Black rat snake (elaphe obsoleta).
Found on the east coast from Vermont to Florida, including western NC. Non-venomous, they subdue their prey by constriction. In winter they hibernate, often with other local snakes including rattlesnakes and copperheads.
It was fun coming up with this design to showcase the snake skin stone.
Sterling silver, black onyx, snake skin stone. Hand sawed, stamped, and soldered.