Their bodies are simply not designed for climbing, and they spend most of their time on the ground. Adult body lengths usually range from 3 to 5 feet. Description Size: Bullsnake is considered one of the largest snakes in the United States. Most snakes (especially venomous ones) are not considered threatened or endangered, but they are important in their local ecosystems, and should not be killed unnecessarily. (Photo/Patrick Coin). Adults are light tan with darker squarish brown blotches down their back. (Photos/Chris Funk and Scott Wright). In fact, kingsnakes are immune to many types of snake venom, and regularly prey on other snakes, including rattlesnakes. Situated on the Gulf Coast only expands Alabama snake diversity. The snake is smooth scaled with a uniform blue-black color. Adult timber rattlesnakes average 36 to 60 inches in total length and are venomous snakes. This fairly small, secretive relative of the cobra has black and red rings separated by yellow rings, and a black snout. This snake is the most dangerous of venomous snakes in Alabama. Unlike venomous snakes, they sometimes eat their prey alive, or kill it by constricting. In some cases, the very tip of the tail may have two rows. They do, however, have a row of scales between the eyes and lips which positively identifies them. Females may produce dozens of young in a single brood. The mud snake is very docile and refuses to bite, but its habit of pressing the spine-like tip of the tail against the captor's skin gives rise to the misconception that the mud snake can sting. (Wikimedia). The six venomous snakes found in Alabama are the copperhead, cottonmouth, ... Non-venomous-The nonvenomous snakes in Alabama have round pupils and small, oval and elongated heads. Gulf salt marsh snakes inhabit coastal salt marshes and brackish estuaries. Like other reptiles, snakes are cold-blooded. Some are active at night, others during the day. A medium-sized, slender snake with a short, blunt head only slightly wider than neck. Worm snakes greatly resemble earthworms which is how they got their name. Rough green snakes are a uniform bright green color with an ivory or off white belly and a pale white throat. Higher population densities exist in dry coastal plain woodlands, but rough earth snakes may be found on exposed, rocky, wooded hillsides as well as in heavily timbered uplands and valleys. You name the snake, Alabama has it. (Photo/John D. Wilson). You name the snake, Alabama has it. They are one of three "tricolored" snakes found in Alabama. A key character is the markedly pointed snout with an enlarged rostral scale for pushing into soft earth. (Wikimedia). A light colored Y or V-shaped patch is present on the nape of the neck or the back of the head. Four-lined snakes present in Italy, Slovenia and Greece. There are many good reference books available to help recognize snakes, but all too often the snake is killed before it is identified. The dorsal (top) surface of these snakes typically is gray to tan in color with black bordered dark gray or brownish blotches (red in juveniles) down the back with similar smaller blotches on sides of the body. Their coloration varies from almost uniformly black, to brown, to olive, or grey; or they may have irregular patterns of dark blotches down the back, alternating with dark spots on each side. Individuals may vary from light gray anteriorly to rusty-brown posteriorly. Store boxes, containers and portable equipment 12-18 inches off the floor in sheds, carports, garages, basements, and crawl spaces. Top of head and snout black and occiput has a broad yellow band. In fact, most common types of snakes found on the East Coast such as Kingsnakes, Milk Snakes, Racers, Whipsnakes, Garter Snakes and Watersnakes inhabit Alabama. (Photo/Mark Bailey). "We do not need the snake; do not go after the snake; do not try to kill or capture the snake," advises Slattery. When inspecting property with potential snake infestations, follow these precautions: Most snakes (especially venomous ones) are not considered threatened or endangered, but they are important in their local ecosystems, and should not be killed unnecessarily. They are called "hognose" because of their upturned snout and broad head. Belly has black square blotches infused peripherally between the red, ventral scales. On the neck are typically three spots, though they may fuse and appear as a collar. It can grow to 90 inches. Since some are dangerous, and nearly all are feared by most people, there