Reptiles of Moores Creek Reptiles are plentiful here at Moores Creek. A wide range of reptiles can be found in all areas of the park, from snakes to turtles to lizards.
The eastern ribbon snake is a slender and quick snake, often found near water. Similar to garter snakes, this species has light stripes down its body. The two may be distinguished by their face, with garter snakes having dark marking between its lip scales. This species is nonvenomous and will not bite if left alone. Eastern ribbon snakes are most active during the day, so be on the lookout when walking along Moores Creek!
The copperhead is the most common venomous snake found in coastal North Carolina. They are identified by their distinct hourglass shaped brown patches. Baby copperheads have a yellow or green tail that resembles lizards and frogs, which they wiggle to lure prey in. Although caution should be taken, copperheads do not go out of their way to bite humans. If threatened, copperheads will usually vibrate their tail and release musk as a warning. If further threatened, they will bite, but their bite is rarely fatal to humans with medical treatment. The green anole is commonly seen in the park on buildings, branches, the boardwalk, and the bridge. This species of lizard can appear green, brown, or in between. You may see them puff out their throat fan, or dew tap, a pink bubble-like feature that they use to attract mates or defend territory. Like chameleons, the green anole can change its color. Unlike the chameleon’s color change for camouflage, anole’s change color in response to temperature, stress, and other environmental factors.
The five lined skink is a primarily terrestrial lizard commonly seen on the park’s boardwalk and bridge. This species may also be seen in areas with rotting stumps and logs, along water, or basking on trails on a hot day. Like all other lizards of North Carolina, five lined skinks do not produce any venom that can harm humans.
The six lined racerunner is often seen in open and dry areas, such as sidewalks, the boardwalk and bridge, and on the side of paths. The six lined racerunner differs from the five lined skink in that it is almost always found on the ground. The six lined races is also much faster than skinks. If you are walking on a sidewalk in the park and see a something move quickly into the bushes, it was probably a racerunner!
Eastern box turtles are the only fully terrestrial turtle in North Carolina. Your best chance of seeing this species of turtle is during the day after rain. Eastern box turtles are omnivores, and they will eat anything that catches their attention and will fit in their mouth. Due to habitat fragmentation, many turtle populations are declining. If relocated, many turtles of this species will wander aimlessly and eventually die, so if you find an eastern box turtle, be sure to move it to the side of the road within its home range.
Painted turtles are smaller than Eastern box turtles. They prefer still or slow moving bodies of water with plenty of vegetation at the bottom for food. Painted turtles are often seen basking on fallen logs over Moores Creek. These turtles can be very still and conspicuous, so if you are walking over the boardwalk and think you see a rock on a log, look again!
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Last updated: July 28, 2021