How to spot snakes, gators & spiders in NC this summer

This summer revealed fascinating and unexpected behaviors from various animals, showcasing adaptability and instinct in diverse settings. Alligators displayed territorial aggression, with one powerful bull overpowering a rival in a dramatic pond clash. Snakes demonstrated their climbing prowess, scaling fences and even houses, driven by the pursuit of food or shelter. Meanwhile, invasive species like pythons emerged in unexpected suburban locales, sparking investigations into their origins.

On the lighter side, a rare spectacle of a Kemp’s ridley sea turtle “dancing” during its nesting ritual captivated audiences, underscoring the unique behaviors of endangered species. These observations highlight the wide range of animal responses to their environments, from survival-driven interactions to whimsical displays.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

NO. 1: CAN NC SNAKES CLIMB FENCES OR UP THE SIDE OF A HOUSE? SOME CAN. EXPERTS EXPLAIN

There are 38 species of snakes in NC, and a couple of them are expert climbers. | Published June 6, 2024 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted

The species of pythons found in Elizabeth City were not revealed, but Burmese pythons like this one are the species that is most commonly found in South Florida, experts say. Burmese python - NONVENOMOUS NONNATIVE - Constrictor Burmese python closeup. FWC photo by Kevin Enge

NO. 2: PYTHONS CAUGHT ROAMING SUBDIVISION IN EASTERN NC. COPS INVESTIGATE HOW THEY GOT THERE

The number of snakes caught has not been released. | Published June 28, 2024 | Read Full Story by Mark Price

Nature photographer Kathy Sykes caught the moment one alligator killed a smaller male alligator in a pond near the North Carolina coast.

NO. 3: WATCH AS LARGE ALLIGATOR CLAMPS ITS JAWS ON RIVAL GATOR IN NORTH CAROLINA POND

“I heard a sickening splash and knew the outcome.” | Published July 4, 2024 | Read Full Story by Mark Price

Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are the smallest sea turtle in the world. The species is named after Richard M. Kemp, a fisherman from Key West, Florida, who first submitted the species for identification in 1906.

NO. 4: ‘RARE’ DANCING SEA TURTLE SPOTTED ON THE OUTER BANKS, VIDEO SHOWS. WHAT IS IT DOING?

Dare we judge a sea turtle’s dancing skills? | Published July 12, 2024 | Read Full Story by Mark Price

Black widow spiders are one of the seven species of spiders in Georgia. By Mike De Sisti/Milwaukee Journal

NO. 5: THESE VENOMOUS SPIDERS ARE ACTIVE IN NC — AND THEY HIDE IN HOMES. HOW TO SPOT THEM

Their bites can pack a punch, too. | Published July 23, 2024 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney

Copperheads are among the most commonly spotted South Carolina snakes in the spring, according to pest control expert Todd Metz.

NO. 6: WHERE DO COPPERHEAD SNAKES GO WHEN IT GETS COLD IN NC? WE ASKED THE EXPERTS

Snakes are ectothermic, meaning they are influenced by the temperatures around them. | Published December 4, 2024 | Read Full Story by Kimberly Cataudella Tutuska

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.