Georgia is home to many snake species. For safety and conservation, it’s important to understand which of these are venomous and how to interact with them safely.
Total Venomous Species in Georgia
Of Georgia’s approximately 47 snake species, six are venomous. These belong to two families: pit vipers (Viperidae) and elapids (Elapidae). Pit vipers include copperheads, cottonmouths, Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes, Timber (Canebrake) rattlesnakes, and Pigmy rattlesnakes. The Eastern coral snake is the sole elapid.
Recognizing Georgia’s Venomous Snakes
Copperheads (Agkistrodon contortrix) are 24 to 40 inches long with a tan or brown body and distinctive dark, hourglass-shaped crossbands. Their heads are often coppery and triangular. Young copperheads have a bright yellow-green tail tip.
Cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus), or water moccasins, are semi-aquatic snakes, 3 to 6 feet long, with heavy bodies and triangular heads. Coloration ranges from dark brown to olive green, often with darker crossbands; mature individuals can be almost black. When threatened, they display the white, cotton-like interior of their mouths.
Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes (Crotalus adamanteus) are North America’s largest venomous snakes, reaching over 6.5 feet. These heavy-bodied pit vipers have dark brown, diamond-shaped markings outlined in yellow or cream down their backs. They have a broad head and a distinctive tail rattle.
Timber rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus), also called Canebrake rattlesnakes, are large, heavy-bodied snakes, 3 to 5 feet long, with keeled scales. Their color varies (pink, yellow, tan, gray, brown, black), featuring dark brown or black chevron-shaped crossbands or blotches. Their tail is typically solid black, ending in a rattle.
Pigmy rattlesnakes (Sistrurus miliarius) are Georgia’s smallest rattlesnakes, 16 to 23 inches long. They have a row of dark spots along their back, sometimes with a reddish or orange stripe underneath. Their very small rattle often produces a faint, difficult-to-hear buzzing sound.
The Eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius) is slender, 2 to 3 feet long, with bright alternating red, yellow, and black bands encircling its body. A common rhyme to distinguish them from mimics is “red touch yellow, deadly fellow; red touch black, venom lack.” Their snout is black. Unlike pit vipers, coral snakes have small, fixed fangs and a blunt head only slightly wider than their neck.
Safe Practices Around Snakes
Snakes inhabit various Georgia habitats, including backyards, parks, and woodlands. They seek refuge in covered areas like brush piles, firewood, or debris. Water-loving species, such as cottonmouths, are often found near streams, swamps, and ponds.
To minimize encounters, watch where you step, especially in wooded or overgrown areas. Wear closed-toe shoes or boots for protection. Avoid disturbing logs, rocks, and leaf litter where snakes might hide. Snakes are not aggressive and typically bite only when provoked or threatened.
What to Do After a Snakebite
If a snakebite occurs, remain calm. Immediately call 911 or the Georgia Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. While waiting for medical help, gently wash the bite area with soap and water. Remove any jewelry or tight clothing from the bitten limb before swelling begins.
Keep the bitten area still and, if possible, at or below heart level to slow venom spread. Do not cut the wound, suck out venom, apply a tourniquet, or use ice/heat. Avoid alcohol or other medications unless directed by a medical professional. Medical professionals will administer antivenom if necessary.