Rising Snake Bites in Central North Carolina: The Growing Concern

The Growing Concern of Snake Bites in Central North Carolina

In recent years, healthcare professionals in central North Carolina have observed a concerning trend: an increase in emergency room visits due to snake bites. Some hospitals have already exceeded last year's totals before the summer season even reached its peak. Poison control centers have also noted a rise in calls from individuals who have been bitten in their own yards, driveways, and gardens. This surge has drawn attention from doctors, wildlife experts, and homeowners alike.

Snake Bites Are No Longer Just a Wilderness Issue

North Carolina is known for having one of the highest rates of venomous snakebites in the country, with an average of 10 to 12 bites per 100,000 people. However, these incidents are no longer limited to remote areas or hiking trails. They are increasingly occurring in suburban neighborhoods, small towns, and even city environments. For example, Wake Medical Center reported treating nine patients for copperhead bites within just two weeks early in the summer of 2025. Similar spikes have been reported at Duke University and UNC Hospitals.

For many residents, this news is alarming. A woman in Raleigh was bitten while tending to her chickens in her backyard—a place she had not expected to encounter a venomous snake in over two decades. Stories like hers highlight that snake bites can happen close to home, even for those who rarely think about snakes.

Why Snakes Are Thriving in the Piedmont Region

Central North Carolina’s Piedmont region, which includes cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham, offers ideal conditions for snakes. Rolling hills, mixed forests, and a mild climate create a habitat that supports various species. Forest edges, streams, and ground cover provide ambush spots, while suburban lawns and gardens offer abundant prey such as rodents, frogs, and insects. Additionally, milder winters mean snakes are active for longer periods, increasing the likelihood of human encounters.

Most local snake species are harmless, including black rat snakes, corn snakes, and garter snakes. However, venomous species like copperheads, cottonmouths, and timber rattlesnakes pose a greater risk. Copperheads, in particular, are commonly found in developed areas and are responsible for the majority of venomous snakebite cases in the state.

Climate Change and Increased Snake Activity

North Carolina’s climate has always influenced snake behavior, but rising temperatures are now playing a significant role. Once the temperature rises above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, snakes—especially copperheads—become more active in search of food, mates, and shelter. Joe Marquard, Service Manager with Killingsworth Environmental in Charlotte, explains that snake activity typically begins in spring, when most breeding occurs. Some species also breed again in the fall, and with warmer days, snakes remain active throughout the summer.

This increased activity puts people at risk, as many residents engage in yard work or evening walks to avoid the heat—the very times when copperheads are most active. These overlapping hours lead to unexpected encounters, such as snakes hiding in flower beds, coiled near woodpiles, or stretching across paths.

Urban Growth and Habitat Loss

One of the main reasons for the increase in human-snake interactions is the rapid growth of the region. Cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham have seen significant population increases, leading to a construction boom. Since 2020, North Carolina has added hundreds of thousands of new housing units, with Wake and Mecklenburg counties among the fastest-growing in the country.

As development continues, natural habitats are being replaced by neighborhoods, lawns, and roads. This expansion means that people and snakes are crossing paths more frequently, contributing to the rise in snake bite reports.

Copperheads: A Common Threat in Suburban Areas

Copperheads are particularly well-adapted to suburban life. They thrive in gardens, overgrown lots, and shaded lawn edges. Mulch beds, rock walls, and sheds provide excellent hiding spots. Unlike some snakes that avoid human activity, copperheads often set up ambush points near homes. As a result, they are responsible for up to 80% of venomous snakebite cases in the state.

Marquard advises homeowners to reduce areas where snakes might hide, such as wood piles and brushy areas. If a snake appears on your property, he suggests gently spraying it with a water hose from a safe distance to encourage it to move away. He also notes that snakes typically do not enter living spaces, but they may be found in garages and crawlspaces. To prevent this, he recommends keeping garage doors closed and sealing any entry points around the home.

Preventing Snake Bites

Understanding snake behavior can help people avoid dangerous encounters. Knowing where snakes hide, when they are most active, and how they blend into their surroundings can increase awareness. Wearing closed-toe shoes or boots when walking in tall grass or wooded areas provides additional protection. A flashlight can reveal hidden snakes during nighttime activities.

Experts strongly advise against handling or provoking snakes, as many bites occur when someone tries to chase or kill them. Copperheads, despite their size and seemingly sluggish appearance, can strike quickly. A two-foot copperhead can lunge forward nearly a foot, often before a person realizes it has moved.

Marquard warns that most snake bites occur when people try to handle or kill snakes. He emphasizes that attempting to eliminate a snake to prevent future bites is counterproductive. Professional snake removal services use specialized equipment, such as long tongs and bite-resistant clothing, to ensure safety for both humans and snakes.

What to Do If You’re Bitten

While snake bites can be painful and medically serious, fatalities are extremely rare. In the United States, about 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes each year, but only 1-2 die due to timely access to hospitals and antivenom. Copperhead bites usually require monitoring and pain management, though severe cases may need more intensive care.

Experts recommend calling 911 or seeking immediate medical attention rather than trying to handle the situation at home. Warning signs such as rapid swelling, spreading bruising, nausea, dizziness, or difficulty breathing require urgent treatment.

Old-fashioned remedies like cutting the wound, sucking out venom, or using a tourniquet are discouraged, as they can cause more harm than good. Instead, the safest steps are to stay calm, remove tight items, keep the affected limb immobilized, and avoid applying ice, alcohol, or electric shocks.

Hospitals in central North Carolina, such as Duke, UNC, and WakeMed, are well-prepared for snakebite emergencies. They have trained staff and access to antivenom, ensuring that most patients recover with minimal long-term complications when treatment is sought promptly.

The Broader Picture

The rise in snake bites in North Carolina reflects the complex interplay between human development, climate change, and outdoor lifestyles. While encounters with snakes will likely continue, the story is not just about danger—it’s about coexistence. Snakes play a vital role in the ecosystem by controlling pests and maintaining balance. With awareness and respect, people and snakes can share the landscape more safely. Most snake bites are preventable through common-sense precautions and a better understanding of how snakes live alongside us.