Rattlesnakes In North Carolina And My Close Encounters With Them

Photo byTown Talks

Yes, there are rattlesnakes in North Carolina, and I’ve had a few close encounters with them myself. While copperheads get a lot of attention, rattlesnakes are also present in the state, though they’re less commonly seen, especially in the Piedmont region.

According to North Carolina Wildlife Conservation Biologist Bret Ladrie, rattlesnakes can be found in Charlotte and surrounding areas, particularly in wooded regions. You might encounter them on trails, in yards, on roads, or even under rocks.

How to Recognize a Rattlesnake

Rattlesnakes are typically recognized by their distinctive rattle, which they use to warn when you’re getting too close. However, I’ve learned that they can alert you in other ways too.

During my rides at Kings Mountain State Park, I’ve encountered rattlesnakes three times. Twice, they used their rattle to let us know they were nearby, and we were able to avoid any danger. But once, I heard a strange hissing sound—like air escaping from a tire—before realizing it was a rattlesnake, and this one was within striking distance. Fortunately, it wasn’t interested in striking, and we all went our separate ways.

If you’re out in wooded areas, be cautious, and respect these snakes by giving them their space. They’re part of the natural landscape here in North Carolina.