Natural History: Tantilla coronata

Tantilla coronata commonly known as the Southeastern Crown Snake, named for the dark crown like coloration on its head, is generally a very secretive fossorial species. This species is found throughout the southeast. I was very excited when we came across this one at Dixie Plantation because even though this species is widespread throughout South Carolina it often goes unnoticed due to its burrowing. This crown snake is considered an insectivore. It has rear fangs but is not considered to be dangerous to humans due to its small size and lack of venom. This is unfortunately the only snake my lab has encountered, which almost doesn't seem right considering how secretive this snake's reputation makes it out to be.