The black racer is a relatively long and slender snake. Close door vents and put tape over the registers. Most poisonous snakes have a pupil that resembles a cat's; an oblong shape with peaked ends, like a slit in the center of the eye. The Southern water snake also has a dark stripe extending from the eye to the corner of its mouth. Mississippi green water snakes prefer calm waters such as lakes, ponds, swamps, marshes, or bayous. Remove driftwood, logs, and brush along ponds, and other  waterways. (Photos/Chris Funk and Scott Wright). 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. It is illegal to kill, capture or harrass any of the snakes pictured below. There are “genuinely” non-venomous snakes, such as pythons, bull snakes, boas and king snakes. Scarlet snakes, like scarlet king snakes have red bands that do not contact yellow bands. Non-venomous snakes usually have round pupils. © 2021 Advance Local Media LLC. Juveniles feed mainly on lizards and small frogs. The Eastern Wood Snake is common statewide. This snake inhabits open woodlands and patches of savanna or rocky terrain in the midst of forested country. When in crawl spaces or similar enclosed areas that might be infested, maintain communication with another person. Put the fence posts on the inside of the fence and make sure the gate fits snugly. Mole kingsnakes have dark brown or reddish, saddle-like blotches along their back; along its side are additional blotches that alternate in spacing with the dorsal pattern. There are three ways to tell pit vipers (rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths) from all nonvenomous snakes in the United States. (Photo/Nick Scobel). Lengths up to 5 feet have been reported. This is certainly a great list of dangerous snakes and I do not want to see any of them close up. Non-venomous snakes have a round eye pupil and have no pit between the eye and the nostril. As is typical of pit vipers, pigmy rattlesnakes are venomous snakes and prefer to sit and wait for prey to pass by. There are diagonal, whitish stripes on the side of the triangular head. Eastern coachwhips are nonpoisonous snakes. One note is that they are seldom found in extremely dry habitats. Dry areas such as old fields, forest openings and hardwood hammocks are also utilized. The northern copperhead usually has a darker and more reddish brown body color. Snake control can be a very time consuming problem which generally requires action by the property owner, but many people are unwilling or untrained to capture and remove snakes. Cottomouth snakes, also known as Water Mocassins, are often found in or around water, generally within the Southeastern States, such as North Carolina to Florida.As there are a plethora of water snakes, many often mistake other snakes for this venomous predator. Most are beneficial because of the rodents and insects they eat, and most species found in the U.S. are non-venomous. The longest one on record was almost 70 inches long. This member of the genus Nerodia is unusual in that it is the only striped member of the group. They are called "hognose" because of their upturned snout and broad head. Cheryl E Preston from Roanoke on December 12, 2019: Snakes give me the creeps. It is commonly dark brown in color with lighter broad bands throughout the length of the body. You Should Avoid These 8 Most Dangerous Spots In Alabama Nature. Venomous snakes are species that produce venom, a poison … They sometimes take to the water in pursuit of prey. Traps used at den entrances should be about 40 inches long, 32 inches wide and 16 inches high. Reprinted from the National Pest Management Association  (2000). The maximum recorded length is 24 inches. This snake can be found hiding under leaf litter, logs, and other cover objects within hardwood forests and around wetland edges. The snakes may be feeding on rodents. Live snake trapping is a snake control method that is used with V-shaped fences and at den entrances. All other den openings must be sealed. (Photo/Richard Dowling). It can grow to 90 inches. Females are generally larger than males. When encountered, the diamondback will often remain motionless until a threat is perceived or the snake is actually touched. 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 belly is yellowish and marked with four brown stripes. This group includes the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake, pygmy rattlesnake, copperhead, and cottonmouth. The North Florida Swampsnake is a small aquatic snake with a shiny, black back and red belly. 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. They seek shelter in rock outcrops and under logs. The Copperhead has a head that is noticeably wider than the neck. The sixth venomous snake in Alabama is the coral snake. The Black Kingsnake grows to 58 inches in length. Often makes a startlingly loud hissing sound when cornered and frightened. The venom of the eastern diamondback rattlesnake attacks blood, tissue, and the nervous system. On many specimens a reddish dorsal stripe runs between the crossbands. 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. Place the bundle in a garbage bag. There are commercially available snake repellents, but their effectiveness is variable and should always be used in conjunction with a more comprehensive Integrated Pest Management plan, such as the snake control and snake removal services available from Critter Control. Only 12 species found in the U.S. are on the Endangered Species List. Click on a photograph below to learn more about that particular snake. (Photo/Patrick Coin). The topside of the snake contains the characteristic yellow diamond shapes surrounding black and brown centers. 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. A couple narrow stripes may be seen running down the length of the body. However, some federal, and many state and local laws may restrict the choices of "acceptable" control methods. (Wikimedia). Eastern garter snakes are small to medium sized. 