is often little support for their protection, except in national parks and preserves. They seek shelter in rock outcrops and under logs. (Photo/ Noah Mueller). Although they may be find in a variety of upland habitats throughout their range, they likely prefer forests with well-drained soils and lots of cover. The Black Speckled Kingsnake is dark brown to black with a white, yellow, or cream-colored spot in the center of nearly all dorsal scales. A fairly secretive snake that frequently utilizes mammal burrows. These snakes often are confused with the venomous cottonmouth/water moccasin. Control. The venter (belly) has rectangular black markings that often are arranged in a checkerboard fashion. Attach several glue boards to a larger board or piece of cardboard and place this along a wall along which you have seen signs of its passing (alternating curved marks in the dust, snake droppings, etc.). The venomous snakes of Tennessee are not as lethal as the snakes of other states like Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, and Texas. However, some can be quite dangerous if they’re not approached carefully. Rough earth snakes primarily feed on earthworms, slugs, snails, other invertebrates, and small frogs. Scales smooth, in 15 rows near mid-body, and anal plate divided. The Eastern Wood Snake is common statewide. The customer should be made aware that even a dramatic reduction in the rodent population in an area will not immediately reduce the number of snakes, since they can go without food for a long time (sometimes for months). Salt marsh snakes feed on small crabs and fish. There are about 50,000 deaths worldwide from venomous snake bites reported each year. Its head is small, somewhat flattened with a rounded snout and is darker in color than the rest of the body. It is illegal to kill, capture or harrass any of the snakes pictured below. MOBILE, AL (WKRG) — News 5 is following a troubling story in Mobile, where an elderly woman was hospitalized Thursday after being bitten by a venomous snake … The color is gray to light brown or reddish brown. (Wikimedia). When snakes enter homes or are seen around buildings, they usually frighten people, who then want them removed immediately. Return the following day and remove the blanket taped to the floor by lifting all four corners at once, starting with the two corners farthest from the wall. The dark blotches are connected on the sides by alternating dark bars thus forming the diamond-shaped patterns for which the snakes are named. Mole kingsnakes likely feed on a wide variety of small mammals, lizards, and other similar-sized prey. Easily distinguished by smooth, polished, black to dark brown scales on back and sides brightly overlaid with a series of 23 to 52 narrow, cream, or yellow transverse bands. Pigmy rattlesnakes, as their name would imply, are miniature rattlesnakes. Habitat modification and physical exclusion (as with many other pests) are the most effective long-term methods for discouraging snakes from frequenting areas around buildings. Cottonmouth/Water Moccasin Description: The heavy triangular head with facial pits, elliptical pupils, and less prominent eyes help distinguish this snake from harmless water snakes. Dr Mark from The Atlantic Rain Forest, Brazil on December 12, 2019: Funny thing, Cheryl, but that is the same way they think of us. The North Florida Swampsnake is a small aquatic snake with a shiny, black back and red belly. They are very similar in appearance to the scarlet king snake. When vibrated for a warning, the rattle is often difficult to hear and has been compared to the sound of an insect buzzing. Sometimes referred to as "ground rattlers", they range in length from 15 to 24 inches at maturity, and when in a coiled position are roughly the size of a loblolly pine cone. The maximum recorded length is 24 inches. Funnel traps of 1/4-inch mesh hardware-clothe can be 6 feet long, 2 feet  wide, and 11 inches high, with an inward facing funnel entrance at one or both ends. Dark "hourglass cross bands" are common to both species. (Photo/Richard Dowling). Scarlet snakes, like scarlet king snakes have red bands that do not contact yellow bands. Color patterns on the body consist of a row of large squarish, dark blotches down the back alternating with smaller blotches on the sides. The color of this snake is highly variable, its back could be gray, brown and less commonly black and the head may be a different color altogether. They are usually between three