One of the species wrongly believed to be an Eastern milk snake in Alabama is the Scarlet kingsnake. One of the most distinctive traits of the species is that its crossbanding might not be visible on some color variations. They also prefer aquatic areas, swamps, marshes, and riverbanks. They are known to consume pit snakes. The pigmy rattlesnake is on the decline in the state of Alabama. Its also found in Alabama. It lives next to the water, particularly slow-moving water where it can find fish easily. This snake is only a day hunter, however, and is rarely seen on the prowl at night. Common name: Florida Green Watersnake,Eastern Green Watersnake. Dont put your hands or feet anywhere that you cannot fully see. Scientific name: Pituophis melanoleucus lodingi. Snakes of this genus are known to lay eggs. Alabama Power Shorelines | Lake Management & Recreation Although Ive never had a bad experience with them, seeing one sent shivers down my spine. Like most snakes in the state, it eats mammals, frogs, and lizards. Hawks, owls, raccoons, and other snakes are the pigmy rattlesnakes natural enemies and may be contributing to their decrease in numbers. Excellent Crappy, Catfish and Striped Bass Lake. Copperheads, cottonmouths (water moccasin), pigmy rattlesnakes (also known as ground rattlers), and timber rattlesnakes (canebrake rattler) are all venomous snakes that can be found in the Birmingham area, Self said. Scientific name: Lampropeltis calligaster rhombomaculata, Common name: Mole kingsnake, brown kingsnake. This snake lives a solitary life but this changes during the mating period. Like others of their genus, these snakes can also rattle. Another favorite of snake owners, this snakes longevity normally increases to 15 to 20 years when in captivity and well-cared for. Like most US states, Alabama is home to both venomous and non-venomous snakes. Weiss Lake is a lake in northeastern Alabama and is located at the foothills of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. It is also known to expel a musk-like smell that keeps predators away. Weiss Lake, a 30,200 acre impoundment owned and operated by the Alabama Power Company, is fed by the Coosa, Chattooga and Little Rivers, and offers over 447 miles of shoreline and shallow flats, large coves, under-water drop offs and deep channels. They dig deeper underground in dry periods. These snakes have a tan-brown body color. Venomous and dangerous, these snakes arent as common as Cottonmouths in Alabama. The Timber rattlesnake is also found in many areas of Alabama. These snakes get their name from their banded body look. Known to grow up to 54 inches, the Western mud snake is identified by its shiny black body. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. This tricolored body often makes people confuse the species with other venomous snakes. People should stay away from this snake as it knows how to look for prey and how to bite properly through experience. Both the young and the adult snakes are also called Stinging snakes. Common name: Eastern coral snake, American cobra, candy-stick snake, common coral snake, coral adder, Elaps harlequin snake, Florida coral snake, harlequin coral snake, North American coral snake, red bead snake, thunder-and-lightning snake. In common forests, Eastern earth snakes might arise after the rain. Like many other water snakes in Alabama, the Diamondback water snake is also highly aggressive. How Many Horses Are There? These snakes have mouth adaptations that allow them to easily crack the eggs and eat them. Firstly, I have always been afraid of snakes. They are often seen as good pet snakes. Deaths are rare following an Eastern coral snake bite. The Eastern milk snake is one of the most common types of non-venomous snakes in Alabama. As a semi-aquatic species, the Eastern ribbon snake lives and eats near water. They have a slender green body with off-white stripes that run from head to tail. The Eastern racer is one of the snakes that also eat Rough green snakes. Otherwise, they might never be seen unless removing logs and large stones they might crawl under. They can bite but their small teeth come with a minimum impact. Female Florida green water snakes give birth to live young. Their life styles vary; some are active by day, others at night. They can be found in isolated populations in almost all habitats. Unlike other snakes in Alabama, these snakes are known to grow up to a few feet. Scientific name: Lampropeltis triangulum syspila, Common name: Red milk snake, red milksnake. Types of prey this snake eats include birds and lizards. click on the picture or name to find out more information about each. It spends most days hiding away and looking for earthworms and arthropods. Rodents are among its favorite types of prey as its easy to constrict. Studies show this snake has a good memory and great orientation skills. This is the main reason they prefer to live in temporary wetlands as well. But the Eastern hognose snake is immune to the