Florida vs. South Carolina: Which State Has More Venomous Snakes?

Written by Chanel Coetzee
Updated: May 15, 2023
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Out of the 44 species of snake in Florida, only six are venomous. In addition, South Carolina also has six venomous snakes, and the funny thing is they are precisely the same species as the venomous snakes in Florida. However, the number of encounters and snake bites differs between the two states. Therefore, continue reading to find out about the venomous snakes in Florida vs. South Carolina.

Number of Venomous Snakes: Florida vs. South Carolina

Venomous SnakeState
Eastern coral snakeSouth Carolina and Florida
Timber rattlesnakeFlorida and South Carolina
Dusky pygmy rattlesnakeSouth Carolina and Florida
Southern copperheadFlorida and South Carolina
CottonmouthSouth Carolina and Florida
Eastern diamondback rattlesnakeFlorida and South Carolina

Venomous Snakes in Florida

The venomous snakes of Florida are most active during hot weather after recent rains because frequent, heavy rain forces them out of their hiding places. This is when you need to be extra cautious while gardening or hiking. When out in the garden or nature, always wear closed-toed shoes and leather gloves while pruning or weeding.

The pygmy rattlesnake might be the smallest out of the six venomous snakes in Florida, but they cause the most snakebites in the state. This is because they are the most common venomous snake in the Sunshine State, but luckily they are also the least deadly. However, the rarest venomous snake in Florida is a patternless diamondback rattlesnake, which was found by a biologist named Pierson Hill. These types of diamondback rattlesnakes are so rare; there are only a handful of them in the world.

Curled up pygmy rattlesnake

The pygmy rattlesnake might be the smallest out of the six venomous snakes in Florida, but they cause the most snakebites in the state.

©Gerald A. DeBoer/Shutterstock.com

Snake With the Highest Level of Venom

Cottonmouths are the most venomous snake species in the Sunshine State and can grow to 6 feet long. These snakes, also called green-tailed moccasins, occur along the water in wooded and swampy regions. Unfortunately, their venom is primarily composed of hemotoxins, which attack blood cells and prevents blood coagulation or blood clotting. However, fatalities are rare, but their bites often result in amputations. Cottonmouths range in color from jet black (which hides the banded pattern) to dark brown or banded olive green. Furthermore, their heads are spade-shaped and thicker and larger than their necks.

Moccasin Snake

Cottonmouths range in color from jet black (which hides the banded pattern) to dark brown or banded olive green.

©Nathan A Shepard/Shutterstock.com

How Common Are Snake Bites in Florida?

While pygmy rattlesnakes cause the most bites in Florida, it is extremely rare to get killed by a snake bite in this state. In fact, you are more likely to get struck by lightning. For example, there are around 300 venomous snake bites in the Sunshine Stater yearly. And out of the 7,000 to 8,000 venomous snake bites in the USA each year, only five or six end in death. In addition, there are no deaths reported from pygmy rattlesnakes on record.

What You Should Do When Bitten

If one of the venomous snakes in Florida bites you, call 911 immediately, especially if the wound begins to swell, is painful, or changes color. Medical staff will be able to provide you with antivenom. However, if you find yourself waiting for the medical help to arrive, you can take the following steps:

  • Get as far away from the snake as possible.
  • By remaining calm and still, you can reduce the rate at which the venom spreads.
  • Before swelling occurs, remove any tight clothing or jewelry.
  • Position yourself so the wound is below or at the level of your heart
  • Cover the bite site with a clean, dry dressing after cleaning it with soap and water.

What Not to Do When Bitten

  • Don’t attempt to remove the venom.
  • You mustn’t use a tourniquet or apply ice.
  • Stay away from alcohol or caffeine, which speeds up the absorption of venom.
  • Don’t try to catch the snake. However, try to get a good look at it and take down details like its shape and color. By doing this, you can describe the snake to the medical professional, speeding up the treatment process. Taking a photo is even better.

Venomous Snakes in South Carolina

As the temperatures rise and the ground thaws in South Carolina, the snakes return. As a result, they are mainly active throughout the months of March to October. Out of the 38 types of snakes in the Palmetto State, only six are venomous, and the most venomous snake in this state is the copperhead. These snakes occur throughout South Carolina, and they can reach lengths of four feet. However, their average length ranges from two to three feet. Their coloration differs from coppery-tan to pink, with crossbands shaped like hourglasses.

The rarest venomous snake in South Carolina is the coral snake. These snakes can survive in a wide range of habitats. However, they are never a common species anywhere. For example, they are very secretive and spend most of their lives underground. Therefore, people don’t see or come into contact with them often. However, coral snakes leave their dens to hunt for lizards and other snakes.

Snake With the Highest Level of Venom

The copperhead is the most venomous snake in the Palmetto State. These snakes have hemotoxic venom, which causes the breakdown of red blood cells, which they use to subdue their prey. In addition, the length of the fangs depends on the size of their bodies. For example, copperheads with longer bodies have longer fangs. Furthermore, studies have shown copperheads bite more people than any other venomous snake species in South Carolina. This is because they don’t usually give a warning if people come too close and strike before you know what’s happening. And what’s worse is people with compromised immune systems have more severe reactions to their venom. When someone is bitten by one of these snakes, the following symptoms can occur:

  • Numbing face or limbs
  • Inflammation and redness near the site of the bite
  • Pain
  • Problems breathing
  • Vision problems
  • Nausea and possible vomiting
Copperhead Snake (Agkistrodon contortrix)

Studies have shown copperheads bite more people than any other venomous snake species in South Carolina.


Image: Creeping Things, Shutterstock

©Creeping Things/Shutterstock.com

How Common Are Snake Bites in South Carolina?

In the year 2020, there were over 260 recorded in South Carolina by the Palmetto Poison Center. This had increased from 2018 when there were 245 snake bites on record, and 199 in 2017. There are a few reasons behind the rise of snake bites in the state. One theory is due to the increased population size of South Carolina, which results in more interaction with snakes. Another theory is the weather. September seemed to be the peak of snake bites, as 24 people raced to the emergency ward with venomous snake bites in a single week. Most of these bites were from copperhead snakes that came out of hiding to search for water amid the drought.

Conclusion

When determining which state has more venomous snakes, Florida vs. Carolina, they are pretty evenly matched. Both states have the exact same number and species of venomous snakes. The only differences are the most common venomous snakes in each state, the snakes with the highest toxicity in each state, and how many people are bitten each year. But, the truth is, dying from a snake bite is extremely rare, as there are great antivenoms available. However, this doesn’t mean these bites don’t cause damage. Many people end up losing limbs because they didn’t get treatment in time. So, needless to say, if you ever find yourself in Florida or South Carolina and you feel like going on a hike, be sure to wear closed-toed boots and keep your eyes on the ground at all times!

The photo featured at the top of this post is ©

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About the Author

Chanel Coetzee is a writer at A-Z Animals, primarily focusing on big cats, dogs, and travel. Chanel has been writing and researching about animals for over 10 years. She has also worked closely with big cats like lions, cheetahs, leopards, and tigers at a rescue and rehabilitation center in South Africa since 2009. As a resident of Cape Town, South Africa, Chanel enjoys beach walks with her Stafford bull terrier and traveling off the beaten path.

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