Snakes are scaly, legless, sometimes venomous reptiles having a long, tapering, cylindrical body. Unlike lizards they lack limbs, external ear openings and eyelids. Their life styles vary; some are active by day, others at night. Some occupy terrestrial or subterranean situations, others live in trees or in the water. All snakes are carnivorous and swallow their prey whole. They continue to increase in length throughout their lives, but the growth rate slows after maturity is reached. Snakes periodically shed their outer layer of skin, usually in one piece beginning at the tip of the snout.
The majority of snakes encountered in Alabama are non venomous, but often times are confused with the 6 venomous snake species we have in Alabama. Taking time to learn the differences between the 2 groups of snakes can be beneficial when encountered with one in the wild.
Non Venomous Snakes in Alabama
One way to help you identify what species of snake you found is to look at the dominant colors. Click on the link above to see a guide to snake species in Alabama based on their color.
