Sistrurus miliarius - Stock-Fotografie

Along the coast of North Carolina, Carolina Pigmy Rattlesnakes tend to be more colorful - from reddish to pink to cherry in color. Within the northern range limit of this species we see the most colorful population. These erythristic (or red phase) individuals occur around the Pamlico Sound and sometimes go by the name 'Mattamuskeet Pigmy Rattlesnakes'. Even though collection pressure is high for this uncommon species, in places (even well known and heavily collected locales) they can be abundant. Currently, the state of North Carolina lists these as a species of Special Concern.