What venomous snakes are in Highlands?
There are only two — the Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) and Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus). Both are pit vipers and have triangular shaped heads and elliptical pupils. In addition to their rattles, timber rattlesnakes are recognized by their stocky bodies with dark blotches and wavy crossbands. Copperheads have hourglass-shaped bands across their bodies and copper-colored heads, and juveniles also have bright yellow tails. Because vipers are live-bearers, there is no such thing as a rattlesnake or copperhead egg. There are NO cottonmouths here; in NC they are found only in the eastern part of the state towards the coast. Water snakes are common in Highlands, but they are only harmless Northern Water Snakes. There are links to various reptile sites that provide photos of each of these species.
