North Carolina
Snakes in Johnston County
23 species have been documented here, 2 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in Johnston 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.
Northern CottonmouthAgkistrodon piscivorusVenomousHeavy body, triangular head, vertical pupils, and a heat-sensing pit between each eye and nostril.
Every snake recorded in Johnston County
DeKay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi
Harmless
Common Wormsnake
Carphophis amoenus
Harmless
North American Racer
Coluber constrictor
Harmless
Eastern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix
Venomous
Eastern Ratsnake
Pantherophis alleghaniensis
Harmless
Plain-bellied Watersnake
Nerodia erythrogaster
Harmless
Western Ratsnake
Pantherophis obsoletus
Harmless
Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus
Harmless
Rough Greensnake
Opheodrys aestivus
Harmless
Brown Watersnake
Nerodia taxispilota
Harmless
Common Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon
Harmless
Eastern Kingsnake
Lampropeltis getula
Harmless
Red-bellied Snake
Storeria occipitomaculata
Harmless
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Harmless
Banded Watersnake
Nerodia fasciata
Harmless
Rough Earthsnake
Virginia striatula
Harmless
Northern Cottonmouth
Agkistrodon piscivorus
Venomous
Eastern Hognose Snake
Heterodon platirhinos
Harmless
Smooth Earthsnake
Virginia valeriae
Harmless
Common Ribbon Snake
Thamnophis saurita
Harmless
Mudsnake
Farancia abacura
Harmless
Red Cornsnake
Pantherophis guttatus
Harmless
Prairie Kingsnake
Lampropeltis calligaster
Harmless
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in Johnston County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in Johnston County, North Carolina?
- Yes. 2 venomous snake species have verified records in Johnston County, North Carolina, including Eastern Copperhead, Northern Cottonmouth. Most snakes in Johnston County, North Carolina, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in Johnston County, North Carolina?
- 20+ snake species have verified records in Johnston County, North Carolina, of which 2 are venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in Johnston County, North Carolina?
- The DeKay's Brownsnake is the most frequently reported snake in Johnston County, North Carolina, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Johnston 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.