from Copperheads are rarely fatal, but can still cause significant pain, swelling, and tissue damage. It is crucial to seek medical attention if bitten by a Copperhead to prevent any potential complications. As with any snake, it is best to keep a safe distance and avoid provoking them to reduce the risk of a bite.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Physical Characteristics
The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, scientifically known as Crotalus adamanteus, is one of the largest venomous snakes in North America. It has distinctive diamond-shaped patterns along its back, which give it its name. These snakes can reach lengths of up to 6 to 8 feet and possess a triangular-shaped head.
Habitat and Range
The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is native to the southeastern United States, including Alabama. They prefer a variety of habitats, including pine forests, coastal dunes, and palmetto thickets. These snakes are known to seek out sandy or well-drained soils for burrowing.
Behavior and Diet
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes are primarily active during the night, particularly in the warmer months. These snakes are typically solitary creatures, but they can congregate in specific locations, such as hibernation sites or during mating season. Their diet consists mainly of small mammals like rabbits, rats, and mice. They ambush their prey, striking them with their venomous fangs before swallowing them whole.
Venomous Nature
The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake possesses potent venom that it delivers through its fangs. Their venom contains various enzymes and toxins that can lead to severe tissue damage, organ failure, and even death if left untreated. It is crucial to exercise caution and avoid approaching or provoking these snakes to prevent snakebite incidents.
Cottonmouth
Physical Characteristics
The Cottonmouth, scientifically known as Agkistrodon piscivorus, is a venomous water snake that is typically found in and around aquatic habitats. It is a stout-bodied snake, growing up to 2 to 4 feet in length. Cottonmouths have distinctive triangular-shaped heads and, as the name suggests, a white or cream-colored mouth lining that they display as a warning when threatened.
Habitat and Range
Cottonmouths are commonly found throughout Alabama and are primarily associated with wetland areas like swamps, marshes, and streams. These snakes are strong swimmers and can often be seen in or near bodies of water, basking on logs or rocks along the shoreline.
Behavior and Diet
Cottonmouths are known for their aggressive behavior, often standing their ground and displaying their open mouths when feeling threatened. Despite their reputation, they are generally hesitant to bite and will typically try to escape when given the opportunity. Their diet consists mainly of fish, which they capture by lying in wait near the water’s edge before striking their prey.
Venomous Nature
Cottonmouths are highly venomous, and their bites can cause significant pain, swelling, and tissue damage. It is crucial to exercise caution when near their habitat, especially around bodies of water, where they are most commonly encountered. If bitten by a Cottonmouth, immediate medical attention is necessary to mitigate the effects of their venom.
Western Cottonmouth
Physical Characteristics
The Western Cottonmouth, also known as Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma, is a venomous water snake closely related to its eastern counterpart. Similar in appearance, it has a stout body and triangular-shaped head with a white or cream-colored mouth lining. It is slightly smaller in size, averaging around 2 feet in length.
Habitat and Range
The Western Cottonmouth is predominantly found in western Alabama, along with parts of neighboring states. This species mainly inhabits freshwater habitats, including swamps, lakes, and slow-moving streams. They are often seen basking in the sun near the water’s edge or floating in the water, with just their heads above the surface.
Behavior and Diet
Western Cottonmouths share similar behaviors and dietary preferences to their eastern counterparts. These snakes are mainly active during the warmer months and are known to be adept swimmers. Their diet primarily consists of fish, amphibians, small mammals, and occasionally birds. They capture their prey using a combination of striking and constricting techniques.
Venomous Nature
Like the Eastern Cottonmouth, the Western Cottonmouth is venomous and can deliver a painful and potentially dangerous bite. Their venom contains powerful proteins that can cause tissue necrosis and other systemic effects if left untreated. It is essential to give these snakes a wide berth and not to provoke or handle them, reducing the risk of an unwarranted snakebite.
Eastern Coral Snake
Physical Characteristics
The Eastern Coral Snake, scientifically known as Micrurus fulvius, is a venomous snake with distinctive red, yellow, and black banding along its body. It is relatively small, averaging around 2 feet in length. The coral snake’s venomous nature is often indicated by the following mnemonic: “Red touches yellow, kill a fellow; red touches black, venom lack.”
Habitat and Range
The Eastern Coral Snake is found in various habitats throughout Alabama, including pine and hardwood forests, as well as coastal plains. These snakes are mainly associated with well-drained sandy or loamy soils. They are secretive and tend to spend most of their time hidden, such as under leaf litter or in burrows.
Behavior and Diet
Eastern Coral Snakes are shy and reclusive, preferring to avoid confrontation. They are primarily active during the night and early morning hours, often venturing out after rainfall. Their diet mainly consists of smaller snakes, such as earth snakes, as well as lizards and small amphibians. Coral snakes have a unique method of capturing prey, using their venom to immobilize and consume their victims.
Venomous Nature
The bite of an Eastern Coral Snake is highly venomous and can result in severe neurotoxic effects. Although they are relatively rare, their venom can lead to respiratory paralysis and potentially be fatal if not treated promptly. Given their venomous nature, it is essential to exercise caution and avoid handling or disturbing coral snakes in their natural habitat.
Rough Green Snake
Physical Characteristics
The Rough Green Snake, scientifically known as Opheodrys aestivus, is a non-venomous snake that is commonly encountered in Alabama. It has a slender body and is predominantly bright green in color, often with a yellow underside. These snakes can grow up to 2 to 3 feet in length and have keeled scales, giving them a rough appearance.
