What To Do When You Find A Snake In Charlotte: A Complete Guide

Encountering a snake in Charlotte can be startling, especially if you’re unsure whether it’s venomous or harmless. North Carolina is home to a variety of snake species, most of which are non-venomous and play a crucial role in controlling pests. However, knowing how to react when you find a snake—whether in your yard, home, or on a hiking trail—can prevent unnecessary panic and ensure safety for both you and the animal.

This guide will walk you through:

How to identify common Charlotte snakes
What to do if you encounter a snake
When to call a professional
How to prevent snakes from entering your property

1. Identifying Common Snakes in Charlotte

Before taking action, it’s important to determine whether the snake is venomous or non-venomous. Here are some of the most common snakes in the Charlotte area:

Non-Venomous Snakes

Eastern Rat Snake – Black with a white chin, often found near barns or wooded areas.
Garter Snake – Small, striped, and harmless; frequently seen in gardens.
Northern Water Snake – Often mistaken for a cottonmouth but non-venomous; found near water sources.

Venomous Snakes (Caution Required)

Copperhead – Light brown with hourglass-shaped bands; responsible for most venomous bites in NC.
Timber Rattlesnake – Rare in Charlotte but found in wooded areas; identifiable by its rattle.
Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin) – Semi-aquatic, dark-colored, with a white mouth; uncommon in Charlotte but present in nearby wetlands.

Key Tip: Never approach or attempt to handle a snake unless you are certain of its species.

2. What to Do If You Find a Snake

If the Snake is Outside:

Stay calm and keep your distance (at least 6 feet away).
Do not attempt to kill or capture it—most bites occur when people try to handle snakes.
Observe its behavior: If it’s moving away, let it go. Snakes usually want to avoid humans.
If it’s in a high-traffic area, gently spray it with a hose to encourage it to leave.

If the Snake is Inside Your Home:

Isolate the snake by closing doors and blocking gaps under furniture.
Do not try to catch it yourself unless you are trained.
Call a professional wildlife removal service to safely relocate it.

If You or Someone Else is Bitten:

Stay calm and call 911 if you suspect a venomous bite.
Keep the bitten limb still and at or below heart level.
Do NOT apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, or suck out venom—these are myths that can worsen the injury.

3. When to Call a Professional

While most snakes are harmless, some situations require expert assistance:

The snake is inside your home and you can’t safely remove it.
You suspect it’s venomous and it’s in a populated area.
You frequently encounter snakes and want preventative measures.

Local Charlotte snake removal services include:

Critter Control of Charlotte
Carolina Wildlife Solutions
Animal Control (for immediate threats)

4. Preventing Snakes from Entering Your Property

To reduce the likelihood of snakes around your home:

Remove hiding spots – Keep grass trimmed, clear brush piles, and store firewood away from the house.
Seal entry points – Check for gaps in foundations, garages, and crawl spaces.
Reduce food sources – Eliminate rodents and insects that attract snakes.
Install snake-proof fencing (if in a high-risk area).

Final Thoughts

Finding a snake in Charlotte doesn’t have to be a crisis. Most snakes are harmless and beneficial, but knowing how to react ensures safety for everyone. By staying calm, identifying the species, and taking appropriate action, you can handle the situation effectively.