North Carolina
Snakes in Watauga County
13 species have been documented here, 2 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in Watauga 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.
Timber RattlesnakeCrotalus horridusVenomousHeavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Every snake recorded in Watauga County
Common Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon
Harmless
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Harmless
Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus
Harmless
Queensnake
Regina septemvittata
Harmless
Eastern Milksnake
Lampropeltis triangulum
Harmless
Eastern Ratsnake
Pantherophis alleghaniensis
Harmless
Western Ratsnake
Pantherophis obsoletus
Harmless
Eastern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix
Venomous
North American Racer
Coluber constrictor
Harmless
Common Ribbon Snake
Thamnophis saurita
Harmless
Common Wormsnake
Carphophis amoenus
Harmless
Red-bellied Snake
Storeria occipitomaculata
Harmless
Timber Rattlesnake
Crotalus horridus
Venomous
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in Watauga County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in Watauga County, North Carolina?
- Yes. 2 venomous snake species have verified records in Watauga County, North Carolina, including Eastern Copperhead, Timber Rattlesnake. Most snakes in Watauga County, North Carolina, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in Watauga County, North Carolina?
- 10+ snake species have verified records in Watauga County, North Carolina, of which 2 are venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in Watauga County, North Carolina?
- The Common Watersnake is the most frequently reported snake in Watauga County, North Carolina, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Watauga 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.