South Carolina is home to 34 common species of snakes, and only 4 of those are venomous. Non-venomous snakes are misunderstood vertebrates that play very important roles as both predator and prey. Snakes present little danger when left alone and are fascinating to view safely from a distance. Some non-venomous snakes are found in urban areas, in the interior of homes, in attics, and in crawlspaces causing panic to many homeowners. Several species of non-venomous snakes in South Carolina are excellent climbers, that will utilize tree’s that over lap a roof, foundation openings, and even mortar lines between brick to climb to a easy access point. Please use this site as a reference guide to identify non-venomous snakes in South Carolina.

• Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum)
• Common Gartersnake(Thamnophis sirtalis)
• Common Kingsnake (Lampropetis getula)
• Dekay’s Brownsnake (Storeria dekayi)
• Diamond-back Watersnake (Nerodia rombifer)
• Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platirhinos)
• Eastern Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis sauritus sauritus)
• Eastern Wormsnake (Carphophis amoenus amoenus)
• Gray Ratsnake (Pantherophis spiloides)
• Kirtland’s Snake (Clonophis kirtlandii)
• Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum)
• Mississippi Green Watersnake (Nerodia cyclopion)
• North American Racer (Coluber constrictor)
• Northern Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata)
• Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon)
• Pinesnake (Pituophis melanoleucus)
• Queensnake (Regina septemvittata)
• Red-bellied Mud Snake (Farancia abacura)
• Red Cornsnake (Pantherophis guttatus)
• Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus)
• Rough Earthsnake (Virginia striatula)
• Rough Greensnake (Opheodrys aestivus)
• Scarlet Kingsnake (Lampropeltis elapsoides)
• Scarletsnake (Cemophora coccinea)
• Smooth Earthsnake (Virginia valeriae)
• Southeastern Crowned Snake (Tantilla coronata)
• Southern Watersnake (Nerodia fasciata)
• Western Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis proximus)
• Yellow-bellied Kingsnake (Lampropeltis calligaster)

There is no universal distinguishing feature that separates venomous from non-venomous snakes and even colorations of certain species look familiar. Non-venomous snakes do have teeth, and as a defense mechanism, will bite a perceived threat. Some non-venomous species will even mimic a rattle noise from quickly whipping its tail back and forth, resembling a rattlesnake. Most non-venomous snakes will aggressively protect themselves to thwart a threat from coming closer. Non-venomous snakes are important to our environment as they do help control rodent populations, and understanding the benefit to having them around is important.