Georgia hosts a diverse array of snake species, with most being harmless and playing an important role in the environment. Approximately 47 snake species inhabit the state’s diverse landscapes, from mountains to coastal areas. These reptiles function as both predators and prey, helping to manage rodent and insect populations, and some even serve as bioindicators for environmental pollutants. Understanding these animals can help reduce unnecessary fear and promote coexistence within Georgia’s natural settings.
Identifying Georgia’s Venomous Snakes
Georgia is home to seven venomous snake species; all are pit vipers except the Eastern Coral Snake. Pit vipers, including rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths, have triangular heads, elliptical pupils, and heat-sensing pits between their eyes and nostrils. However, non-venomous snakes can flatten their heads when threatened, making this unreliable for identification.
Copperheads are found in wooded areas, rocky hillsides, and suburban environments. They measure around 3 feet, with tan, gray, pinkish, or brown scales and distinctive dark brown hourglass patterns. Their venom is less potent than other species, but they strike readily if provoked.
Cottonmouths are semi-aquatic snakes found in swampy habitats, rivers, and large lakes. They grow 2 to 4 feet long (up to 6 feet), with olive or tan scales and dark brown banding that may obscure with age. When threatened, they display a stark white mouth interior.
Three rattlesnake types are found in Georgia: the Eastern Diamondback, Timber (or Canebrake), and Pygmy Rattlesnake. The Eastern Diamondback is North America’s largest venomous snake, averaging 4 to 5 feet (up to 8 feet). It has a thick body and distinct diamond pattern, found in southern and eastern Georgia, preferring pine forests and sandy areas.
Timber (Canebrake) Rattlesnakes are medium-sized, 30 to 60 inches long, with grayish bodies, dark, rust-colored chevron bands, and a black rattle-tipped tail. They inhabit heavily wooded regions throughout Georgia and are less aggressive despite potent venom.
Pygmy Rattlesnakes are small, 12 to 18 inches long, with a thick body and a small, often inaudible rattle. Their venom is not lethal to healthy adults but poses a higher risk to children and the elderly.
The Eastern Coral Snake is a slender species, 20 to 30 inches long, characterized by bright red, yellow, and black bands. A common identification rhyme is “Red touch yellow, deadly fellow; red touch black, venom lack.” These reclusive snakes have potent neurotoxic venom but rarely bite unless directly handled. They inhabit sandy or pine flatwoods in southern Georgia.
Common Non-Venomous Species
The majority of Georgia’s snake population, over 40 species, is non-venomous and plays a beneficial role. These snakes are protected by state law and contribute to ecosystem health by controlling pest populations. Learning to identify these harmless species can reduce unwarranted fear and promote their conservation.
Eastern Garter Snakes are widely recognized, typically measuring 18 to 26 inches, though some reach up to 49 inches. They are often brown, green, or black with three prominent yellowish stripes. These adaptable snakes are frequently encountered in grassy areas, near water sources, and in suburban gardens, where they prey on worms, slugs, frogs, and insects.
Rat Snakes, including Eastern and Gray Rat Snakes, are large non-venomous species, often growing between 3.5 and 7 feet long. Their coloration and patterns vary, appearing black, yellow, or gray with blotches or stripes. These constrictors are adept climbers and help control rodent and bird populations, frequently found in forests, near water, and in suburban areas like barns.
Kingsnakes, such as the Eastern Kingsnake, are known for their shiny black scales with white or yellow chain-link bands, typically reaching 3 to 5 feet. They are notable for their ability to prey on other snakes, including venomous species like rattlesnakes, due to their immunity to pit viper venom. Eastern Kingsnakes are widespread across various habitats in Georgia, including suburban areas, and are a protected species.
The Scarlet Kingsnake, another non-venomous species, features alternating red, black, and yellow rings, with red and yellow bands not touching, distinguishing it from the coral snake. Corn Snakes are common throughout Georgia, identifiable by bright orange coloration with darker orange dorsal saddles.
Understanding Snake Habitats
Snakes are adaptable, found in diverse Georgia environments, from woodlands to urban and suburban areas. Their presence is driven by food, water, shelter, and basking spots. Many are secretive, often spending time underground or beneath natural cover.
Habitats include forests, swamps, open fields, and areas near water (streams, ponds, lakes). In residential settings, snakes seek refuge under logs, leaf litter, rock piles, or brush and firewood stacks. Urban and suburban expansion displaces snakes, leading them into neighborhoods for new resources. Rodents, a primary food source, also attract snakes to developed areas like homes and gardens. They enter structures through small gaps around foundations, pipes, or vents, seeking shelter or prey.
Safe Encounters and Prevention
Minimizing snake encounter risk involves understanding their behavior and modifying environments. Most snakes avoid human contact and flee when disturbed. Give any snake ample space; never handle, corner, or kill it. Observe from a distance to allow natural movement.
Prevention includes regularly clearing brush, log piles, and leaf litter around homes, which serve as snake and prey hiding spots. Seal potential entry points into homes (gaps near foundation vents, pipes, AC lines, soffits, crawlspace doors) to deter snakes. Controlling rodent populations also reduces a primary food attraction. When outdoors, especially in natural areas, wear closed-toe footwear like boots for protection.
If a snake bite occurs, seek immediate medical attention. Remain calm; avoid home remedies like tourniquets, cutting the wound, or suctioning venom. If safe, note the snake’s appearance (color, pattern, size) to assist medical professionals, but do not delay transport for identification. For non-venomous bites, clean the area with warm soapy water and monitor for healing; consult a doctor if symptoms worsen or a tetanus shot is needed. Killing non-venomous snakes is illegal in Georgia and can result in legal penalties.