Can You Spot All of Georgia's Venomous Snakes?

Warm weather is here, which means reptiles; more specifically, snakes are on the move! Georgia is home to just under 50 species of snakes. Fortunately, only 7 species are venomous to humans. Keep in mind that it is illegal to kill or possess a non-venomous snake in Georgia. If caught doing so, the misdemeanor may result in up to $1,000 and 1 year in jail. Leave them be. They actually kill venomous snakes and keep down pests, so you want them around.

Venomous snakes are another issue. Their bites can cause serious injury or even death to people and pets. It is important for adults and children to be able to recognize these 7 snakes.

1. Copperhead

Copperhead snake camouflaged in leavesPhoto byPeople via Bing

The copperhead is a type of pit viper with reddish-brownish hourglass-shaped bands down the length of its body. Their coloring allows them to blend in perfectly with leaves and pine needles. Their preferred habitats are forests and swampland near the coast, meaning they can be found throughout the state.

Their venom can cause pain, swelling, tingling, nausea, and damage to bone and muscle.

2. Northern Cottonmouth

Northern CottonmouthPhoto bySouth Carolina Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation

Also known as the water moccasin, this species of snake prefers live near bodies of water and are mostly found in central Georgia. Their colors range from black and brown to tan or olive. Cottonmouths show their white mouth when they feel threatened, hence their name.

Since they are a type of water snake, cottonmouths do not have the same distinct triangular head as copperheads and rattlesnakes. Be careful not to confuse them with king snakes.

Their venom can cause severe tissue damage that leaves scars and may even require amputation of the affected limb.

3. Eastern Coral Snake

Eastern Coral SnakePhoto byRedbubble

Eastern coral snakes are Georgia's most colorful venomous snakes and are mostly found in South Georgia. They have red, black, and yellow bands along their body. Be careful! There are nonvenomous snakes in Georgia that mimic this dangerous species. Here's how to remember. "Red touches black, friend of Jack. Red touches yellow; kill a fellow."

Venom can cause slurred speech, double vision, muscle paralysis, and respiratory failure.

4. Pigmy Rattlesnake

Pygmy RattlesnakePhoto byFlickr

Georgia is home to three venomous rattlesnakes, with the pygmy rattlesnake as the smallest. Adults are under two feet long. They are gray or tan and have distinct orange spots running mid-dorsal down their bodies. Fortunately, they are too small to kill most adults but do pose a serious risk to children.

Venom will cause pain, heavy bleeding, and damage to tissue.

5. Timber Rattlesnake

Timber RattlesnakePhoto byBlogspot

Timber rattlesnakes are found throughout most of Georgia and live in most habitats except for urbanized areas. They are typically brown with darker v-shaped chevron patterns down their back. Although they can grow quite large, up to 6 feet long, they avoid human contact at all costs.

Venom attacks the nervous system and can cause paralysis.

6. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

Eastern Diamondback RattlesnakePhoto byPinterest

You will find the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, mainly in South Georgia. They are the largest venomous snake in the state, with some adults reaching an incredible 8 feet in length. Eastern Diamondbacks are typically brown, tan, or yellow in color and, true to their name, have dark brown diamond markings along their body. They prefer living in dry habitats such as pine stands and sand dunes but have been known to cross bodies of water.

Their venom is very dangerous, causing pain, bleeding, swelling, and death.

7. Florida Cottonmouth

Florida CottonmouthPhoto byJohn Serrao via fineartamerica

The Florida Cottonmouth is mainly found in Florida, but I am including it on this list because it can be found along the Southern border of Georgia. This species of snake is typically black, brown, or olive in color with darker bands. They prefer to live near bodies of water. A distinct feature of the Florida Cottonmouth is that it will produce a foul-smelling odor when it feels threatened.

Venom can cause necrosis and death.

Word of Caution

Snakes like to hide in equipment and kids' toys. Take precautions and always wear long pants and closed-toed shoes when in the woods. Stay alert and be on the lookout for snakes. Always check children's outdoor toys and swingsets. They are great hiding spots for snakes.

Teach children never to touch, pick up, or approach a snake.

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