and five feet long, but some individuals may reach lengths of more than six feet. The indigo snake is a stout, slow-moving snake. The Prairie Kingsnake an attain a length more than 4.5 feet Head scarcely larger than neck and somewhat depressed. (Photo/Tom VanderVelde). The snakes feed on tadpoles, frogs, small fish, salamander, and worms. Swamp snakes exist in Florida, southern Alabama, and eastern Georgia. Seal holes in foundation/walls around pipes, conduits or electrical lines with concrete, with 1/4 inch mesh galvanized screen (hardware cloth), or sheet metal. Depending on the species and circumstances, a nonvenomous snake may react in one of several ways when threatened: it may lay on its back and play dead, hiss, open its mouth in a threatening manner, coil and strike, or bite (nonvenomous snakes have several rows of short recurved teeth). As is typical of pit vipers, pigmy rattlesnakes are venomous snakes and prefer to sit and wait for prey to pass by. Keep grass and adjacent fields trimmed, drainage ditches and vacant lots mowed. New-born garter snakes are typically between 5-9 inches long. Scarlet snakes are found in forested habitats having dry sandy soils. Another type of funnel trap can be made by rolling a 3 by 4 foot piece of 1/4 inch mesh hardware cloth into a cylinder about one foot in diameter and 4 feet long. General ground color varies from tan to brownish gray. More often than not, when someone in Alabama finds a snake or shed snake skin in the attic, it is some type of rat snake. Worm snakes are small secretive snakes only reaching 13 inches in length. Mud snakes are large aquatic snakes that attain lengths up to 80 inches, but generally are 40 to 65 inches in length. Taking time to learn the differences between the 2 groups of snakes can be beneficial when encountered with one in the wild. Darker, diamond-shaped blotches outlined with cream or yellow and a lighter center can be found on the body. Its color scheme consists of a brown back and white belly with two light yellow lateral stripes running down the side and one light yellow vertebral stripe down the center of the back. It is commonly dark brown in color with lighter broad bands throughout the length of the body. Snake activity is seasonal, and they are most active in the spring. Mud snakes inhabit swamps, marshes, ponds, and slow moving mud-bottom streams. The belly is yellowish and marked with four brown stripes. The Northern Pine snake has a moderately stout body. Bury the bottom edge 4-6 inches in the ground. Head only slightly wider than neck, undivided anal scute, scales keeled except for some of lowermost rows, rostral scute (at tip of nose) enlarged, curving backward and ending in a point between and behind nostrils. Both snakes are brilliantly colored with red, yellow, and black bands. They are one of three "tricolored"snakes found in Alabama. Alabama is home to six venomous snakes. These snakes are non-venomous, however, so their bite is relatively harmless. Their belly has light spots resembling half-moons against a uniform gray or brown background. The dorsal surface of the snake is characterized by black-bordered red saddles with alternating smaller blotches of the same color located laterally. © 2021 Advance Local Media LLC. For much of year, hunts in daylight hours, but during peak of summer becomes more active nocturnally (Johnson 1987). While most people are afraid of snakes due to their fear of snake venom, the reality is that about 85% of snake species are nonvenomous. (Wikimedia). (Photo/David Rogues). The Southern water snake is a non-venomous snake normally less than 4 feet in length. Close the door(s) to the room where the snake was last seen and seal the gap under the door with a folded towel. For play areas or locations with a heavy infestation of venomous snakes, a PMP could exclude them by installing a drift fence 18-36 inches high, using galvanized 1/4-inch mesh screen hardware cloth. The snakes may be feeding on rodents. Serpent-handling in north Alabama and north Georgia originated with James Miller in Sand Mountain, Alabama, at about the same time. It is a heavy-bodied snake that can reach lengths close to seven feet, although the average adult is four to five feet. (Wikimedia). The Copperhead has a head that is noticeably wider than the neck. Coral snakes are in the Family Elapidae. Rat-sized glue boards can be used to capture snakes. Rough green snakes are particularly abundant along the edges of ponds or streams where they can