Waterfall Hero Hikes: Umstead Reptiles & Amphibians

William B. Umstead State Park serves as a vital habitat for a diverse array of reptiles and amphibians, thriving amid its hardwood forests, meandering creeks, and three manmade lakes. Reptiles such as non-venomous black rat snakes slither through the underbrush, while the venomous copperhead—North Carolina's most commonly encountered pit viper—lurks in leaf litter and rocky outcrops, a reminder for hikers to stay vigilant on trails like the Company Mill Loop. Complementing this reptilian roster, amphibians like the chorus of spring peepers and gray treefrogs fill the evenings with symphonies from wetland edges, where southern leopard frogs leap along shallow streams and marbled salamanders burrow into moist forest floors during their secretive breeding rituals. These cold-blooded denizens underscore the park's ecological richness, offering visitors glimpses into the intricate balance of Piedmont wildlife, though encounters with venomous species are rare and typically non-aggressive.

Turtles:

Several species of turtles can be found in the park. Box turtles (Terrapene carolina) are one of the most common.

Snakes:

DeKay's brown snake (Storeria dekayi) is a small, non-venomous species of snake found in the area. These snakes are secretive and often found under logs, rocks, leaf litter, or along trails/wooded areas.

Rat snakes (Pantherophis alleghaniensis-quadrivittatus) are common in the park. The ones found in the park are likely a hybrid of the eastern and central species.

The most common venomous snake is the copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix).

Although poisonous, these snakes are not aggressive and will only bite if provoked. Use caution if you see one on the trail and it will leave you alone.

A much less common and only mildly venomous species found in the park is the ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus). Although mildly venomous, these snakes pose little threat to humans as their fangs are too small to penetrate human skin. Ring-necked snakes are nocturnal and rarely seen during the day, but I was lucky enough to find one sunning himself on a multi-use trail on a warm winter day.