Georgia is a state of remarkable ecological variety, spanning from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the coastal plain. This biological diversity provides habitat for a large number of reptile species, making the state one of the most snake-rich regions in the United States. Around 47 native snake species inhabit Georgia, but only a small fraction of them possess venom that is dangerous to humans.
Distinguishing Venomous from Non-Venomous
The majority of Georgia’s venomous snakes belong to the pit viper family, which share several identifiable physical characteristics. The most immediate difference is the triangular or spade-shaped head of pit vipers, caused by large venom glands, compared to the slender, rounded head of non-venomous snakes. Pit vipers also have a deep, heat-sensing pit located between the eye and the nostril, which non-venomous species lack.
Their pupils are vertically elliptical, resembling a cat’s eye, while non-venomous species have round pupils. Another trait involves the subcaudal scales on the underside of the tail: venomous pit vipers have a single row, while non-venomous species feature a double row. Note that these rules are not absolute, as harmless snakes can flatten their heads to mimic the triangular shape, and the Eastern Coral Snake is an exception to all pit viper rules.
The Venomous Species of Georgia
Georgia is home to six species of venomous snakes.
The Copperhead is the most frequently encountered venomous species, thriving in diverse habitats including suburban areas and wooded hillsides. It is identifiable by its light brown to pinkish-tan coloration overlaid with dark, hourglass-shaped crossbands, often described as “Hershey’s Kisses.” Juveniles use their bright yellow-green tail tip for caudal luring to attract small prey.
The Cottonmouth, or Water Moccasin, is a semi-aquatic pit viper restricted primarily to the Coastal Plain, river floodplains, and swamps. Adults are heavy-bodied and can be dark olive, brown, or nearly black, often obscuring their banded pattern. They exhibit a defensive display by opening their mouth to reveal a white, cotton-like interior.
The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is the largest and heaviest venomous snake in North America, inhabiting the dry pinewoods and coastal scrub of the lower Coastal Plain. It is recognizable by the chain of dark, diamond-shaped patterns bordered by cream-colored scales that run down its back.
The Timber Rattlesnake, sometimes called the Canebrake Rattlesnake, has a wide distribution, favoring rocky ridges in the mountains and river bottoms elsewhere. This large viper is characterized by dark chevron-shaped crossbands on a lighter background, and a tail that is usually entirely black, ending in a prominent segmented rattle.
The Pigmy Rattlesnake is the smallest of the three rattlesnake species, rarely exceeding two feet in length. Its tiny rattle often produces a faint buzzing sound that is hard to hear. This snake has a row of dark, rounded blotches down its back and can be found in a variety of habitats, from dry sandhills to wet flatwoods.
The Eastern Coral Snake is the sole non-pit viper among Georgia’s venomous species. It is easily identified by its distinct banding pattern of red, yellow, and black rings that completely encircle the body. Its venom is neurotoxic, affecting the nervous system. The familiar rhyme, “Red touch yellow, kill a fellow; red touch black, friend of Jack,” is accurate for this species in Georgia, signifying that the venomous Coral Snake has red rings touching yellow rings.
Common Non-Venomous Snakes of Georgia
Most snakes encountered in Georgia are harmless constrictors and foragers that control rodent and insect populations.
Rat Snakes, such as the Eastern Rat Snake, are long, powerful constrictors that can exceed six feet in length. They are highly arboreal, often found climbing trees and rafters in search of birds and rodents. Adults are typically a uniform glossy black in the northern part of the state, while southern specimens may retain dark blotches on a lighter background.
The Eastern King Snake is noted for its immunity to pit viper venom, allowing it to prey on venomous snakes, including rattlesnakes and copperheads. It is identifiable by its smooth, shiny black body crossed by a series of white or yellow chain-like bands. King Snakes are terrestrial hunters found across the entire state in woodlands, fields, and suburban areas.
Water Snakes (Nerodia) are frequently misidentified as the Cottonmouth because they share aquatic habitats in rivers, ponds, and swamps. These non-venomous snakes are heavy-bodied and often display dark bands or blotches. They have round pupils and a more slender head, and typically flee into the water when approached.
Garter Snakes and Ribbon Snakes are slender, striped species commonly found in moist, grassy environments. They are easily recognized by the three light-colored longitudinal stripes running down their dark bodies.
The Eastern Hognose Snake is unique due to its upturned snout, which it uses for burrowing in sandy soil. When threatened, the Hognose Snake performs a defensive display, flattening its neck like a cobra and hissing loudly. If harassment continues, it will roll onto its back and “play dead.” This bluffing behavior, combined with its primary diet of toads, makes it a harmless species to humans.
Safe Interaction and Encounter Management
Coexisting with Georgia’s snake population requires awareness, as snakes generally only bite when threatened or accidentally disturbed. Homeowners can reduce encounters by removing potential hiding spots near the house, such as piles of wood, rock, and leaf litter, and by controlling rodent populations, which attract snakes. When moving through natural areas, wearing sturdy, over-the-ankle boots and watching where hands and feet are placed are effective precautionary measures.
If a snake is encountered, stop, give the animal a wide berth, and allow it to move away undisturbed. Never attempt to capture, handle, or kill any snake, even if it appears non-venomous.
In the rare event of a venomous snake bite, the immediate step is to remain calm and call emergency medical services. Remove any jewelry or tight clothing from the affected limb before swelling begins.
Avoid traditional first aid practices while waiting for medical help to arrive. These interventions are ineffective and can cause severe tissue damage:
- Do not apply a tourniquet.
- Do not cut the wound.
- Do not attempt to suck out the venom.
- Do not apply ice.
Keep the bitten area still and positioned at or slightly below heart level to slow the spread of the venom until definitive medical care and antivenom can be administered at a hospital.