highly toxic skin of toads. They are known to be avid predators as they consume almost any small animal they can overpower. Rainbow snakes are similar to Western mud snakes in habitat. They use body force to constrict small prey such as rodents. This snake grows to a size of at least 40 inches in adulthood. This slender snake can grow to 48 inches, but it remains very thin even when an adult. We visited October 6-15. Therefore, I tried to learn more about these creatures. Before beginning its 255 mile journey through Alabama, the Coosa River is formed in Georgia with the merging of the Oostanaula and Etowah rivers. Keep grass cut short. These snakes are known to lay eggs at the end of the summer. Its believed this species is both diurnal and nocturnal. Scientific name: Nerodia fasciata confluens, Common name: Broad-banded water snake, banded water snake, Southern water snake. They are known to spend most of their lives underground. . Scientific name: Storeria dekayi wrightorum. These are also some of the most venomous snakes found in the US. Snakes consume the ticks and fleas and internal parasites from mammals and digest everything alike. These snakes dont bite and if they bite, they arent lethal to humans. These snakes can also climb, but they only climb at night. Adult snakes usually vary in length from 30 to 48 inches up to a maximum of 74 inches. I'm out. The male is known to insert a copulatory plug in the female after mating. However, these dry bites are often deflections as research suggests Eastern coral snakes cannot control the amount of venom they insert with each bite. Campgrounds, motels and rental cabins dot the shoreline of the lake. Some reports show the Southeastern crown snake might also eat snails occasionally. Northern ringneck snakes have a dark gray to black body with a yellow ring around the neck. They look for vertebrates and invertebrates. Scientific name: Nerodia sipedon pleuralis. Scientific name: Pantherophis guttatus guttatus. Midwestern worm snakes might approach the surface in the summer. This includes venomous snakes of the Rattlesnake genus. Snakes of the genus are found in cultivated areas as well as in populated areas. Lake Weiss (pronounced "Wice") is an Alabama Power Company hydroelectric impoundment covering 30,200 acres in northeast Alabama on the Alabama - Georgia border. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. It grows to an average size of 12 inches which makes it one of the smallest in the state. They are most commonly wrongly identified as venomous Eastern coral snakes. However, Queen snakes are almost exclusively feeding on crayfish, particularly on young crayfish that dont know how to properly defend themselves. Out of all of the lakes in the country, the most snake-infested lake is Lake Sweetwater, Texas. Common name: Mississippi green water snake. Use the search! Snakes of this genus only grow up to 16 inches. These venomous snakes are found in most regions of the state and are in no danger of conservation concerns. Preferred foods include the eggs of other snake species. It represents one of the species that live next to lakes, streams, rivers, and marshes. These snakes are considered great pets and live up to 9 years in captivity, but little is known about their longevity in the wild. These snakes most commonly eat mice, lizards, small birds, and frogs. It can be seen in marshes. The striped bass population primarily consist of 3-7 pound fish, but fish over 25 pounds have been caught as well. Known to eat worms, the Eastern worm snake is affected by insecticide and all types of land-related human activities. This aquatic snake species is known as one of the most prolific breeders in the state. Copperheads are also known for dry bites which practically insert no venom. These snakes are fossorial which means they mostly live underground. The full-grown alligators can, and did, make it through the colder north Alabama winters and a population of them has managed to hang on in the Tennessee River 37 years after the U.S. The only thing that worked was bobbers and minows. It can be seen during the summer when it looks for fish. Dont leave pet food outside. Mostly gray in coloration, these snakes are quite small and have tiny rattles that can barely be heard. There is always a better way to get rid of the snake than killing it. Putting yourself in a position to kill a snake is THE most dangerous thing that you could do.. This body of water covers approximately 30,000 acres of surface area. Keep food opportunities down. The Weiss Lake fishery is the major economic influence in Cherokee County, so the locals treat anglers very well. If all deterring tactics fail this snake resorts to playing dead, similarly to the Eastern hognose snake. The most feared enemy of this snake are birds of prey who are known to add the black racer to their meals. The Speckled kingsnake is a non-venomous species known to live in almost all parts of Alabama. Commonly found in sandy terrains, these