Southeastern Crowned Snake (Tantilla coronata)

Common but very secretive in much of North Carolina, this species burrows underground but may be found under logs or rocks.

This individual is prepring to shed its skin, as is obvious by its milky eye appearance.

Crowned snakes are named for their dark heads, as if wearing a crown. There are several species of crowned snakes in the US, but this is the only one in North Carolina.

Southeastern Crowned Snakes eat mostly centipedes, termites, and other soil invertebrates.

These snakes actually are mildly venomous with rear fangs and a weak venom, but they are so small and generally do not bite humans when caught that they are completely harmless to people. In fact, they are quite beneficial by helping to keep populations of unwanted things like centipedes and termites down!

These snakes are excellent burrowers and that's where this one's headed.

Bellies are pale.