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. Miller apparently developed his belief independently of any knowledge of Hensley's ministry. Four-lined snakes present in Italy, Slovenia and Greece. (Photo/Tom VanderVelde). Several snake control methods can be used to discourage snakes from frequenting an area, prevent them from entering buildings, and to safely capture individual snakes that have strayed indoors. The most distinguishing feature is its sharply upturned and pointed snout. Mississippi green water snakes are medium sized snakes, 30-45 inches in length, and no distinctive field marks. They typically tame quick and are often kept as pets. The belly is a yellow to orange with a single row of black half-moons down its midline. Official Web Site of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Southern Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus punctatus) Southern Ring … They often can be seen sunning on logs or overhanging branches from which they drop into the water when alarmed. A small secretive snake of damp pine flatwoods; occasionally appears in residential areas. Description Size: Bullsnake is considered one of the largest snakes in the United States. (wikimedia). The top of their head is a copper color, hence the name copperhead. 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. Non Venomous Snakes in Alabama Snakes are predators and eat a wide variety of animals, including rodents, insects, birds' eggs, and young birds. Non-Venomous Snakes. For most of the body, spots give snake a salt-and-pepper appearance. Scales shiny and smooth; lower scale rows with a faint, longitudinal line, giving the appearance of keeled scales. Coral snakes are in the Family Elapidae. Occurs in greatest abundance around abandoned farms and other places where small rodents are likely to thrive. The belly is plain white or cream-colored. 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. Unlike venomous snakes, they sometimes eat their prey alive, or kill it by constricting. Adult garter snakes are usually between 18-26 inches long, but may reach 36 inches in length. Red milk snakes are usually associated with dry, open woodlands and woodland edges. These snakes have keeled scales. One reason that many people become frightened when they find a snake is because snakes are difficult to correctly identify (ID). Adult snakes usually vary in length from 30 to 48 inches up to a maximum of 74 inches. While looking for the snake you should try to determine how it got into the house (through vents, holes, etc). (Wikimedia). It has a slate blue to gray-black body. Alabama Non-Venomous Snakes. A fairly secretive snake that frequently utilizes mammal burrows. Coachwhips are one of the largest snakes in North America. This snake has a highly variable color pattern. This species is a small snake, typically less than 16 inches, with a blunt head. The rattle is composed of hollow, interlocking segments that click against each other when the tail vibrates. (Photo/David Rogues). Sloping the fence outward (from vertical) at a 30-degree angle may be more effective but more difficult to install. When vibrated for a warning, the rattle is often difficult to hear and has been compared to the sound of an insect buzzing. Pigmy rattlesnakes, as their name would imply, are miniature rattlesnakes. The body may be colored from a light brown to tan or pinkish in the southern copperhead. The eastern smooth earthsnake is a small, slightly stout, plain-colored snake with a conical head. Do not approach within striking range (usually about 1/3 of the snake's body length) while attempting to identify, kill, or capture snakes, until you are property trained and equipped. The adult snake reaches up to a length of 1.8 meters. The U.S. state of Alabama is home to 93 indigenous reptile species, not including subspecies.Indigenous species include one species of crocodilian, 12 lizard species, 49 snake species, and 31 turtle species. The Brown Snake is common essentially statewide, but lack of records from much of southeastern Coastal Plain may reflect actual scarcity or absence there. Although it has been documented in the Perdido River, Alabama's boundary with Florida, specimens within Alabama proper have been identified as the very similar Western Green Watersnake. Dark bands may be visible on both the snake's back and sides, particularly in younger snakes. Situated on the Gulf Coast only expands Alabama snake diversity. Range: Southern third of the state. Also known as a Water Moccasin, these snakes will vibrate their tails when excited. Their red bands are wider than are their black and yellow bands. The Glossy Crayfish Snake is a small and slender snake. Coachwhips are slender bodied snakes relative to their length. The indigo snake is a stout, slow-moving snake. Remove or store firewood, lumber, rock piles, pallets and old equipment 12-18 inches off the ground and away from buildings. A short, stout bodied, nonpoisonous snake. Timber rattlesnakes eat small mammals such as mice, chipmunks, squirrels, and occasionally frogs and birds. The bellies of diamondback water snakes are yellow with dark spots. Variations in color are noticeable in gray rat snakes with individuals in south Alabama being much lighter than those found elsewhere in the state. Gulf salt marsh snakes inhabit coastal salt marshes and brackish estuaries. Water snakes eat frogs, fish, and tadpoles. Appalachian preacher tried to kill wife using poisonous snakes. The coloration of this species varies from blackish to yellowish to pinkish, or grayish with dark, bent crossbands aligned along the dorsal length of its body. The belly is generally yellowish to white. The head has various markings of red bordered by black on top. In recent years, many sharks have been spotted near the shoreline. This snake frequents canals, ditches, cypress ponds, lakes, and swamps, especially those with lush vegetation. In fact, kingsnakes are immune to many types of snake venom, and regularly prey on other snakes, including rattlesnakes. The wedge-shaped, black head barely wider than