snakes are also adapted to marshes where they feed on frogs and crayfish. Its considered one of the least threatening venomous snake species in Alabama. It routinely lives past 16 years old. They always try to escape when handled. The Black kingsnake is a non-venomous species found in Alabama. They are also seen eating lizards at times, which means their habitat expands from prairies and farmland to areas near water. I'll go to a spa - and I love the outdoors! Posted March 19, 2009. Its believed this helps protect the eggs of each female. Often killed due to the Corn snake-Cottonmouth confusion, snakes of these species are some of the smartest in Alabama. These are areas with plenty of abandoned buildings such as farmland and old homes. They are known to have wide differences in coloring depending on their habitat and their sex. Snakes of this genus can swim but theyre also very good climbers. It has a dark red to brown body with white large ring-type bands bordered by 2 narrow black bands across its body. This species is known to live a long life. Humans are rarely bitten by this snake. Female Smooth earth snakes might also be seen at the beginning of the summer in the mating process. (Bham Now) Status: Lowest conservation concern These snakes live underground and can be rarely seen or studied in their natural habitat. Why Is Biodiversity Critical To Life On Earth? The Northern ringneck snake is part of the Ringneck family. This snake species is both diurnal and nocturnal. They make the most of their long thick bodies to constrict mammals, gophers, and other small animals. However, this snake doesnt bite without warning. Weiss Lake is owned and operated by the Alabama Power Company. Scientific name: Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum, Common name: Adder,blatschich schlange, chain snake, checkered adder, checkered snake, chequered adder, chequered snake, chicken snake, common milk snake, cow-sucker, highland adder, horn snake, house snake, king snake, leopard-spotted snake, milk sucker, pilot, red snake, sachem snake, sand-king, scarlet milk snake, spotted adder, thunder-and-lightning snake, Eastern milk snake. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has a guide on how to identify different kinds of snakes. Common name: Eastern copperhead, copperhead. Unlike many water snakes in Alabama, Black rat snakes are rather docile and not aggressive towards humans. Bobcats, hawks, and even coyotes are among the predators who will attack and eat young timber rattlesnakes. Weiss Lake 05-20-2023. Rodents are often pushed into a wall to avoid a quick escape whenever the Northern black racer enters their burrow. Once found in most dry areas of the snake, this species is now considered extremely endangered. Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types. Snakes of this genus can have slightly different colors. Learn more about Alabamas 6 venomous snakes and how to react if you encounter one in the wild. Olive-green is the specific color for the rest of the Mississippi ringneck snakes body. This allows them to use their body and strength to catch prey. Common name: Cottonmouth,water moccasin,swamp moccasin,black moccasin, Northern cottonmouth. These snakes prefer a diet of small rodents, chipmunks, shrews, and even squirrels. Females of the species can also be seen at the beginning of the summer when they lay eggs together. Black rat snakes are some of the fastest climbing snakes in Alabama. North Florida swamp snakes give birth to live young. A post shared by Eric Bitler (@lilys_scales_and_tails). Smooth earth snakes are known for reaching a maximum length of 10 inches with the average individual measuring just over 8 inches. As their name implies, snakes of the genus look like worm snakes as they might grow to a maximum length of 10-11 inches. You will find boating, kayaking and fishing here. This patterned species of Rattlesnake is common in the Southeastern parts of the US, including Alabama. Known for the scales on their bodies, snakes come in all shapes and all colors. The law states that alligators have to be released back into the lake after a certain amount of time. Furthermore, a single Eastern coral snake has sufficient venom to kill 5 people, even if it cannot insert this venom all at once. Apart from biting without warning, Mississippi green water snakes can also release a foul smell. Coloring is the main difference between these species as the Midwestern worm snake has a darker brown color. These snake species arent dangerous to humans. They eat small birds and small lizards. Fish and. As semi-aquatic species, these snakes are known to feed on eels. Keep your lawn mowed and cleared of brush and branches. They are known to prefer sandy soils or loose soils as well as pine woodlands. If you find one on your property and are truly concerned, call a professional wildlife removal service.". Black pine snakes are also known for being strong constrictors. People seeing these snakes say they are aggressive as they always try to bite. The pale green Eastern coachwhip is very active at night. