Year of the Snake: The Finale

And so we come to the final installment of North Carolina State Parks’ Year of the Snake.

Over the course of the past 10 months, we’ve learned a lot about these interesting and often misunderstood members of the environment we live in.

Snakes are found in just about every habitat there is in the state of North Carolina, from the darkest forests to the busiest cities. There are types of snakes adapted to aquatic environments and types that require rocky outcrops in which to hibernate during winter.

Some species of snake prey on insects and other small invertebrates while others eat mammals as large as cottontail rabbits.

Most snakes in the American Southeast are non-venomous and rather rely on constriction to subdue prey. The few venomous species inject a toxic cocktail into their victims and then hang back until incapacitation or death has occurred.

Snakes in North Carolina run the gamut – from the tiny, 6-inch worm snake to the common black rat snake that can reach 6 feet in length.

Most importantly, we have come to understand snakes are a vital thread in the fabric of our natural world. They help maintain rodent populations at healthy levels and even serve as an important food source themselves for birds of prey and mammalian carnivores.

Last but not least, snakes are just plain cool to look at. We hope you’ve enjoyed the Year of the Snake. Stay tuned to find out what 2020’s focus will be.