Frequently Asked Questions

There are 38 species of snakes in South Carolina, but only six species are venomous. It is far more common for people to encounter a non-venomous species than a venomous one. All snakes are nonaggressive when left alone. The six venomous species are the coral snake, pigmy rattlesnake, cottonmouth (aka water moccasin), copperhead, canebrake or timber rattlesnake, and the eastern diamondback rattlesnake. Of these six species only two occur statewide (canebrake/timber rattlesnake and copperhead), and just three are considered to be common in their ranges (copperhead, (cottonmouth, water moccasin), and timber rattlesnake).

There are some general characteristics to look for to determine if a snake is venomous. Five of the six species in South Carolina are pit vipers (pigmy rattlesnake, cottonmouth (aka water moccasin), copperhead, timber rattlesnake, and the eastern diamondback rattlesnake) and have a heat sensing pit between the eye and nostril. Our pit vipers tend to be relatively heavy-bodied or stout snakes. They will have large triangular or arrow-shaped heads, but some non-venomous species are able to flatten their bodies and make their heads appear larger and more triangular. The pit viper’s eyes have elliptical pupils, like a cat's eye.

The coral snake is not a pit viper and does not have the characters listed above. It is in the same group of snakes as the cobra. It is brightly colored in red, yellow, and black bands, and is rarely encountered. In the coral snake, the red bands touch the yellow bands. There are two species of non-venomous snakes that resemble the coral snake, but the red bands DO NOT touch the yellow bands. There is an easy rhyme to help remember which snake is which: "Red on yellow kills a fellow; Red on black venom lack".

DNR does not remove nuisance snakes. A list of wildlife removal specialists that can remove snakes and other animals for a fee is available. The best way to keep snakes away from your house is to remove places that snakes might hide or that would attract prey species. Old lumber, woodpiles, tin, and other debris can provide a refuge for snakes and prey animals (rodents) to shelter. Removing these items and keeping grass mowed and the lower branches of shrubs trimed will help make your yard less attractive to snakes.

All native reptiles and amphibians are protected in South Carolina however protections vary by species and can be found in the laws of South Carolina (Title 50, Chapter 15 and Article 5, Chapter 123-150-153)

All species of reptiles and amphibians are protected on state and federal lands.

The Atlantic leatherback sea turtle, Atlantic ridley sea turtle, gopher tortoise, Atlantic hawksbill turtle, Flatwoods salamander, Webster's salamander, and the Carolina gopher frog are listed and protected under the Non-Game Endangered Species laws of South Carolina (Title 50, Chapter 15 and Article 5, Chapter 123-150). All remaining sea turtles, the American alligator, coal skink, bog turtle, spotted turtle, southern hognose snake, dwarf siren, and pine barrens tree frog are listed and protected under the Non-Game Species in Need of Management laws (Title 50, Chapter 15 and Article 5, Chapter 123-150-153). None of these species may be possessed, transported, exported, processed, sold, offered for sale, or taken without a permit issued by the Department.

All native turtles and tortoises are protected from take or possession for a commercial purpose; however, personal possession limits exist for all non-listed turtle and tortoise species, not to exceed an aggregate limit of 10 turtles (Title 50, Chapter 15).

Turtles generally do not pose a problem for private ponds. Contrary to popular belief, few fish are eaten by the turtles commonly found in ponds. The diets of most adult pond turtles primarily consist of plant material. Some turtles will feed on the carcasses of dead fish providing a clean-up service for the pond owner.

Alligators are protected under South Carolina Regulation 123-151, and it is against the law to feed or harass them. Alligators that are fed learn to associate people with food and will quickly lose their natural fear of humans. Alligators can move very quickly, so it’s best to give them space, keep pets on a leash and away from the water, and do not throw rocks or other objects into the water, because to an alligator a "splash" means food. If you are concerned about an alligator near your home and live in a community with a Property or Homeowners Association, call your POA or HOA representative. If you do not have an HOA or POA call your closest state DNR office.