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Rattlesnakes are in the Charlotte area. What to know to stay safe

Stories by Charlotte Observer journalists, with AI summarization

Rattlesnakes and copperheads are found in Charlotte, especially as the weather warms. Baby copperheads can be identified by their small size and bright yellow tails. Rattlesnakes rarely bite unless threatened, and most bites happen when someone tries to interact with or kill the snake.

If bitten by either snake, staying calm, washing the area, removing jewelry near the bite, and seeking prompt medical or veterinary care are crucial steps. To avoid encounters, clear brush and tall grass from your yard, watch where you step, and keep pets on a short leash and away from rocky or wooded areas.

The timber rattlesnake is the most common rattlesnake found in Mississippi. By Lauren Witte

NO. 1: CHARLOTTE HAS RATTLESNAKES. LEARN WHERE THEY HIDE & HOW TO IDENTIFY THEM

“Most of the time you’re going to walk right by a rattlesnake and never know it’s there, because it’s not going to move a muscle,” we’ve been told. | Published May 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Evan Moore

A timber rattlesnake slithers across the ground at a farm in Dublin Thursday while Jason Clark with Southeastern Reptile Rescue discusses venomous snakes. By Jason Vorhees

NO. 2: IT’S RATTLESNAKE SEASON IN CHARLOTTE. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF ONE BITES YOU?

Applying a tourniquet can increase the chances of tissue damage, experts say. | Published June 4, 2024 | Read Full Story by Evan Moore

A Georgia woman witnessed a grisly “once-in-a-lifetime wildlife interaction” when she watched a venomous timber rattlesnake get eaten by an Eastern kingsnake, according to the Wildlife Resources Division.

NO. 3: WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOUR PET IS BITTEN BY A RATTLESNAKE IN CHARLOTTE? STEPS TO TAKE

Approximately 150,000 dogs and cats in the United States are bitten by venomous snakes each year. | Published June 6, 2024 | Read Full Story by Evan Moore

Size comparison: This picture shows a newborn copperhead next to a quarter. By Falyn Owens

NO. 4: NC’S BABY COPPERHEAD SEASON IS HERE, SO YOU MIGHT SEE SOME MORE SNAKES. WHAT TO KNOW

Newborn copperheads are starting to make their debut. Here’s what to know about the populous baby snakes. | Published September 4, 2024 | Read Full Story by emoore@charlotteobserver.comEvan Moore

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.