North Carolina
Snakes in Orange County
21 species have been documented here, 1 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in Orange 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 Orange County
Common Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon
Harmless
DeKay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi
Harmless
Eastern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix
Venomous
Common Wormsnake
Carphophis amoenus
Harmless
Eastern Ratsnake
Pantherophis alleghaniensis
Harmless
North American Racer
Coluber constrictor
Harmless
Rough Greensnake
Opheodrys aestivus
Harmless
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Harmless
Queensnake
Regina septemvittata
Harmless
Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus
Harmless
Red-bellied Snake
Storeria occipitomaculata
Harmless
Plain-bellied Watersnake
Nerodia erythrogaster
Harmless
Smooth Earthsnake
Virginia valeriae
Harmless
Rough Earthsnake
Virginia striatula
Harmless
Western Ratsnake
Pantherophis obsoletus
Harmless
Eastern Kingsnake
Lampropeltis getula
Harmless
Mole Kingsnake
Lampropeltis rhombomaculata
Harmless
Prairie Kingsnake
Lampropeltis calligaster
Harmless
Eastern Hognose Snake
Heterodon platirhinos
Harmless
Western Worm Snake
Carphophis vermis
Harmless
Southeastern Crowned Snake
Tantilla coronata
Harmless
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in Orange County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in Orange County, North Carolina?
- Yes. 1 venomous snake species has verified records in Orange County, North Carolina, including Eastern Copperhead. Most snakes in Orange County, North Carolina, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in Orange County, North Carolina?
- 20+ snake species have verified records in Orange County, North Carolina, of which 1 is venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in Orange County, North Carolina?
- The Common Watersnake is the most frequently reported snake in Orange County, North Carolina, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Orange 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.