Most lakes are infested with snakes, snake charmers bitten

A South Carolina teacher is currently fighting for his life in the hospital after being bitten by a venomous snake last week.

The Florence resident, identified by WBTW as Jeffrey Leibowitz, called emergency services on Friday, September 6, after being bitten at his Marion Street home.

Hours later, officials learned the snake was an inland taipan, the most venomous snake in the world. A search of his property also found 14 other venomous snakes and a house cat in Leibowitz's home.

All snakes were euthanized after the incident.

According to Reptile Magazine, Leibowitz is known for handling exotic venomous snakes from his collection without protection and posting videos of it on social media. Early on the morning of the attack, he uploaded a video of himself handling the inland taipan hands-free and getting bitten, PennLive reported.

“His body is probably going to give out relatively soon,” Jeff Camper, a biologist and snake specialist at Francis Marion University, told WBTW. “From what I understand, he is on a ventilator, and that is necessary for the patient to continue breathing because his diaphragm is probably paralyzed.”

Here you can learn all about the most common and venomous snake in South Carolina and which lakes in the state are most snake-infested, according to WorldAtlas.

More:Can copperheads climb trees? South Carolina snake myths debunked.

What is the most common snake in South Carolina?

If you've never seen the Northern Water Snake, you probably haven't been in South Carolina long. According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), this large snake is by far the most common in South Carolina and can grow up to 3 feet long. It is light brown with dark brown/reddish bands and spots on its back and sides. They are also large and are most commonly seen on the docks of larger reservoirs. At first glance, the Northern Water Snake may be confused with the venomous Copperhead Snake, but upon closer inspection, it turns out that this is not the case. The Northern Water Snake has a bulbous pattern, while that of a Copperhead Snake is hourglass-shaped. Another way to distinguish the two is by their color: Copperheads are light tan to brown, while Northern Water Snakes' color varies from brown to gray to black. Unlike a copperhead, a northern water snake is not venomous, although it can bite and emit a foul-smelling musky odor if you approach it. Friendly or not, it's probably best to leave these snakes alone.

What is the most common venomous snake in South Carolina?

As you might have guessed, the copperhead is the most common venomous snake in South Carolina. It gets its name from its copper-colored head with maroon, hourglass-shaped crossbands along its thick body. According to Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute, copperhead snakes have fangs that release a hemolytic venom that has the ability to break down red blood cells. This ability is used to overpower their prey. Additionally, the longer the snake, the longer the fangs are. Each year, the copperhead causes many snakebites. However, the bites are rarely fatal and usually occur when the snake is touched or stepped on in its camouflaged environment, prompting it to strike quickly.

More:6 Venomous Snakes in SC, Greenville: What to Know About Rattlesnakes, Copperheads and More

The most snake-infested lakes in South Carolina, according to WorldAtlas

∎ Lake Marion in Santee State Park: Common sightings include the harmless brown water snake and the eastern rat snake. The venomous water moccasin viper is found on the shores of the lake and preys on amphibians, reptiles and small mammals. It goes without saying that this snake should be avoided.

∎ Lake Murray: This lake is known for its largemouth bass and striped bass. Other species found in the lake include the non-venomous kingsnake, eastern milkshake snake and eastern corn snake, while water moccasin vipers pose a serious threat to humans. Alligators can also be found on the shores of the lake.

∎ Lake Moultrie: Tourists visiting the lake should be prepared to encounter some venomous snakes, particularly the copperhead snake and the water moccasin viper. Blue crabs, lizards and blue herons are species spotted along shores, in marshes and thickets.

∎ Lake Joca Lake: Snakes are common along the grassy shores of this lake. Most of the species found here are not dangerous to humans, such as the Eastern Garter Snake and the Northern Water Snake. Travelers should be on the lookout for the Copperhead Snake.

∎ Lake Keowee: Copperheads are occasionally seen on beaches. Most snake encounters are nonvenomous.

∎ Lake Wylie: The area is home to many different species of snakes, including rat snakes and water snakes. Copperheads can be seen along the shore.

∎ Lake Hartwell: Over 20 nonvenomous species call this lake home, including garter snakes and rat snakes. Although the timber rattlesnake is rare, lake visitors should keep an eye out for it and the copperhead snake. Lake Hartwell also has a large fish population, with species such as striped bass, trout, smallmouth bass and stocked walleye swimming around the water.

∎ Lake Wateree: Hiking the outback trails is a good opportunity to see rat snakes and water snakes, which are harmless to humans. Be sure to stay away from the copperheads and water moccasin vipers that roam the area. If you need a break from the snakes, the surrounding Lake Water State Park offers several hiking trails where you can spot blue herons, woodpeckers and songbirds.