The question of whether a brown snake in Georgia is dangerous is complicated because many non-venomous species are brown, gray, or tan. While the term “brown snake” usually refers to a harmless animal, Georgia is home to six species of medically significant venomous snakes. Most of these are brownish pit vipers. This overview clarifies the identity of the common brown snake and provides details to help safely differentiate it from Georgia’s native brownish pit vipers.
The Snake Most Commonly Called “Brown”
The snake most frequently identified as the “brown snake” is the Dekay’s Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi). This species is entirely non-venomous, poses no threat, and is one of the most common snakes found in Georgia. Its small size is a distinguishing feature, with adults typically measuring only 9 to 13 inches in total length.
The Dekay’s Brown Snake is usually grayish-brown to light brown, featuring a faint lighter stripe down the center of its back. This stripe is bordered by two parallel rows of small, dark spots. They are thin-bodied and remain small, often living secretively in gardens, under logs, or beneath leaf litter. Their diet consists primarily of soft-bodied invertebrates, such as earthworms, slugs, and snails, making them beneficial to the ecosystem.
Venomous Brownish Snakes in Georgia
The danger lies in several species of venomous pit vipers in Georgia whose coloration can be brown, tan, or reddish-brown. The Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) is the most common venomous snake encountered and is often mistaken for the harmless Dekay’s Brown Snake. Copperheads feature a pale tan to pinkish-tan background color overlaid with large, dark brown crossbands.
The Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) often displays a grayish or yellowish-brown color with dark, V-shaped crossbands. The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus), the largest venomous snake in North America, has a thick body that can be light brown, overlaid with a distinct pattern of dark diamonds bordered in cream. The Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus), while often black when mature, can have a dark olive or brown pattern when younger. All these species are pit vipers, possessing a heat-sensing pit located between the eye and the nostril, a feature absent in non-venomous snakes.
Key Differences Between Harmless and Dangerous Species
Distinguishing between harmless brown snakes and dangerous pit vipers requires focusing on three visual characteristics: head shape, pupil shape, and body pattern. Non-venomous snakes, such as the Dekay’s Brown Snake, possess a narrow head that is not wider than the neck. In contrast, all of Georgia’s pit vipers have a broad, distinctly triangular or “arrow-shaped” head due to large venom glands.
A second difference is the shape of the pupils in adequate light. Non-venomous snakes have round pupils, resembling those of a human. Conversely, the pit vipers found in Georgia have elliptical or vertical pupils, often described as “cat-like.” The third difference is the body pattern, which is important for the Copperhead often confused with small brown snakes. The Copperhead’s dark crossbands are narrow on the back and widen on the sides, creating a distinctive “hourglass” shape along its body. The Dekay’s Brown Snake lacks this complex pattern, having only a simple light stripe bordered by small dark spots.
Immediate Steps Following a Snake Encounter
If a snakebite occurs, remain calm and immediately call 911 or the Georgia Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. Panicking increases the heart rate, which may accelerate the spread of potential venom. While waiting for medical help, gently wash the bite area with soap and water and cover it with a clean, dry dressing.
Remove any rings, watches, or restrictive clothing near the bite site, as rapid swelling is common following a venomous bite. Keep the bitten limb still and positioned at or slightly below the level of the heart to slow the movement of venom. Never attempt to cut the wound, apply a tourniquet, suck out the venom, or apply ice, as these actions can cause further tissue damage or are ineffective. Do not try to capture or kill the snake, as this risks a second bite and wastes time needed for medical attention.