Northern pine snake : North Carolina wildlife profiles

Northern Pine Snake North Carolina Wildlife Profiles Northern Pine Snake (Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus) The Northern pine snake is a large, non-venomous snake with a variety of com¬ mon names, including bullsnake, black and white snake, pilot snake, horned snake, and white gopher snake. While there are three subspecies of pine snakes in North America, only one — the Northern pine snake — is found in North Carolina. Description Northern pine snakes are large, heavy-bodied snakes with a white, tan or yel¬ lowish background color and dark brown or black markings that begin as heavy mottling on the head and gradually become distinct blotches toward the tail. The belly is white or yellowish and may contain some light mottling of brown, orange or pink. They average about 4 to 5 feet in length; however, some specimens measure more than 6 feet in length. History and Status Northern pine snakes are a burrowing species, spending much of their life under ground and, therefore, are seldom seen. Despite this secretiveness, Northern pine snakes are thought to be declining throughout much of their range. In North Caroli¬ na, the pine snake is state Usted as a Threatened species and is identified in the N.C. Wildlife Action Plan as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need. As a state-listed species, pine snakes are protected in North Carolina and cannot be collected or taken from the wild without a special permit issued by the Wildlif e Commission’s Executive Director. For more information on this species, visit ncwildlif e. org/pinesnake. Habitats b Habits In North Carolina, pine snakes are found mostly in the Sandhills and southern Coastal Plain. A few' specimens have been found in the southern mountains, specifi¬ cally in Cherokee and Swain counties. In Swain County, one was spotted swimming in Fontana Lake. Pine snakes prefer open areas within pine-oak forests with well-drained and sandy soils. In the Coastal Plain, they are found within the longleaf pine ecosystem. While they typically dig their own burrow's, they also will use mammal burrows and tree root cavities or stumps. Because pine snakes spend the majority of their time underground, they are seldom seen, even in areas where they are known to occur. If they are observed, it is usually during the day in the spring and early summer, as they go from burrow to burrow looking for rodents and other small mammals to eat. They also will eat birds and bird eggs. If disturbed or provoked, pine snakes will hiss loudly, vibrate their Pine snakes are seldom seen because of their burrowing tendencies. The Wildlife Commission Needs Your Help! If you see a pine snake in the wild, Wildlife Commission biologists want to know. Email pinesnake@ncwildlife.org with the following: • A photo (if possible) • Date and time the snake was observed • The location (CPS coordinates are best, but a detailed location description is acceptable) Range and Distribution The Northern pine snake’s range includes New Jersey, West Virginia, Virginia, Ken¬ tucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. In North Carolina, it is found mainly in the Sandhills and Coastal Plain, and potentially in a few locations in Cherokee and Swain counties. Range Map