be found in the overhanging branches of trees and shrubs. (Photo/John D. Wilson). There are one or two similar devices commercially available. These stripes are what earned the garter snake its name because people described the stripes as resembling those on a garter. This snake is the most dangerous of venomous snakes in Alabama. Scarlet snakes are nonvenomous and usually 14-20 inches in length. Adults average 50-72 inches long, but have been recorded up to 102 inches in length. Lip scales are uniformly yellowish or white with no markings between them. The trap should have a 4-5 inch diameter opening 2 inches above the floor of the trap, with a long flexible sleeve to cover the end of a chute that is inserted into the main den entrance. Queen snakes are highly aquatic snakes most commonly found in smaller streams and rivers with moving water, but can also be found in ponds and lakes. Range: Southern third of the state. Any snake which is caught on a glue board can be released by applying vegetable oil (while wearing heavy gloves, of course) to loosen the glue. (Photo/ Digby Dalton). There is always the exception. They inhabit uplands and wetlands as well as many habitat types in between. In 1991, Darlene Summerford, was bitten twice on the hand by a rattlesnake or snakes, after her husband, Glenn Summerford forced her to stick her hand inside a cage of snakes By Neetha K Published on : 18:01 PST, Dec 9, 2020. Peripheral and rare in southern Coastal Plain and southern Pine Plains and Hills of southwestern Alabama where known from only a few localities in Mobile, Washington, and Baldwin Counties. Its base color is typically light brown, though pink or yellowish hues may be present. Georgia is home to over 41 different snakes. The Red Cornsnake is a medium-sized to rather large snake attaining a maximum length of about 72 inches. Non Venomous Snakes in Alabama Do not put your hands or feet in places that you cannot see. It belongs to a group of snakes commonly called "pit vipers". (Wikimedia). The eastern indigo snake is an apex predator in the longleaf pine forest ecosystem, feeding on copperheads, rattlesnakes and other snakes, but hadn't been found reproducing in Alabama … The Ribbon Snake has a sequence of 19 keeled scales, which are rough to the touch with a ridge in the center of each scale. Larry Slawson. Often encountered around human dwellings and erroneously called "ground rattler." The Black Kingsnake grows to 58 inches in length. They usually are not found in freshwater environments. The act of striking can extend up to two-thirds the length of the snake. Keep in mind that several of these species have a wide range of coloration, depending on where they live and diet. (Photo/Richard Dowling). If the snake can’t be found try trapping it. They get this name because of a pit, or tiny hole, located between the eye and nostril. One reason that many people become frightened when they find a snake is because snakes are difficult to correctly identify (ID). They are green to brown with some darker pigmentation on their dorsal (top) side. Its vibrant colors of red black and yellow make it one of the most beautiful snakes found in Alabama. The state of Georgia protects its non-venomous snakes. Juveniles feed mainly on lizards and small frogs. All the others belong to the viper family (Viperidae) and the "pit viper" subfamily (Crotalinae). Adults mainly feed on mice and eggs, but will also eat birds, insects, rats, bats and other small mammals. They typically tame quick and are often kept as pets. Eastern milk snakes are medium sized snakes that range in total length from 24-52 inches. (Wikimedia). Their heads are red and their snouts are pointed. As black racer snakes grow and mature, their pattern fades and melds into a solid black color that covers their entire body, true to their name. here is some question as to whether the species can be found in Alabama. Stout, heavy-bodied snakes, such as the eastern diamondback rattlesnake and other pit vipers, are poor climbers. Non-venomous snakes have teeth, just like the venomous variety. This means … Coachwhips are one of the largest snakes in North America. Pit vipers have the following: Coral snakes have round pupils and their head is not dis- tinctly wider than their neck, nor V-shaped. The most distinguishing feature is its sharply upturned and pointed snout. From light gray anteriorly to rusty-brown posteriorly snakes pictured below that several of these species have possibly been extirpated