Reptiles to Look For Around the OBX

By Nigel Roberts
Oct. 14, 2022

The Outer Banks is widely known for its beautiful natural beaches, but beyond the sand there is another living landscape in the woods and wetlands stretching along the 100 miles of barrier islands. Estuaries, marshes, grasses, and forested areas support deep biodiversity, with wildlife ranging from bears to dolphins and seals, along with an enormous mix of plant life from across the east coast.

That variety of habitats also means reptiles are part of the experience. As in other ecosystems across the southern United States, reptiles fill many important and distinct ecological roles, even though mammals and birds often get more attention. Dare County and the OBX support many fascinating reptiles, with around 59 documented unique species and likely additional species not yet officially recorded. If you are planning to visit the Outer Banks of North Carolina and want to better understand its scaly wildlife, here are some reptiles you might see.

American Alligator

Among the most famous and instantly recognizable reptiles, the American alligator reaches the northern boundary of its native range in Dare County. These ancient animals date back to the age of dinosaurs and remain among the most dominant predators in the natural world.

With broad jaws, heavy scaled armor, and strong tails, they are highly capable hunters. As crocodilians, they also rank among the largest reptiles anywhere, with some reaching 12ft in length and weighing up to 1000lbs. You probably will not encounter alligators on the beaches or out in the ocean, but farther inland, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge offers many opportunities to look for them.

Sea Turtles

Sea turtles are another well-known coastal reptile, and several species live in or pass through the OBX and nearby waters. These include familiar species such as the Loggerhead, Green, and Hawksbill, along with less frequently seen species like the small Kemp’s Ridley and the massive Leatherback. They vary widely in color, body shape, and shell or scute patterning, and may be spotted at seasonal nesting areas along the shore or, with some luck, in the water.

If you encounter one of these remarkable animals, it is important to stay back. Many are critically endangered and must be able to use the OBX safely so they can continue returning every Spring to nest. Follow local rules and guidance from wildlife experts whenever sea turtles are present on the beach. Visitors can also see turtles receiving temporary care at the STAR Center at the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island.

Freshwater Turtles

Dare County is also home to a range of freshwater turtles, much like the coastal waters host sea turtles. Yellow-bellied sliders and Diamondback terrapin are fairly common sights, along with Eastern painted, mud, and box turtles — the official state reptile of North Carolina, in fact. Less commonly seen species include red-bellied turtles, spotted turtles, and the ancient-looking common snapping turtle.

These turtles are most often found near ponds, lakes, rivers, and marshes across the OBX. Many, however, are threatened or endangered species with populations reduced from historic levels. Habitat loss over time has made some turtles harder to encounter, so the region’s wildlife refuges are among the best places to appreciate the area’s broader turtle diversity.

Lizards

The Outer Banks, and especially mainland Dare County, are home to about 10 different lizard species. That is a relatively modest number for a southeastern location, though it makes sense given the coastal setting and the mostly land-based habits of lizards. Even so, the lizard life of the OBX stands out for its distinctive species mix.

Several skinks live across Dare County’s forests, wetlands, and even beach environments, including five-lined, broadhead, and ground skinks. Of these, the five-lined skink is the one most commonly found on the OBX islands themselves. Tree-climbing species such as green anoles and fence lizards are also often seen on trees and buildings.

Some of the most interesting local lizards are glass lizards, which are recognized for their long, smooth, legless bodies. The slender, mimic, and eastern glass lizards all use habitats such as fields, wetlands, and sandy shrub areas in the OBX, making the region a strong place to search for them.

Snakes

Snakes make up a major share of the reptile diversity in the area. Of the 59 documented species in Dare County, 32 of the 59 documented species are legless reptiles with forked tongues. That fits the landscape well, since snakes are well suited to the varied and sometimes rugged habitats of the OBX as swimmers, climbers, and burrowers.

The 2 native water snakes of eastern North America, the common water snake and banded water snake, are naturally at home in this estuarine environment. Other widespread species also occur here, including black/rat, corn, milk, and garter snakes. Venomous members of the viper group, including copperheads, cottonmouths, and rattlesnakes, share the region with multiple species of hognose and king snakes.

With this much snake diversity, it may be harder to avoid seeing one or two than to find them. Many of these species move easily and adapt well, allowing them to live in nearly every type of habitat the area provides. As with other reptiles, natural settings such as wildlife refuges generally offer the best chances for sightings.

Summary

The barrier islands of the OBX offer beautiful scenery and abundant biodiversity. Their sandy, shifting shoreline creates estuaries and marshes that support many species, including a wide assortment of reptiles. Numerous turtles, including multiple sea turtle species and a dozen freshwater species, live here alongside a large variety of snakes.

A smaller but especially distinctive group of lizards also inhabits this coastal landscape, and farther inland, the American alligator can be found in the waterways at the edge of its native range. There is no lack of memorable reptiles along the eastern edge of North Carolina, so residents and visitors alike should stay observant and learn how to travel responsibly when exploring the area.

Author

Nigel Roberts

Nigel Robert is a lifelong reptile lover, biologist and wildlife consultant. He has cared for many reptile species, including Leopard Geckos and Ball Pythons, and has encountered hundreds of wild reptiles. His aim is to give reliable, thorough guidance to people who may come across reptiles in the wild or as pets.

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