Rare Venomous Rattlesnake Sighting on Hilton Head Beach Sparks Safety Concerns

Venomous Rattlesnake Spotted on Hilton Head Island Beach

Beachgoers on Hilton Head Island were in for a surprise Monday morning when lifeguards spotted a venomous rattlesnake on Sea Pines beach. The incident occurred around 9 a.m. near the Sea Pines Beach Club, prompting immediate action from local authorities.

Wildlife management officers were quickly called to the scene to safely remove the snake. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources later identified the reptile as an eastern diamondback rattlesnake, known to be the largest and most venomous rattlesnake species in North America.

This sighting is not an isolated incident on Hilton Head’s beaches. In August 2017, a similar occurrence was reported when a rattlesnake was seen emerging from a wave in Port Royal Plantation. More recently, Matt Kraycar, owner of K&K Wildlife Services, removed another diamondback from a Hilton Head beach just last month.

Eastern diamondbacks are easily identifiable by their distinctive diamond-shaped blotches with yellowish borders. These snakes are common in South Carolina’s coastal lowlands, particularly in dune areas. However, their numbers have been declining due to habitat loss.

Interestingly, these rattlesnakes are skilled swimmers. Researchers at Parris Island have tracked a diamondback swimming over five miles across Port Royal Sound, marking the farthest migration ever observed in the species. This swimming ability was further evidenced when Brian Mallory photographed an eastern diamondback swimming near the Turtle Island Wildlife Management Area.

In a separate incident, another diamondback made headlines by swimming from Parris Island to Hilton Head Island, where it unfortunately met its demise after being run over by a vehicle. This journey set a record for the longest-known dispersal of an eastern diamondback rattlesnake.

As of Wednesday, Hilton Head beaches were flying yellow flags due to a rip current advisory related to the effects of Hurricane Helene. The storm is expected to make landfall in Florida’s Big Bend Region as a Category 3 hurricane. Beach patrol director Mike Wagner has advised against swimming due to rough water and uncertain conditions.

While the rattlesnake sighting may cause concern, it’s important to note that no beachgoers were harmed during Monday’s incident. The snake was safely relocated, demonstrating the efficiency of local wildlife management protocols. Visitors to Hilton Head’s beaches are advised to remain vigilant and report any wildlife sightings to the appropriate authorities.