About
Snakes of North Carolina is a comprehensive mobile field guide designed to help anyone identify and learn about all 37 snake species—both venomous and non-venomous—found in North Carolina. Developed by Christian Hatch and based on the acclaimed book 'A Guide to the Snakes of North Carolina,' the app puts expert herpetology knowledge in your pocket. The app includes more than 150 high-quality color photographs, allowing users to visually compare snakes in detail through a swipeable image gallery with zoom capability. Each species entry provides thorough information on diet and feeding habits, preferred habitat and geographic range, reproduction, and miscellaneous natural history facts. County-level range maps make it easy to understand where specific species are likely to be encountered. Users can search for snakes by both common name and scientific name, making it useful for casual nature lovers and students alike. The app also addresses common snake myths—like whether snakes chase people—and provides important safety information about what to do if bitten by a venomous snake. Beyond identification, the app emphasizes conservation, explaining the vital ecological roles snakes play in North Carolina's ecosystems. Whether you're a hiker encountering an unfamiliar snake on a trail, a homeowner spotting one in your yard, or a budding herpetologist, this app is an essential free resource for anyone in or visiting North Carolina.
Key Features
- Complete Species Coverage: Covers all 37 venomous and non-venomous snake species native to North Carolina with detailed natural history entries.
- 150+ Color Photographs: Browse multiple high-resolution photos per species in a zoomable image gallery to aid accurate identification.
- County-Level Range Maps: Interactive geographic range maps with county boundaries help users understand where each species is found across the state.
- Dual-Mode Search: Search for any snake by common name or scientific name for quick lookups in the field or classroom.
- Snakebite & Safety Information: Includes first-aid guidance for venomous snakebites, conservation context, and myth-busting FAQs about snake behavior.
Use Cases
- Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts in North Carolina identifying an unknown snake encountered on a trail or in the wild.
- Homeowners trying to determine whether a snake found in their yard or garden is venomous or harmless.
- Students and educators using the app as a supplementary field guide for herpetology or ecology coursework.
- Wildlife photographers and naturalists (herpers) needing quick species verification and range data in the field.
- Emergency preparedness: learning snakebite first-aid protocols and identifying venomous species before an outdoor trip.
Pros
- Completely Free: No cost, no in-app purchases, and no subscription required—full access to all 37 species and content.
- Highly Practical in the Field: Offline-capable with photos and range maps, making it genuinely useful during hikes or outdoor encounters.
- Educational Depth: Goes beyond identification to cover ecology, conservation, reproduction, and diet—great for students and naturalists.
Cons
- North Carolina Only: Coverage is limited to North Carolina's 37 species, making it unusable for snake identification in other states.
- No AI Identification: Does not offer photo-based AI snake identification; users must manually browse or search to find a match.
- Limited Photo Viewing on Older Versions: Some older users reported difficulty viewing full photos before a gallery update; experience may vary on legacy devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Snakes of North Carolina app free?
Yes, the app is completely free to download and use on iPhone, iPad, and Mac with no in-app purchases.
How many snake species does the app cover?
The app covers all 37 snake species found in North Carolina, including both venomous and non-venomous species.
Can I use the app offline?
Yes, all photos, descriptions, and range maps are bundled with the app (19.6 MB download), so it works without an internet connection.
Does the app tell me what to do if I'm bitten by a venomous snake?
Yes, the app includes a dedicated section on snakebite first aid and guidance on what steps to take after a venomous snake encounter.
Can I search for snakes by scientific name?
Yes, the app supports search by both common name and scientific name, making it useful for students and professional herpetologists alike.
