Harmless · North Carolina
Eastern Coachwhip
Masticophis flagellum
Long, fast snake with a dark front half and lighter tail in many individuals.
At a glance
Size
Usually 42-72 inches.
North Carolina range
sandhills, Coastal Plain
Habitat
sandhills, open pine woods, fields
Diet
Lizards, snakes, birds, rodents, insects, and other prey it can overpower.
Pattern
gradient
Venomous
No
How to identify it
Very long, slender, fast snake that is often dark near the head and gradually becomes tan toward the tail.
Where to look in North Carolina
Uncommon and restricted mainly to the Sandhills and Coastal Plain.
Open pine woods, Sandhills, fields, and scrubby dry habitats.
Regional maps show broad physiographic provinces, not county-level records.
Photo guide
Use the gallery to check pattern, body shape, and context—not just overall color.
