Snakes of Kiawah
by Sophia McAllister
S
nake! The very word can conjure in many minds
a sinister, slippery, fearsome creature. Nothing could be
farther from the truth, which is that this amazing animal plays
an important role in our environment.
There are 15-20 snake species present on Kiawah
Island. Three are venemous (copperhead, cottonmouth
and eastern diamondback rattlesnake) but, except for the
copperhead, these snakes are very rare. Among the most
commonly seen non-venomous snakes are the southeastern
crowned snake, yellow rat snake, black racer, corn snake,
banded watersnake, rough green snake, garter snake, and
scarlet kingsnake, a mimic of the coral snake.
Snakes are reptiles covered with scales and without
legs. All snakes have teeth. The six venomous snakes found
in the southeast have hollow fangs in the front of the mouth
through which they can inject venom. Most snakes have
small sharp teeth that angle backward to prevent prey from
escaping before it has been swallowed
Snakes are carnivores. Some eat a specific diet while
others prey on a wide range of mammals, birds, and insects,
as well as other snakes. Prey is eat