Georgia’s diverse landscapes support a rich variety of wildlife, including numerous snake species. While most are harmless, a few possess venom and warrant awareness. Understanding these specific venomous snakes is important for residents and visitors to safely enjoy Georgia’s nature. This article identifies these species and provides guidance on how to react responsibly to encounters.
Georgia’s Venomous Species
Georgia is home to six venomous snake species. Five of these belong to the pit viper family, characterized by heat-sensing pits on their faces, while one is an elapid. The pit viper species include three types of rattlesnakes: the Eastern Diamondback, Timber, and Pygmy Rattlesnakes. Additionally, the Copperhead and Cottonmouth (also known as Water Moccasin) are pit vipers found in the state. The sole elapid species is the Eastern Coral Snake.
Identifying These Snakes
Distinguishing venomous snakes from non-venomous ones requires observing several key features. Pit vipers, which include rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths, generally have a broad, triangular head that is noticeably wider than their neck. They also possess vertical, cat-like pupils and a heat-sensing pit located between their eye and nostril. These characteristics are not typically found in non-venomous snakes.
Specific markings further aid in identification. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes have a prominent pattern of dark, diamond-shaped blotches bordered by lighter scales along their back, with a dark band covering their eyes outlined by two pale lines. Their tail ends in a distinct rattle, though newborns have only a single “button.”
Timber Rattlesnakes often exhibit dark, V-shaped crossbands or chevrons on a background that can be gray, yellow, or brown, and their tails are typically solid black, often referred to as “velvet tails.” Pygmy Rattlesnakes, despite their name, have a very small rattle that produces a faint buzzing sound, often inaudible beyond a few feet. Their bodies feature dark, rounded spots along the back, sometimes with an orange or reddish stripe, and they have a dark stripe running from the eye to the jaw.
Copperheads are recognized by their hourglass-shaped bands, which are wider on the sides and narrower along the midline of their back, creating a “Hershey’s kiss” appearance. Young copperheads often have a bright yellow or greenish tail tip, used as a lure for prey.
Cottonmouths often have a dark facial stripe that camouflages their eyes, and adults may appear uniformly dark, making their pattern less visible. When threatened, they often display the white, “cottony” interior of their mouth.
The Eastern Coral Snake is unique among Georgia’s venomous snakes for its distinct color banding. Its red, yellow, and black rings encircle the entire body, with red bands touching yellow bands. A common rhyme, “Red on yellow, kill a fellow; Red on black, venom lack,” helps differentiate it from non-venomous mimics like the Scarlet Kingsnake, which has red bands touching black. The coral snake also has a black snout and a blunt, rounded head that is not distinctly wider than its neck.
Encountering Venomous Snakes
Encountering a snake in the wild requires a cautious approach, especially when its identity is uncertain. The most advisable action upon seeing any snake is to give it ample space and back away slowly. Attempting to handle, capture, or kill a snake significantly increases the risk of a bite, as snakes typically only strike when they feel threatened or cornered. If a venomous snake is present in an area that poses a direct danger to people or pets, contacting a professional wildlife removal service is the appropriate course of action.
If bitten by a venomous snake, immediate medical attention is paramount. Stay calm and call 911 or the Georgia Poison Center as soon as possible. While waiting for emergency services, remove any jewelry or restrictive clothing from the bitten limb, as swelling is likely to occur. Keep the bitten area as still as possible and positioned below the level of the heart to help slow the spread of venom.
Certain traditional first aid methods should be strictly avoided, as they can cause more harm than good. Do not attempt to cut the wound, apply a tourniquet, or try to suck out the venom. Applying ice or immersing the wound in water is also not recommended. These actions can worsen the injury, increase tissue damage, or impede proper medical treatment. Professional medical evaluation is essential for all snake bites to determine the type of snake, the severity of envenomation, and the need for antivenom.