What If You Smell Cucumber In Your North Carolina Garbage
With seasons about to shift, there’s more than allergies and time changes to be aware of. The State reports if you smell cucumber in your North Carolina garbage it might be cause for concern. Apparently, copperheads and other venomous snakes that make their home here allegedly smell like cucumber when they’re angry. Folk wisdom warns those doing yard work, smelling a fresh salad might indicate striking distance from a copperhead. However, some debunk this theory as misleading. When snakes feel threatened, they emit a musk as a defense. Of course, it smells different depending on the person. So, it’s best to not rely on a cucumber smell to alert you to a venomous snake. And, according to NCWildlife.org, North Carolina is home to 37 known species of snakes. They point to six that are venomous. Those species include Eastern Coral Snake, Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Pigmy Rattlesnake, Timber Rattlesnake, Cottonmouth and Copperhead.
While they all can emit the musky defense odor, the cucumber scent is often reported concerning the Copperhead. Regardless, as temps start rising, animals come out of hibernation. And, we find ourselves out doing yard work and playing more. So, just keep a watchful eye on pets, yourselves and children. Although, don’t rely on the smell of cucumber in your garbage or yard to protect you. It’s just one more possible helpful alert according to some. But, again, although maybe not all out false, it is misleading. I’m not trying to give all snakes a bad name whatsoever. I’m told there are good snakes. I take your word for it since I know that’s true. But, I’ll keep my distance!
North Carolina has Six Venomous Snakes On Our Ultimate Snake List
Cottonmouth: Venomous Snake in North Carolina
Every year I see probably about ten of these lovely creatures. They make me jump out of my skin. This venomous snake is also called Water Moccasin. This is the most common venomous snake out of the six. It is found literally everywhere throughout North Carolina. The bites for these bad boys are he bites are pretty painful, but deaths from copperhead bites are extremely rare. You can see more on this snake here.
The Longest Snake in the World
This is a worthwhile one if you like snakes. The average length of a reticulated python is 20 feet. That’s the length of two basketball hoops! These snakes are found in southeast Asia. The habitat preferences of these animals appear to depend on their location, but they enjoy rainforests, woodlands, and grasslands. You can see more on this snake here.
Eastern Coral Snake: Venomous Snake in North Carolina
Though I love the colors, I wouldn’t get close to them! The Eastern Coral Snake is often referred to as the candy stick snake. It is normally the most misidentified snake found in North Carolina. In the southern Coastal Plain from North Carolina to Louisiana, including Florida, the eastern coral snake is scattered. Throughout their range, they can be found grazing in areas of scrub oak sandhills and pine Flatwoods that flood seasonally. You can’t legally kill the Eastern Coral Snake due to their endangered status. You can see more on this snake here.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake: Venomous Snake in North Carolina
Just seeing photos of this snake gives me nightmares. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is the largest and perhaps the most dangerous species of rattlesnake in the world. The backs of these heavy-bodied pitvipers are covered with black diamond patterns outlined in dark diamonds. In North Carolina, diamondbacks are usually found in sandy pine Flatwoods in the southeastern Coastal Plain. You can’t legally kill the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake due to their endangered status. You can see more on this snake here.
The Heaviest Snake in the World
Wow! The heaviest snake in the world is the green anaconda. They can reach up to 220 pounds and 16 feet in length. A native of South America, the green anaconda inhabits swamps, marshes, and streams. These snakes are nonvenomous. You can see more on this snake here.
Copperhead: Venomous Snake in North Carolina
Do you often see these? I sure do. Most North Carolinians know at least the name of the copperhead. Copperheads are typically between two and three feet long, with a fairly heavy body. North Carolina is home to the most common and widespread venomous snake, the copperhead. You can see more on this snake here.
Pigmy Rattlesnake: Venomous Snake in North Carolina
They’re kind of cute, aren’t they? Pigmy Rattlesnakes are also venomous snakes in North Carolina. In the United States, pigmy rattlesnakes are the smallest species of rattlesnake. Snakes that live in this region usually have dull gray bodies with a row of dark spots running down the center of their backs. In North Carolina, pigmy rattlers are found in pine Flatwoods and scrub oak habitats in the southeastern Coastal Plain and the Sandhills. They have been found at Crowder’s Mountain State Park in Gaston County. You can see more on this snake here.
Timber Rattlesnake: Venomous Snake in North Carolina
Rattlesnakes of this species are large and heavy-bodied, with dark bands or chevrons protruding from their bodies. They are most commonly found in mountains and coastal plains. One of the most impressive things about this snake is the fact that it can strike up to 1/3 to 1/2 of its body length. I am not a fan of this snake. You can see more on this snake here.
