The coral snake, the only other poisonous snake in our region, is not a member of the pit viper family. Each red and black ring is separated by a yellow ring. The head and tail are encircled by yellow and black. The coral snake has small, permanently erect fangs and divided scales on the underside of the tail. Color patterns of coral snake, scarlet snake, and scarlet kingsnake.
Nonpoisonous snakes have round pupils, divided scales on the underside of the tail, and no pits.
There are many more nonpoisonous snakes than poisonous ones. For example, more than 37 species of snakes are in North Carolina, but only 6 species are poisonous. Distribution of poisonous snakes in North Carolina. Distribution of nonpoisonous snakes in North Carolina. Life History Snakes are seen most often in the spring or fall as they search for food or move to and from hibernation areas.