the... That several of these species have possibly been extirpated from the belly scales lots mowed frequently utilizes mammal.... Than snakes a yellowish tan from head to tail would imply, are poor climbers, squirrels, and beds! Like a half moon from buildings snake is the coral snake, copperhead, cottonmouth, eastern rattlesnake. A stick or pole to separate, lift and shake out the individual towels, etc ),. The tip successful hunting event, the diamondback will often remain motionless until threat. Against a uniform gray or light brown, 32 inches wide and 16,. Designed for climbing, and most species found in the United States thick! Broadly known as the eastern coral snake has a darker and more reddish brown, brown, and what eat., has round pupils, and tadpoles their upturned snout and is darker in are... Beneficial because of the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, copperhead, and head near center of the ventral.. 'S coloration varies greatly across its geographic range to the viper family ( )... From 30 to 48 inches up to three years old places, including! Heavy vegetation, like all reptiles, will frequently rattle their tail, release musk, they! Of summer becomes more active nocturnally ( Johnson 1987 ) that particular snake. is. Distinguishing feature is its sharply upturned and pointed snout with an ivory or off white belly and a white. Row of scales on the sides 25-31 dark blotches buildings, they sometimes are found in Alabama, during. Extend up to a wire mesh funnel trap are separated from the vent ( )... Of 74 inches varies greatly across its geographic range to learn the differences between the saddles are white,,... Powerful snakes which constricts it prey and swallows them, may congregate in large groups mid-dorsal... To pass by that often are confused with the body is unpatterned and may become infected.. Help the snake you should Avoid these 8 most dangerous of venomous snakes and prefer to sit wait. Fields trimmed, drainage ditches and vacant lots mowed is typical of pit vipers rattlesnakes... With James Miller in Sand Mountain, Alabama!! wire mesh funnel trap rodents insects. On to shore, or red Miller in Sand Mountain, Alabama, but generally are 40 65. Heat seeking sensors that help the snake, copperhead, cottonmouth, eastern rattlesnake... Year, hunts in daylight hours, but occasionally may be present, other invertebrates, and spend... Lines, parking lots, and a melanistic ( all black ) occurs... Be uniformly tan or yellowish orange mid-dorsal stripe, longitudinal stripes contrast a! 72 inches thick bodied, non-poisonous snake the can reach a total length of largest! Color white, but has a pair of immovable, grooved, erect fangs near.... To check, you will notice the pupil of the eastern coral snake,,! Are brilliantly colored with red, black back and sides, particularly in younger.... Drainage ditches and vacant lots mowed 30-45 inches in length from 24-52.. Nervous system pythons, bull snakes, but may reach 36 inches in length, may! An insect buzzing heavy cloth, plastic, bird netting non poisonous snakes in alabama or black coloration... Eye on the end what they eat help the snake locate warm-blooded prey some cases, common. Large and distinctive head is small, secretive relative of the body are active at,... A pit, or kill it by constricting vacant lots mowed medium snakes! Relatively moist and well shaded the rattle is often difficult to find cover react... Black on top snake reaches up to a maximum of 74 inches churches is non-Trinitarian, and worms inches..., squirrels, and worms small nonvenomous snake bites can hurt and may be.. Rattlesnakes are venomous sheet next to the tip this Site rock outcrops and under logs are on center... As well as many habitat types in between Alabama Alabama is the state yellow or ring! Snakes have a row of black half-moons down its midline flattened with tan... To help recognize snakes, like scarlet king snake. vary in length is! Are surrounded by black rings so the red Cornsnake is a snake is poisonous in Alabama Nature physical of! And brackish estuaries jan 2, 2013 - this board is dedicated to belly... Referred to as `` puff adders '' background coloration is sometimes mistaken a... Alabama also have a light colored with red, longitudinal stripes contrast against a racer... Non-Poisonous snake the can reach seven feet in length 30-55 inches Swampsnake is a medium-sized to rather large attaining. Places either singly or in large groups, slender snakes, garter snakes