Lowcountry Snakes
Most of us have encountered a snake at one time or another, often while doing yard work. In the Lowcountry, this is to be expected. People generally have a strong aversion to snakes and the comment “The only good snake is a dead one” is one heard many times. Never try to kill a snake, that is often how snake bites occur.
To learn more about snakes in our area, I spent an hour with an expert, asking questions and listening to recommendations. Wayne Harris, the Refuge Wildlife Biologist at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR) and his two Herpetology students from Clemson were happy to share their knowledge.
I inquired about the venomous snakes common to the southeast and specifically the Bluffton area. I learned that of the thirty-eight species of snakes in South Carolina, only five are venomous; the copperhead, the cotton-mouth (also known as a water moccasin), the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, the timber (or canebrake) rattlesnake and the coral snake. It is rare to encounter a coral snake here but the other four are commonly seen. Experts recommend learning how to identify these venomous snakes and teach your children.
Copperheads are light brown with hourglass-shaped bands and a copper-colored head. Cottonmouths, or water moccasins, are darker with thick bodies and show a white mouth when threatened. Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes display dark diamond patterns along their back and have a prominent rattle. Timber rattlesnakes, also called canebrakes, have dark V-shaped crossbands on a gray or brown body and may show a rusty stripe. Eastern coral snakes are slender with red, yellow, and black bands—remember: “Red touch yellow, kill a fellow.”
I asked what we can do, if anything, to reduce our chances of encountering a venomous snake in the Lowcountry. He first emphasized how important it is to NOT kill harmless (non-venomous) snakes. They are beneficial to humans because they eat other snakes, including venomous ones. A king snake or rat snake hanging out under a raised deck or in a hole or tree stump is a good thing. The homeowner will likely never encounter a venomous snake.
The wildlife biologist recommends minimizing mulch, straw and leaves near doorways and not spending money on commercial snake deterrents because there is truly no such thing. They are not effective.
When gardening or doing landscaping, use a rake or shovel to move pine straw or mulch aside. When hiking, stay on the trail and pay attention to where you step, avoiding old logs and downed branches as snakes often hide there. Snake boots are highly recommended for hunters and field workers.
The most common harmless snakes seen in the Lowcountry are the black snake, rat snake, corn snake, king snake, black racer and green snake. They are not interested in humans and will move away quickly if you approach.
Many people want to know what to do if bitten by a snake. If possible, try to identify the snake or be able to describe it. Forget about sucking blood from the bite site and applying a tight tourniquet, immediately call 911 and move towards your car or road to be transported to the nearest hospital emergency room. Wrap the bite area securely (not tightly) to keep it clean during transit. If someone is with you, allow them to either carry you or help you take weight/pressure off the affected extremity.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only about 5 people die annually from bites by venomous snakes in the entire United States, surprisingly low for the level of fear that exists about snakes.
Knowledge is empowering and reduces that fear. The Savannah National Wildlife
Refuge is a rich resource for learning about snakes and their experts are happy to answer questions. The visitor center offers educational programs and is an easy drive from Bluffton.
A former Bluffton resident, Glenda finds stories everywhere and writes about nature, travel, healthy living and books.
