State researchers are seeking reports of a snake best known for being elusive and its attractive coloring.
Wildlife Resource Commission (WRC) biologists want to know more about the distribution of the Northern pine snake and are asking the public to report sightings.
Pine snakes are non-venomous and range between four and five feet long, but can get as large as 7.5 feet. It has a white or tan background color with dark brown or black markings that begin as solid coloring or messy blotches near the head before gradually becoming distinct saddle-like blotches toward the tail.
It’s mostly found in the Sandhills and the southern Coastal Plain, although there are confirmed reports of pine snakes in Cherokee and Swain counties. They prefer open areas within pine-oak forests with well-drained, sandy soil.
The Wildlife Commission is requesting that people who see a pine snake take a photo, mark the date, time and location (GPS coordinates) and submit them on the Pine Snake Reporting Tool at: https://bit.ly/4cjaRiu
