South Carolina
Snakes in Beaufort County
21 species have been documented here, 3 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in Beaufort 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.
Timber RattlesnakeCrotalus horridusVenomousHeavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Every snake recorded in Beaufort County
Eastern Ratsnake
Pantherophis alleghaniensis
Harmless
Banded Watersnake
Nerodia fasciata
Harmless
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Harmless
Eastern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix
Venomous
North American Racer
Coluber constrictor
Harmless
Red Cornsnake
Pantherophis guttatus
Harmless
Northern Cottonmouth
Agkistrodon piscivorus
Venomous
Common Ribbon Snake
Thamnophis saurita
Harmless
Scarletsnake
Cemophora coccinea
Harmless
Rough Greensnake
Opheodrys aestivus
Harmless
Eastern Kingsnake
Lampropeltis getula
Harmless
Eastern Hognose Snake
Heterodon platirhinos
Harmless
Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus
Harmless
Red-bellied Snake
Storeria occipitomaculata
Harmless
Timber Rattlesnake
Crotalus horridus
Venomous
Southeastern Crowned Snake
Tantilla coronata
Harmless
Rough Earthsnake
Virginia striatula
Harmless
Plain-bellied Watersnake
Nerodia erythrogaster
Harmless
Scarlet Kingsnake
Lampropeltis elapsoides
Harmless
Western Ratsnake
Pantherophis obsoletus
Harmless
Southern Hognose Snake
Heterodon simus
Harmless
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in Beaufort County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in Beaufort County, South Carolina?
- Yes. 3 venomous snake species have verified records in Beaufort County, South Carolina, including Eastern Copperhead, Northern Cottonmouth, Timber Rattlesnake. Most snakes in Beaufort County, South Carolina, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in Beaufort County, South Carolina?
- 20+ snake species have verified records in Beaufort County, South Carolina, of which 3 are venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in Beaufort County, South Carolina?
- The Eastern Ratsnake is the most frequently reported snake in Beaufort County, South Carolina, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Beaufort County, South 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.