The question of whether black snakes in South Carolina are “poisonous” often stems from a misunderstanding of scientific terminology. A substance is considered poisonous if it causes harm when ingested or absorbed, such as certain mushrooms or plants. Snakes, however, are not poisonous; they are classified as venomous because they inject a toxin into a victim through a bite, utilizing specialized fangs and venom glands. The vast majority of the 38 snake species found in South Carolina, including all of the common black snakes, are non-venomous and pose no venom threat to humans. For safety in the field, it is important to understand the difference between the harmless black species and the state’s six venomous reptiles.
The Common Non-Venomous Black Snakes
Two species account for nearly all sightings of large, uniformly black snakes in the state, neither of which is a source of medical concern. The Black Racer (Coluber constrictor) is a slender, fast-moving snake that often reaches lengths of four to five feet. Adults are a uniform matte black with smooth scales and a noticeably white chin, which can aid in their identification. When threatened, a racer’s first instinct is to flee quickly, living up to its name, but if cornered, it may vibrate its tail and strike defensively.
The racer is an active, visual hunter that primarily uses speed to capture its varied prey, which includes insects, lizards, birds, and rodents. Unlike true constrictors, the Black Racer typically subdues its prey by simply pinning it down and swallowing it alive. Eastern Rat Snakes (Pantherophis alleghaniensis), the second common black snake, are generally larger and more robust than racers, frequently reaching six feet in length. This species is an excellent climber, often found high in trees or in the rafters of buildings searching for prey.
Adult Eastern Rat Snakes are shiny black with a white or creamy chin and throat. They can be distinguished from the racer by the faintly keeled (ridged) texture of their scales and a distinct black-and-white checkerboard pattern visible on their bellies. As constrictors, they play a significant ecological role in controlling rodent populations, making them beneficial for both natural habitats and agricultural areas. Despite their size, these snakes are non-venomous and generally docile, though they may coil up, hiss, and bite if severely provoked.
South Carolina’s Six Venomous Species
South Carolina is home to six species of venomous snakes, five of which are pit vipers and one is an elapid. The Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) is the most frequently encountered venomous snake, recognized by its reddish-brown to tan coloration overlaid with dark, hourglass-shaped cross-bands. Its broad, triangular head is typically a uniform copper color, and it can be found in a wide range of habitats across the state.
The Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus), or Water Moccasin, is strongly associated with aquatic environments, such as swamps and marshes, particularly in the coastal plain. Adults are dark-colored with faint cross-bands and are known for their defensive posture, which involves opening their mouths to expose a bright, white interior. Copperheads, Cottonmouths, and the three rattlesnake species are classified as pit vipers, identifiable by their heat-sensing pits located between the eye and nostril and their vertically elliptical pupils.
The three rattlesnake species include the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus), the state’s largest venomous snake, which is characterized by a distinctive pattern of dark diamonds bordered by yellowish scales. This species prefers dry, sandy areas like coastal dunes and pine forests and is considered rare in the state. The Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) has two recognized forms, the mountain form and the canebrake form, the latter of which features a reddish-brown stripe running down its back. Rounding out the pit vipers is the Pigmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius), a smaller species with a tiny, inconspicuous rattle, often found near freshwater areas.
Finally, the Eastern Coral Snake (Micrurus fulvius) is the state’s only elapid. This snake is brightly patterned with alternating bands of red, yellow, and black. A common mnemonic to distinguish it from a harmless mimic is the pattern of its bands: “Red touches yellow, kill a fellow; red touches black, venom lack.” Unlike the pit vipers, the Coral Snake has small, fixed fangs and round pupils, and it spends much of its time burrowed in leaf litter or sandy soil.
Safe Practices During a Snake Encounter
Encountering a snake requires a measured and cautious approach to ensure safety. The single most effective practice is to maintain a distance of at least six feet and simply observe the reptile. Snakes are motivated to avoid confrontation and will move away if given the opportunity. Never attempt to capture, handle, or kill a snake, as this is when the majority of bites occur.
Individuals who spend time hiking or working outdoors can take several practical precautions to minimize risk. Wearing closed-toe shoes and long pants provides a layer of protection, especially when stepping over logs or rocks where a snake might be hidden. It is wise to avoid placing hands or feet where visibility is limited, such as reaching under bushes or into rock crevices.
If a bite does occur, the immediate action is to remain calm and call emergency services right away. While waiting for medical help, the victim should immobilize the bitten extremity and keep it at or below the level of the heart to slow the spread of venom. Rings or other constricting items should be removed immediately due to potential swelling. Ineffective folk remedies, such as cutting the wound, attempting to suck out the venom, or applying a tourniquet or ice, should be strictly avoided as they can cause more harm than good.