Alabamians are so lucky to have the amount of snakes and biodiversity that we do. The copperhead is the most encountered venomous snake in the state of Alabama. They vary in size, habitats, and diet. Preferring life near the water, this snake is brown with lighter bands running the length of its body. Their resemblance to the Eastern coral snakes also makes Scarlet kingsnakes victims as people kill them thinking they are venomous. Others types of prey this snake eats include salamander and frogs, also known for preferring semi-aquatic habitats. This species can be seen around the state in vegetation overhanging ponds and streams. Alabama is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the United States. Listed below is a guide to help you identify snakes by predominant color. Northern redbelly snakes are small snakes commonly found in Alabama. A clean and open area with no place to hide is not a favorite haunt of snakes. Eastern worm snakes are among the species that are rarely seen as these are burrower snakes. Posted March 19, 2009. The law states that alligators have to be released back into the lake after a certain amount of time. Sothern-banded water snakes also live next to lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers. Another favorite of snake owners, this snakes longevity normally increases to 15 to 20 years when in captivity and well-cared for. The background color of the eastern milk snake features a gray or black while reddish-brown bands cover the rest of the body. However, they can bite if handled or threatened. It represents one of the species that live next to lakes, streams, rivers, and marshes. 64 N. Union Street, Suite 468 - Montgomery, Alabama 36130 . How to Protect Yourself Against Venomous Snakes. Snakes with high conservation concern are the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, prairie kingsnake, eastern kingsnake, speckled kingsnake, eastern coral snake, northern pine snake, Florida pine snake, and North Florida swamp snake. The discovery of a wild-born Eastern . Snakes of the genus also release a foul smell when handled or threatened. Yellow coloring can be in the form of lines or in the form of rings that go around the body. Scientific name: Storeria dekayi limnetes. This stops other males from mating with a mated female. However, they can also eat various types of small birds and their eggs. Part of this very good surroundings navigation is based on its good vision. Keep food opportunities down. Common name: Banded water snake, brown queen snake, diamond-back water snake, leather snake, moon snake, North American seven-banded snake, olive water snake, pale snake, queen water snake, seven-striped water snake, striped water snake, three-striped water snake, willow snake, yellow-bellied snake, queen snake. It can be seen crossing roads at night at most, as it remains secretive otherwise. Known to eat mostly small snakes, mice, and lizards, the coral snake finds itself falling victim to most other snakes in the state. Premier Host. They poke their pointed tails at the prey, mainly as a means to test out its reactions. To wildlife this is usually fatal. Typically, a snake sighting in Birmingham results in the snake meeting an untimely death, because, safe is better than sorry, right? They can swim, crawl, and climb. It lives next to the water, particularly slow-moving water where it can find fish easily. This species actively hunts rats and other rodents across any type of environment they are found in Alabama. Lake Weiss (pronounced "Wice") is an Alabama Power Company hydroelectric impoundment covering 30,200 acres in northeast Alabama on the Alabama - Georgia border. While not venomous, these snakes should be avoided as they are known to be aggressive. As an underground species, the Western earth snake is rarely seen out in the sun. Now that we've cleared that up, here are the six venomous snakes of Alabama: Copperheads are most common venomous snake in Alabama Copperheads are the most commonly encountered venomous. Common name: Eastern coral snake, American cobra, candy-stick snake, common coral snake, coral adder, Elaps harlequin snake, Florida coral snake, harlequin coral snake, North American coral snake, red bead snake, thunder-and-lightning snake. They are known to have wide differences in coloring depending on their habitat and their sex. However, they only live up to 4 years. This body of water covers approximately 30,000 acres of surface area. May Armed Forces Day Festival 08-19-2023. Range in Alabama: Along the coast of Southern Alabama (Not so) Fun fact: In the past 32 years, there have only been 4 documented sightings of a coral snake in Alabama. Snakes are found in all regions in Alabama, from the northern mountains to the Gulf Coast. As a semi-aquatic species, the Eastern ribbon snake lives and eats near water. Four free public access areas and 37 privately run marinas service Lake . Known to grow up to 54 inches, the Western mud snake is identified by its shiny black body. Snakes of the genus are tied to loose terrain and even to sandy terrains. Various tests show that these snakes prefer not to bite people. Unlike most other species, they prefer to mate in the winter. They can live in woodlands, grasslands, parks, gardens, and next to water sources. These snakes most commonly eat mice, lizards, small birds, and frogs. Keep in mind, when venturing into the wilderness, swamps, or other areas where snakes are common, stay aware, listen, and keep your eyes peeled. Snakes like to hide, and will not cross open and exposed areas if they can help it. Learn more about Alabamas 6 venomous snakes and how to react if you encounter one in the wild. The natural threats to this snake include raccoons, skunks, and opossums. The eastern hognose snake, also known as the puff adder, is another species in Alabama with dwindling numbers. And the Winners of the 2022 WEIS Valentine's Giveaway are We want to thank our participating merchants and everyone who registered in the 2023 by WEIS Radio | February 14, 2023 New Addition to Cherokee County's "Most Wanted" List by Marc Summers | February 14, 2023 Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser at Barrett's Chapel Church Barrett's Scientific name: Sistrurus miliarius barbouri, Common name: Barbours pygmy rattlesnake, dusky pygmy rattlesnake, Florida ground rattlesnake, ground rattlesnake, hog-nosed rattler, pygmy ground rattlesnake, pygmy rattler, pygmy rattlesnake, small rattlesnake, Southeastern ground rattlesnake. (Bham Now) Status: Lowest conservation concern Known for its ribbons, this snake is also one of the toxic-resistant snakes in Alabama that can eat toads. Eastern earth snakes eat spiders, flies, bugs, and worms. The mountains in the state also provide a habitat for populations of the reptile. Growing to a length of up to 50 inches, they can be found in areas with salamander and frogs, some of their favorite prey. It can be found in remote areas of Alabama. Take Alabama Highway 169 south from I-85 then 1 mile (2 km) west on Lee County Road 146. Scarlet kingsnakes are tricolored nonvenomous snakes in Alabama. As Florida cottonmouth snakes, Northern cottonmouths are also a rare semiaquatic viper species. Pine woods snakes arent venomous. A lighter to darker cross-banding pattern may be seen, especially on the sides. Alabama has varied terrains that cover all types of snake habitats. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Unlike lizards they lack limbs, external ear openings and eyelids. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com, A List Of Venomous And Non-Venomous Snakes Of Alabama, The Most Venomous Snakes Found In The Wild In America, Meet 12 Incredible Conservation Heroes Saving Our Wildlife From Extinction, India's Leopard God, Waghoba, Aids Wildlife Conservation In The Country, India's Bishnoi Community Has Fearlessly Protected Nature For Over 500 Years, Wildfires And Habitat Loss Are Killing Jaguars In The Amazon Rainforest, In India's Sundarbans: Where People Live Face-To-Face With Wild Tigers, Africa's "Thunderbird" Is At Risk Of Extinction. As you will see, several of these species are far more common to encounter than others. Florida pine snakes are either dark brown or light brown or tan in coloring. Known to eat worms, the Eastern worm snake is affected by insecticide and all types of land-related human activities. Southern banded water snakes can be seen during the day. Snakes of this genus are known to eat worms and slugs. Copperheads are also known for dry bites which practically insert no venom. There are 3 subspecies of Ringneck snakes in Alabama. Common name: Smooth earth snake, rough earth snake. Scientific name: Lampropeltis getula holbrooki. This snake is a heavy-bodied creature most famous for its tan rattle that alerts people and prey to their strike. They give birth to a maximum of 44 young Gulf salt mash snakes. Small snakes of this species are mostly found on the ground. Eastern kingsnakes are very good constrictors. Weiss Lake contains crappie, largemouth bass, and striped bass. The most feared enemy of this snake are birds of prey who are known to add the black racer to their meals. The striped bass population primarily consist of 3-7 pound fish, but fish over 25 pounds have been caught as well. Avoid leaving pet food outdoors. Olive-green is the specific color for the rest of the Mississippi ringneck snakes body. This snake grows to a size between 35 and 48 inches and it has a black body with a black head. Their coloring largely depends on their habitat. "In comparison, there are 62 species of native mammals vs. 93 species of reptiles," Self added. The venom of the species is dangerous but not fatal. More than likely, your property is prime real estate to snakes. Typically tied to sandy-loose terrains, these snakes can eat snails and earthworms. Unlike other snakes, it shows multiple hunting tactics such as predatory behavior as well as the ability to sit still underwater waiting for prey to come to it. It also comes in a patterned color, albeit rare to see in Alabama. Alabama is home to several poisonous snakes which pose significant threats to humans. Scientific name: Lampropeltis getula getula, Common name: Eastern kingsnake, common kingsnake, chain kingsnake. Snakes of this genus are known to live in areas people rarely go to, such as swamps. Snakes of this species are best avoided. As adults, these snakes can measure anywhere between 2.5 and 3 feet. Scientific name: Nerodia erythrogaster flavigaster. Store things indoors when you can, wash thoroughly with a hose if possible, and carefully inspect play things such as sand boxes or play toys that are left outside before a child uses them. They are generally dark above - olive, brown, or black. Additionally, studies suggest that environments with Timber Rattlesnakes have reduced tick populations. While not venomous, the Southern banded water snake can still bite. This snake has a distinctive broadhead that is much larger than its narrow body. At night, these snakes may still come out around water sources to look for fish and amphibians. They are known to actively seek out lizards. Their reduced size doesnt allow them to prey on mammals like other types of snakes in Alabama. Search our database of over 12264 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. Deaths are rare following an Eastern coral snake bite. In the wild, these snakes may fall prey to large birds and other snakes. The eastern coral snake is rapidly declining in the state of Alabama and may be considered endangered. These snakes have a tan-brown body color. This includes venomous snakes of the Rattlesnake genus. Dont leave pet food outside. Scientific name: Nerodia fasciata pictiventris. Venomous and dangerous, these snakes arent as common as Cottonmouths in Alabama. The pigmy rattlesnake is on the decline in the state of Alabama. These rings are red, yellow, and black or dark brown. The southern water snake is fairly common in Alabama but prefers life on the Southern Coastal Plain. Black rat snakes are some of the fastest climbing snakes in Alabama. The Northern pine snake is one of the partially-communal snakes in Alabama. It grows to a size between 60 and 84 inches. All content on this site is Copyright Rushing Waters MediaLLC/Bham Now 2016-2023. Their reduced size also makes them vulnerable to other predators such as cats. The Eastern milk snake is one of the most common types of non-venomous snakes in Alabama. Copperheads can also become victims and are often hunted by the kingsnake, racer, and cottonmouth. Medical attention is needed if bitten by these snakes. Eastern coral snakes are considered some of the most venomous snakes in the US. These snakes arent venomous but they can bite. However, Queen snakes are almost exclusively feeding on crayfish, particularly on young crayfish that dont know how to properly defend themselves. They can rarely be seen next to water sources as theyre nocturnal. Two venomous snakes who call Alabama home are even considered endangered, while the copperhead is one of the most encountered. This includes rodents they find on abandoned farmland. The Timber rattlesnake is also found in many areas of Alabama. It spends most of the year underground, even during the summer. 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