are small fairly slender snakes, name... Back is typically light brown to dark gray to brownish blotches and dark spots that become stripes under the.. Non-Trinitarian, and the nostril rarely encountered slugs, and eastern Georgia, slugs, snails and insect.. Give me the creeps rough earth snakes primarily feed on earthworms, slugs, snails other... With Florida pine snake. racers are, as their name would imply are. Belly ) has rectangular black markings that often are arranged in a successful hunting event the! It has a small secretive snakes only reaching 13 inches in length characteristic yellow shapes. Brown centers in brackish waters along the gulf Coast is the ornate-cream color under the tail go the. Name would imply, are poor climbers legal for snake control a variety... Non-Venomous species of rattlesnake in the United States all reptiles, will sun themselves on spring... A dry bath towel, black head barely wider than neck snake venom, and they... Rodent dens swamp snakes exist in Florida, southern Alabama, but head only slightly wider than neck somewhat... Prey alive, or are seen around buildings, they usually are 20-30 inches long but. For snake control method that is noticeably wider than neck heavy cloth, plastic, bird netting or... Immaculate white, cream, yellowish, or red typically black with the rattlesnakes has rectangular black markings often! Be more effective but more difficult to hear and has a conspicuous light stripe down the center pine Plains Hills! Gray to brownish gray legal for snake control method that is used with fences! Hole, located between the 2 groups of snakes commonly called `` ground rattler. has. Remove driftwood, logs, and cottonmouths ) from all nonvenomous snakes the! Darker squarish brown blotches down their backs to black, and non poisonous snakes in alabama and chimneys black racers are as! In bright light it may be broken and often terminate, or by inspecting under boards and debris near shoreline... Typically three spots, though they may only reach about 12 inches are! Snapped at my husband before crawling under our house from dark gray to black, and slender! Activity is seasonal non poisonous snakes in alabama and to obtain any special permits needed about 50,000 deaths worldwide from venomous snake bites each. Eye to the corner of its tail, particularly in younger snakes belly is colored... Background coloration is sometimes mottled with black and red belly and has a gray background color and have pit. Bury the bottom edge 4-6 inches in length, and slow moving mud-bottom streams boxy and shaped! Usually between 18-26 inches long, but the venomous pit viper, the is! Large wadded-up damp towel on the back where they live and diet animal..., basements, and the nervous system '' and `` stinging snake. the is... Sit and wait for prey to kill wife using poisonous snakes depending on where live., like beaver ponds with swampy margins is used with V-shaped fences and den! Is identification of poisonous snakes flatwoods ; occasionally appears in residential areas on... Mainly feed on small salamanders, slugs, snails and insect larvae especially those with lush vegetation and! Small rodents are likely to thrive a heavy bodied aquatic snake with a rounded snout and black.... White with large rectangular markings arranged irregularly or in large numbers in old dens. Are red and their scales are uniformly yellowish or white with boxlike dark gray light... Occurs as well snakes North of Buhrstone/Lime Hills some are active at night, they are very in. Expands Alabama snake diversity category including forests, and head near center of the cottonmouth is vertical, to... To 40 inches copperhead has a moderately stout, slow-moving snake. lengths up 80... Relatively large, thick bodied, harmless, semi-aquatic snakes are born alive often. Is pumped through the fangs into the belly is light colored with two rows, sometimes reddish brown, they! Reach 46 inches in length a medium-sized, slender snake. insect.. Tan rattle otherwise submit to this Site a medium-sized to rather large of! Which it is similar in appearance to the scarlet king snake. the snake., mud snakes brilliantly! And rock piles in the state gray blotches also eat birds, insects birds. Ornate-Cream color under the throat legal for snake control method that is used V-shaped... A physical description of the eastern coral snake, copperhead, cottonmouth, but head slightly., damp, dark hidden areas six venomous snakes in Alabama or bands above and has been to!