Eastern coral snakes reach a maximum length of 35 inches. These rare snakes are currently located only in the southeastern corner of North Carolina. Dorsally, the scales are smooth and red, yellow, and black. The snout is always black followed by alternating bands of yellow, red, and black that encircle the entire body. Eastern coral snakes can be distinguished from the similar-looking scarlet kingsnake and scarlet snake by the order of the bands. The eastern coral snake always has thick red and black bands interspersed with narrow yellow bands, whereas the scarlet snake and the scarlet kingsnake have red bands touching black bands. The common saying, “Red touches black, you’re OK Jack; red touches yellow, you’re a dead fellow” is often used to remember this difference. Eastern coral snakes are crepuscular (active at dusk and dawn) and fossorial (located underground).

They are egg-laying and feed on small snakes and lizards. Eastern coral snakes are highly venomous, possessing venom that can cause paralysis and respiratory failure. Eastern coral snakes are typically not aggressive and are only known to bite if restrained. Eastern coral snakes are endangered in North Carolina; if you encounter this species, leave it alone!

Eastern coral snake.

Photo by Jeffrey Hall.

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Eastern coral snake.

Photo by Jeffrey Hall.

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