Habitat and Range
Rough Green Snakes are prevalent in various habitats across Alabama, including forests, grasslands, and swamps. They are excellent climbers and can be found in trees, shrubs, or tall grass. These snakes are more commonly observed during the day, basking in the sun or foraging for insects in vegetation.
Behavior and Diet
Rough Green Snakes have a docile and non-aggressive temperament, making them a popular choice among reptile enthusiasts. They are primarily insectivorous, with their diet consisting of various insects, spiders, and occasionally small invertebrates. When threatened, these snakes may freeze and try to blend in with surrounding vegetation.
Non-Venomous Nature
Unlike their venomous counterparts, Rough Green Snakes are harmless and pose no threat to humans. They are gentle and rarely bite, relying on their camouflage and secretive nature for protection. When encountered, it is best to observe them from a distance and avoid disturbing their natural habitat.
Black Rat Snake
Physical Characteristics
The Black Rat Snake, scientifically known as Pantherophis alleghaniensis, is a non-venomous constrictor commonly found in Alabama. These snakes have a slender build and can grow up to 4 to 6 feet in length. As the name suggests, they typically have a black or dark brown coloration, with keeled scales that give them a rough texture.
Habitat and Range
Black Rat Snakes are adaptable and can be found in various habitats throughout Alabama, including forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas. They are proficient climbers and can often be seen scaling trees or other vertical structures. These snakes are more active during the day, especially in the warmer months.
Behavior and Diet
Black Rat Snakes are agile hunters, employing a combination of ambush and pursuit techniques. Their diet consists mainly of small mammals, birds, and occasionally reptiles. These snakes play a vital role in controlling rodent populations, making them beneficial to human settlements and agricultural areas.
Non-Venomous Nature
As a non-venomous species, Black Rat Snakes are harmless to humans and typically have a docile temperament. Although they may hiss or strike defensively when threatened, they rarely bite and are not considered a significant danger. It is important to respect their space and avoid unnecessary handling to ensure their well-being and prevent undue stress.
Eastern Garter Snake
Physical Characteristics
The Eastern Garter Snake, scientifically known as Thamnophis sirtalis, is a non-venomous snake commonly encountered in Alabama. It has a slender body and distinctive longitudinal stripes that extend from its head to the tail. The coloration of these snakes can vary, but they typically have a combination of green, brown, or black stripes on a lighter background.
Habitat and Range
Eastern Garter Snakes can be found throughout Alabama in a wide range of habitats, including grasslands, forests, wetlands, and suburban areas. They are highly adaptable and are often seen near bodies of water, including ponds, streams, and marshes. These snakes are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk.
Behavior and Diet
Garter Snakes are diurnal hunters that primarily feed on small invertebrates, including earthworms, slugs, and insects. They are also known to consume amphibians and small fish. These snakes are often seen basking in the sun to regulate their body temperature and may hibernate during colder months.
Non-Venomous Nature
Eastern Garter Snakes are harmless to humans and play an essential role in maintaining the balance of local ecosystems. They are generally non-aggressive and tend to flee when encountered. Garter snakes possess a mild venom that is only effective against their prey and poses no significant risk to humans. It is important to appreciate their ecological value and avoid unnecessary disturbance.
Northern Water Snake
Physical Characteristics
The Northern Water Snake, scientifically known as Nerodia sipedon, is a non-venomous aquatic snake that is commonly found in Alabama. It has a robust body with a dark brown or black coloration and reddish-brown blotches along its back. These snakes can grow up to 3 to 4 feet in length and have keeled scales.
Habitat and Range
Northern Water Snakes inhabit various aquatic environments, including rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes across Alabama. They are strong swimmers and are well-adapted to their semi-aquatic lifestyle. These snakes can often be observed basking on rocks or logs near the water’s edge.
Behavior and Diet
Northern Water Snakes are diurnal hunters that primarily feed on small fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. They are known for their ability to catch prey both in water and on land. When threatened, these snakes may release a foul-smelling musk and engage in aggressive behavior, but they generally prefer to escape rather than confront potential threats.
Non-Venomous Nature
Despite their aggressive demeanor when cornered, Northern Water Snakes are non-venomous and pose no significant threat to humans. They serve a critical ecological function by controlling populations of small fish and other aquatic organisms. It is best to observe these snakes from a distance and refrain from unnecessary handling to avoid causing stress or harm.
Brown Snake
Physical Characteristics
The Brown Snake, scientifically known as Storeria dekayi, is a non-venomous snake that is frequently encountered in Alabama. It has a slender body, averaging 9 to 13 inches in length, and ranges in color from brown to gray. These snakes have distinctive keeled scales, giving their skin a rough texture.
Habitat and Range
Brown Snakes are adaptable and can be found in various habitats throughout Alabama, including woodlands, meadows, and suburban areas. They prefer moist environments and are often seen near water sources, such as streams or ponds. These snakes are more active during the night and early morning hours.
Behavior and Diet
Brown Snakes are docile and usually try to escape when confronted. They mainly feed on small invertebrates, including slugs, earthworms, and insects. These snakes play a beneficial role in controlling pest populations, making them welcome residents in gardens and other natural areas.
Non-Venomous Nature
As a non-venomous species, Brown Snakes are harmless to humans and pose no significant danger. They are generally tolerant of human presence and may even seek refuge in gardens or around buildings. While harmless, it is important to handle them with care and avoid unnecessary disturbance to ensure their well-being.