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. There are Broad-banded water snakes that are still crossbanded but these crossbands arent visible as theyre also darker in color than the rest of the body. These snakes get their name from their colorful bodies. The eastern hognose snake, also known as the puff adder, is another species in Alabama with dwindling numbers. Snakes of this species are best avoided. The southern water snake is fairly common in Alabama but prefers life on the Southern Coastal Plain. As adults, these snakes can measure anywhere between 2.5 and 3 feet. Being a small lake does not mean Wilson Lake does not produce big fish. How to Protect Yourself Against Venomous Snakes. These snakes can bite and they often vibrate their tails before biting. It has large brown eyes. The snake is known to roll over and lay motionless with an open mouth and its tongue hanging out of the mouth. Very shallow. Adult cottonmouths do not have any natural predators, but young snakes may be preyed upon by otters, raccoons, and large birds. Varying in colors, the timber rattlesnake has crossbands with a reddish-colored dorsal stripe. Types of Snakes in Alabama - Identification Guide 1. It can be seen crossing roads at night at most, as it remains secretive otherwise. This snake is endemic to Florida. Its around water that the Yellowbelly water snake finds its prey. Some prefer higher altitudes while others only live next to the water. Its venom isnt the most dangerous and its not considered lethal. A female North Florida swamp snake can give birth to 23 live young each summer (once she reaches sexual maturity). You can find these snakes in all 67 Alabama counties. Florida cottonmouths are known venomous snakes common in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Common name: Brown water snake, water-pilot, aspic, false moccasin, great water snake, pied water snake, Southern water snake, water rattle. Snakes of the genus are rarely seen at the surface. Here are a couple of tips to make your yard less ideal for snakes. Now that we've cleared that up, here are the six venomous snakes of Alabama: Copperheads are most common venomous snake in Alabama Copperheads are the most commonly encountered venomous. Not venomous, this snake species grows to a maximum length of 40 inches. This snake species is known to live in marshes. Types of Snakes in Alabama Identification Guide, Preferred foods include the eggs of other snake species, wrongly identified as venomous Eastern coral snakes, 20 Snakes With Bands (Pictures and Identification), 38 Common Caterpillars in Florida (Pictures And Identification), 51 Wildflowers in Georgia (Pictures and Identification), 53 Common Blue Wildflowers (Pictures and Identification), 12 Rare Pink Caterpillars (Pictures and Identification). This gray patterned snake is venomous, but not dangerous to people or pets. Properly identifying venomous snakes in the state can be life-saving. These snakes largely live on their own across the state. Premier Host. This gray, dark gray, and orange snake is common in the state. Copperheads are carnivores and live quite well eating mice, small snakes, small birds, and lizards. These snakes can raise their head above vegetation to smell their prey better. However, only about five end up being fatal. These snakes arent considered aggressive but are known for having the most toxic venom of any snake in North America. Skin rash, swollen limbs, itching, and burning are all symptoms of the bite. It uses a rattle as a warning sign. Black rat snakes are constrictors. They are believed to be secretive species as they live underground. Scientific name: Elaphe obsoleta spiloides, Common name: Gray ratsnake,gray rat snake, central ratsnake,chicken snake,midland ratsnake, pilot black snake. Alabama is one of the states where its not difficult to find a snake. Aquatic Snakes: typically can be found in and around different water bodies in Alabama. Often confused with Rattlesnakes, Prairie kingsnakes arent dangerous to people. However, they only live up to 4 years. Weiss Lake (Cherokee) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go, Hotels near Huntsville Intl Airport (HSV), Motels near Huntsville Intl Airport (HSV), Discover St Augustine: Attractions Pass with Hop-On Hop-Off, Seoulland Theme Park Discount Tickets - Luna park( ), Private Guatape and El Peol Day-Trip from Medellin, La Perle Dubais #1 Show: Admission Ticket with Free Cancellation, Brussels Chocolate Walking Tour and Workshop. Eastern racer is one of the ringneck family the Yellowbelly water snake, Southern water snake, water... Styles vary ; some are active by day, others at night Eastern worm snake has a memory. And natural Resources has a good memory and snakes in lake weiss alabama orientation skills away and looking for earthworms and arthropods colors! 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