North Carolina
Snakes in Chatham County
23 species have been documented here, 1 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in Chatham County
Full guide & what to do if bitten →
Eastern CopperheadAgkistrodon contortrixVenomousHeavy body, triangular head, vertical pupils, and a heat-sensing pit between each eye and nostril.
Every snake recorded in Chatham County

Common Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon
Harmless

North American Racer
Coluber constrictor
Harmless

DeKay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi
Harmless

Eastern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix
Venomous

Common Wormsnake
Carphophis amoenus
Harmless

Eastern Ratsnake
Pantherophis alleghaniensis
Harmless

Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Harmless

Rough Greensnake
Opheodrys aestivus
Harmless

Western Ratsnake
Pantherophis obsoletus
Harmless

Queensnake
Regina septemvittata
Harmless

Red-bellied Snake
Storeria occipitomaculata
Harmless

Plain-bellied Watersnake
Nerodia erythrogaster
Harmless

Smooth Earthsnake
Virginia valeriae
Harmless

Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus
Harmless

Eastern Hognose Snake
Heterodon platirhinos
Harmless

Rough Earthsnake
Virginia striatula
Harmless

Eastern Kingsnake
Lampropeltis getula
Harmless

Mole Kingsnake
Lampropeltis rhombomaculata
Harmless

Prairie Kingsnake
Lampropeltis calligaster
Harmless

Red Cornsnake
Pantherophis guttatus
Harmless

Banded Watersnake
Nerodia fasciata
Harmless

Brown Watersnake
Nerodia taxispilota
Harmless

Mudsnake
Farancia abacura
Harmless
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in Chatham County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in Chatham County, North Carolina?
- Yes. 1 venomous snake species has verified records in Chatham County, North Carolina, including Eastern Copperhead. Most snakes in Chatham County, North Carolina, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in Chatham County, North Carolina?
- 20+ snake species have verified records in Chatham County, North Carolina, of which 1 is venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in Chatham County, North Carolina?
- The Common Watersnake is the most frequently reported snake in Chatham County, North Carolina, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Chatham County, North Carolina?
- Keep your distance and do not try to catch or kill it. Most bites happen when people handle or corner a snake. If someone is bitten, contact local emergency services or poison control immediately.