![]() Try to wait for them to leave the area, or pass by at a safe distance instead of trying to move them. They will shake their tail and produce a loud rattling sound when threatened.īecause they are venomous, they should always be left alone when seen on the trail. These snakes have different colors and patterns but can be identified by the characteristic rattle on their tail. Lastly, the Eastern Massasauga can be seen as far north as New York. Timber Rattlesnakes can be found along the entire East Coast, while Pygmy Rattlesnakes and Eastern Diamondbacks can be seen in North Carolina and Georgia. Specifically, there are four types of rattlesnakes that inhabit areas near the Appalachian Trail. The second venomous snake you may encounter on the trail is the rattlesnake. They rarely even bite when handled, so if you leave these snakes alone on the trail, they will not bother you. They are nonvenomous and pose no threat to humans. These snakes are small, docile, and can easily be picked up and moved if necessary. They are usually no longer than 15 inches and between the Eastern and Southern species, can be found in every state along the East Coast. These small snakes are usually brown, olive, black, or even blue-gray in color with a yellow, red, or orange neckband and underbelly. But you need not worry about your safety. If you come across an Eastern Hognose on the Appalachian Trail, you should leave it alone, so as to not induce stress on the snake. This is another species that is technically venomous but not dangerous to humans. They will flare their head like a cobra and then play dead when threatened. The one consistent identifying characteristic is their upturned nose that gave them their name. They come in a variety of colors like gray, orange, and brown, and they can be plain or patterned. The Eastern Hognose is a fascinating species that you will likely encounter along the trail in North Carolina, Georgia, and even as far north as New Hampshire. While not dangerous, their bite can pack a punch and the stinky musk can cling to your clothes. If you happen to come across this species, it will be best to leave them alone. You can see this snake along the trail in states like Georgia. They are nonvenomous however, they are known to emit a foul order and vibrate their tails to mimic rattlesnakes when threatened. They are normally black in color with a white or cream underbelly. These large snakes can grow between 3.5 to 7 feet long and are also known as Western Rat Snakes or Black Rat Snakes. If you come across this species on the trail, you can leave them alone or, if you feel more confident handling snakes, gently move them out of your path. They are a docile species that are considered technically venomous, but are not dangerous to humans. These snakes are common along the East Coast, especially in states like Virginia. These snakes are identified by a brown, green, or gray body color with a yellow or cream-colored stripe down the middle of their back, and a checkered pattern on their sides. Garter SnakesĪlong the trail, it is very easy to come across Eastern Garter Snakes. If you come across one on the trail, back away slowly and make sure you are at least 6-10 feet away from the snake at all times. Keep a careful eye on where you are putting your feet to avoid these snakes. This can be a problem, as Copperheads are one of two types of venomous snakes on the Appalachian Trail. If encountered, it will often freeze and rely on its camouflage to remain unseen when threatened. This snake is coppery-brown in color with distinct “Hershey’s kiss” brown patterning on its sides. As you progress northward on the Appalachian Trail, you may even contact the Northern Copperhead in states like New York. The Eastern copperhead can be found across the East Coast in states like Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia. Appalachian Trail: 6 Snakes You May Encounter 1. #Lots of snakes on trail how to#So, read on to understand what you’re looking for on the trail, and how to handle a slithery situation. While not all snakes you might see are venomous, some are. If you are thinking about taking on the Appalachian Trail, this article will prepare you for the snakes you may encounter along the way. Here’s what to look for and how to react.īefore you head out for a hike, it’s important to know what snakes you are likely to see, what they look like, and how to safely navigate an encounter. The trail itself is home to a wide variety of creatures, including snakes. The Appalachian Trail spans more than 2,100 miles of beautiful wildland, but with it comes wildlife. Home » Outdoor » Hiking » 6 Snakes You Might Encounter Hiking the Appalachian Trail ![]()
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