Description:

The Eastern Coral Snake adults can range from 24-48 inches in length with a record length of 51 inches (Roze, 1996) has red, yellow, and black bands that encircle the body across the belly, with the black, and red bands separated by smaller yellow bands. Black spots can commonly be seen in the red bands, most notably on the venter. They have a black nose with that black always covering their little black eyes (you can not see their round black pupils). The red, yellow, black theme changes to only black and yellow bands at the tail. Aberrant individuals – in pattern and color are known but uncommon. 

  Scale distinction:  Smooth scales in 15 dorsal scale rowsThe dorsal (or body) scales on the snake’s body are arranged… More. A divided anal plate Shown in yellow. The scale or scales directly covering the… More. Divided subcaudal scalesAs shown in green. Amphiesma stolata paired subcaudal scales… More. The ventral scales number 197-217 in males and 219–233 in females. There are 40–47 subcaudals in males and 30–37 in females  

Habitat:

  Northernmost range prefers habitat with dry open ground, bushy but not heavily vegetated sandy soils in hardwood forests to pine flatwoods. In the southern range they’re known to favor areas close to lake beds. Spends most of its time buried in loose soil, leaflitter, logs and stumps. Primarily diurnal early morning and late evening. 

Distribution:

  Found in southeast United States. Southeast North Carolina south through parts of South Carolina throughout Florida across south Georgia, south Alabama, south Mississippi, and southeast Louisiana east of the Mississippi River. In Alabama were once considered common across the coastal plains. Northern limits in Alabama aren’t clearly defined. Eastern Coral Snakes have been found in disjunct locations as far as Bibb, Talladega, and Coosa Counties. Yarrow and Holt published records from 1882 and 1924 from Green and Autauga counties but haven’t been observed since. 

Feeding Habits:

  Feeds on lizards, frogs, and smaller snakes. The Coral Snake generally bites and holds the prey and will continually bite and chew their prey as they swallow it. Likely where the myth that Coral Snakes having to chew to envenomate originated. 

Breeding:

   Mating occurs in spring and fall resulting in 2-13 elongate eggs laid under loose soil, leaflitter in May or June. After incubating 70-90 days neonates are hatched 7-9 inches in length and double in size within 2 years. 

Ecology:

 Eastern Coral Snakes are infrequently encountered due to their secretive habits. In Alabama there are generally less than a half dozen sightings reported annually. Coral Snakes are reluctant to bite, however can bite quickly and has highly toxic venom. For these reasons Coral Snakes should only be handled by professionals. 

Status:

  Across their range Eastern Coral Snakes are stable. In Alabama very little is known about Coral Snake ecology. Populations are likely more abundant than thought due to their secretive nature, however there is a notable decline in populations. Evident in how frequently they have been observed in the past. Habitat destruction and invasive Fire Ants are presumed most responsible for their threatened status. 

220-2-.92 Nongame Species Regulation

(1) It shall be unlawful to take, capture, kill, or attempt to take, capture or kill; possess, sell, trade for anything of monetary value, or offer to sell or trade for anything of monetary value, the following nongame wildlife species (or any parts or reproductive products of such species) without a scientific collection permit or written permit from the Commissioner, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, which shall specifically state what the permittee may do with regard to said species: Eastern Coral Snake (Micrurus fulvius)