In a joint effort to expand the knowledge and understanding of the flora and fauna of Polk County, the Pacolet Area Conservancy (PAC) and David Campbell need your help in locating this month’s “Most Wanted-Animal,” the beautiful and secretive Scarlet Kingsnake (Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides).
The Scarlet Kingsnake is known for its vivid coloration of red, black, yellow or white bands that
encircle its body. Although entirely harmless to humans, it has been suggested that the coloration of the Scarlet Kingsnake is a form of mimicry whereby the Kingsnake strongly resembles the venomous Coral Snake.  Many species of inoffensive animals physically resemble or ‘mimic’ the appearance of venomous or toxic species with bright ‘warning’ coloration- the advantage to the harmless species is that they fool potential predators into thinking they are potentially harmful or deadly.  Certainly, the Scarlet Kingsnake is a very brightly colored snake.  However, one may distinguish between the harmless Scarlet Kingsnake and the venomous Coral snake readily enough…with the Kingsnake, the red bands touch the black bands, whereas with the Coral Snake the red bands touch the yellow bands…thus, many of us are familiar with the old rhyme: “Red touch black, friend of Jack.  Red touch yellow, kill a fellow.”  Within the state of North Carolina, Coral Snakes are very rare and only known from the southeastern portions of the state.  Scarlet Kingsnakes are more generally distributed, but still centered very much within the Coastal Plain area.
Scarlet Kingsnakes are relatively small, slender snakes, approximately 18 inches in length.  Scarlet Kingsnakes are often found (when they are found at all) beneath the peeling bark of Pine stumps or logs.  Preferred habitats are mixed sandy woods, with Pines and broadleaved tree species such as Oaks. Occasionally, these reptiles are also found on roads after dark, particularly after a period of rain. The primary source of food for the Scarlet Kingsnake is other small snakes and lizards, such as skinks.
There is some disagreement as to the relationship between Scarlet Kingsnakes and the Eastern Milksnake.  Some biologists feel that the Scarlet Kingsnake is merely a ‘race’ or variant of the Eastern Milksnake, while some other scientists feel the two species are distinct, but hybridize over certain areas where their ranges overlap. Whatever the case may be, the Scarlet Kingsnake (whether species, subspecies, or variant) is a very rarely encountered snake outside of the Coastal Plain and eastern Piedmont regions of North Carolina. However, there are records (including specimens) that are attributable to this snake having been taken in Rutherford County, Macon County, and from Polk County (from Tau Rock Vineyards near Tryon).  Alas, these records are many decades old. The possibility exists that this snake may still be found in our area, but the status of this snake in our region needs clarification.
If you think that you have seen this species, or know where it might be located, please contact PAC at 828-859-5060, or e-mail comments, questions, or photos to, landprotection@pacolet.org.
The purpose of this project is to gain a better understanding of the flora and fauna in Polk County and document the species present in the county.
PAC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit conservation organization (land trust) founded in 1989 to Protect and Conserve the area’s natural resources (PAC’s mission).  PAC works with area landowners to ensure the long-term protection of their property through voluntary conservation easements (agreements) which enable landowners to maintain ownership of their property, preserving precious natural resources (open lands, forests, wildlife habitat, scenic vistas, farmland, stream banks, etc.), and potentially obtain significant federal, state, and local tax benefits.  PACs vision is a community living and growing in harmony with our natural resources and or goal is to provide a legacy that will endure and be valued by generations to come.  PAC works diligently to provide leadership to encourage conservation and provide education programs emphasizing native species appreciation and responsible land use practices to help – save the places you love.
– article submitted
by Pam Torlina