The question of whether Georgia is home to “poisonous” snakes is common, but the correct biological term for dangerous species is “venomous.” A venomous animal injects toxins through a bite or sting using specialized fangs. A truly poisonous animal delivers toxins when ingested or absorbed through the skin, like a poison dart frog.
Georgia is home to six species equipped with the mechanism to inject venom. Most of the state’s approximately 47 snake species are non-venomous, making encounters harmless for the vast majority of people. While understanding the dangerous species is important for safety, bites are statistically rare, and these snakes generally seek to avoid human contact.
The Six Venomous Species Found in Georgia
Georgia is home to six distinct species of venomous snakes: five pit vipers and one elapid. The five pit vipers are the Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix), the Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus), and three species of rattlesnakes: the Eastern Diamondback (Crotalus adamanteus), the Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus), and the Pigmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius).
The final species is the Eastern Coral Snake (Micrurus fulvius), which belongs to a separate family and possesses a different type of venom. While all six species can deliver a medically significant bite, the Cottonmouth, Eastern Diamondback, and Timber Rattlesnake represent the most serious threat to human life. Any bite should be treated as a medical emergency.
Identifying the Pit Vipers
The five pit vipers share several characteristics that differentiate them from non-venomous snakes. They possess a distinctly triangular or arrow-shaped head, which is significantly wider than the neck due to large venom glands. They are called “pit vipers” because they have a specialized heat-sensing pit located between the eye and nostril, allowing them to detect warm-blooded prey.
Pit viper pupils are typically elliptical and vertical, resembling a cat’s eye. They also tend to have a heavy, thick body relative to their length. While commonly found across Georgia, their habitats vary; the Timber Rattlesnake prefers rocky wooded hillsides, and the Cottonmouth is almost always found near water, such as swamps and rivers.
The Copperhead is the most frequently encountered venomous snake, recognized by its pattern of dark brown hourglass-shaped crossbands. The Cottonmouth, often found in aquatic habitats, sometimes displays a dark stripe from its eye to the jaw and is known for its threat display of opening its mouth to reveal a white interior. Rattlesnakes are distinguished by the rattle on the tip of their tail. The Eastern Diamondback is particularly large and displays a pattern of dark diamonds outlined in yellow.
The Distinct Appearance of the Eastern Coral Snake
The Eastern Coral Snake is the single exception to the pit viper group in Georgia, belonging to the Elapidae family, which includes cobras. This species is generally small and slender, rarely exceeding three feet, and is known for its bright, alternating bands of red, yellow, and black that encircle the body. Unlike pit vipers, the Coral Snake has a small, rounded head and lacks heat-sensing pits.
This snake is often confused with harmless mimics like the Scarlet Kingsnake. A simple rhyme aids identification: the venomous Coral Snake has red rings touching yellow rings (“Red on yellow, kill a fellow”). Non-venomous mimics have red rings touching black rings (“Red on black, venom lack”). The Coral Snake also typically has a black snout.
Immediate Action Following a Snake Encounter
Proactive measures are the most effective way to prevent a snake bite, especially when exploring areas where these animals are common. When walking in wooded areas, tall grass, or near water, it is advisable to wear thick, high-top boots and long pants to protect the lower legs. Always look where you place your hands and feet, and never reach into dark crevices, under logs, or into brush piles without first inspecting the area.
If a bite occurs, the most important step is to call 911 or local emergency services immediately and remain as calm as possible. The victim should move away from the snake to a safe location and gently wash the bite area with soap and water. Any constricting items, such as rings, watches, or tight clothing, should be removed from the affected limb before swelling begins.
While waiting for medical personnel, the injured limb should be kept still and positioned at or below the level of the heart to slow the spread of venom. There are many myths about snakebite treatment that should be strictly avoided as they can cause significant harm. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, attempt to suck out the venom, or apply ice, as these actions can worsen tissue damage and restrict blood flow.