neck. Jan 2, 2013 - This board is dedicated to the wonderful snakes found in the area where I live, Alabama!!. Many people mistake them for a venomous species because of their broad head. Stout, heavy-bodied snakes, such as the eastern diamondback rattlesnake and other pit vipers, are poor climbers. The Southern water snake is a non-venomous snake normally less than 4 feet in length. Swamp snakes exist in Florida, southern Alabama, and eastern Georgia. Most have a light brown to grey background color and have dark brown to black blotches/bands on their backs. Top of head and snout black and occiput has a broad yellow band. It is sometimes mistaken for a black racer or black pine snake. (Wikimedia). Do not put your hands or feet in places that you cannot see. Individuals may vary from light gray anteriorly to rusty-brown posteriorly. Adults are usually between 20 and 32 inches in length, but occasionally may be as long as 40 inches. (Photo/Mark Bailey). While on the beach, always keep a close eye on the water. The average size of an adult snake is 14 to 20 inches. In Alabama we have several types of rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouth water moccassains, and coral snakes. Once a snake is in a building, it may be very difficult to find. There are about 50,000 deaths worldwide from venomous snake bites reported each year. The dorsal surface of the snake is characterized by black-bordered red saddles with alternating smaller blotches of the same color located laterally. The nonvenomous snakes in Alabama also have round pupils and small heads. These include Hognose snakes, Garter snakes and Rat snakes, to name a few. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. (Wikimedia). The venomous snakes of Tennessee are not as lethal as the snakes of other states like Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, and Texas. If you do get close enough to check, you will notice the pupil of the cottonmouth is vertical, opposed to round. A large snake of dry, periodically burned open pine or mixed pine-scrub oak forest with abundant groundcover vegetation. (Wikimedia). The Eastern Kingsnake is a relatively long 3-7 feet long, cylindrically bodied, supple snake with a head only slightly wider than the neck. Store boxes, containers and portable equipment 12-18 inches off the floor in sheds, carports, garages, basements, and crawl spaces. There are no toxicants or fumigants which are legal for snake control. (Photo/ Noah Mueller). Their heads are typically small and barely distinct from the neck, the bodies are cylindrical, the scales smooth, and they have a single anal scale. Scales smooth, in 15 rows near mid-body, and anal plate divided. Southern water snakes feed on a variety of aquatic prey to include frogs, small fish, crayfish; tadpoles, and salamanders. The black kingsnake, like all kingsnakes, will frequently rattle their tail, release musk, and bite upon capture. Fortunately for Alabamians, there aren’t many venomous serpents in the Yellowhammer State, but several of them are common, and close encounters with them should be avoided when possible. The caption info under each photo offers a physical description of the snake, the habitat they prefer, and what they eat. The following recommendations can be useful to property owners and managers for snake control: The 'rodent-proofing' techniques listed below can also be used for snake control and snake removal strategies. The scales on the underside of the tail go all the way across. (Wikimedia). Copperheads have elliptical pupils. Adults mainly feed on mice and eggs, but will also eat birds, insects, rats, bats and other small mammals. The scales of the mud snake are smooth, with a glossy black color on the dorsal and a bright red or pink and black checkerboard pattern on the ventral. Most snakes can breed when they are two to three years old. Snakes usually reproduce by laying eggs, but some hatch their eggs inside the female's body and the young are born alive. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (each updated 1/1/21). You name the snake, Alabama has it. (Photo/Scott Thompson). (Wikimedia). The red milk snake is a medium sized snake that may reach a length close to 40 inches. 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 … Midland Water Snakes are ommon statewide, except southernmost portions of Coastal Plain, where apparently confined to immediate vicinity of Conecuh, Yellow, and Choctawhatchee Rivers. (Photo/Richard Dowling). 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. Snakes in Alabama primarily inhabit forested areas as well as abandoned farms. The gray rat snake has a gray background color with brown to dark gray blotches. Average length: 3 1/2 to 5 1/2 feet; maximum 8 feet. Belly is white with boxlike dark gray to brownish blotches and dark spots that become stripes under the tail. This is a large and bulky animal, reaching lengths of over six feet. Brown water snakes are large snakes that can reach a total length of 30-55 inches. (Photo/ Digby Dalton). They hibernate in many different places either singly or in large groups. A relatively small aquatic snake with a slender body measuring 15-24 inches long. The Northern Pine snake has a moderately stout body. Intergrades east of Mobile Bay with Florida pine snake. (Photo/Jarek Tuszynski). Eastern hognose snakes are sometimes referred to as "puff adders". 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. The back is typically olive green although it may appear almost yellow close to the belly. The state of Georgia protects its non-venomous snakes. Two bold, longitudinal rows of black spots separate a rose-colored band from two lateral lemon-colored bands on belly. Adult body lengths usually range from 3 to 5 feet. You name the snake, Alabama has it. (Photo/ Glenn Bartolotti). 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. Georgia is home to over 41 different snakes. It has no distinct markings. Like rat snakes, swamps snakes are non-poisonous. 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