Venomous snakes of Georgia

O

f the 46 species of snakes known from georgia, only six species are venomous: Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix), Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus), eastern Diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus),timber/Canebrake rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus), Pigmy rattlesnake (Sistrurus

miliarius) and eastern Coral snake (Micrurus fulvius). No single venomous

snake species is found over the entire state, and only a portion of the georgia

Coastal Plain is inhabited by all six venomous species. although differentiating

among all 46 species can be difficult, becoming familiar with the colors

and patterns of georgia's six venomous snake species will enable you to

determine whether any snake encountered is venomous or non-venomous.

the information in this brochure is intended to aid in identifying the venomous snake species found in georgia through the recognition of physical traits, pattern and color. Caution should be used when approaching any snake, and snakes found in the wild should only be handled by experienced people after proper identification. Although the possibility of incurring a venomous snake bite should be taken seriously, only the timber rattlesnake, eastern Diamondback rattlesnake and Cottonmouth realistically represent a serious threat to human life. that risk is remote when compared to other environmental hazards, such as lightning. according to the National Weather service, 372 deaths due to lightning were recorded in the United states from 2002-2011, or an average of 37 deaths annually. according to the american association of Poison Control Centers, only 20 venomous snake bites reported nationwide during the same period were fatal, an average of two fatalities a year.

Despite the relatively low level of danger posed by venomous snakes, many people consider their fear, no matter how irrational, justification for killing any snake.venomous and non-venomous snakes serve invaluable roles in the natural environment as predator and prey. in georgia, it is illegal (a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and a year in jail) to possess or kill many of the state's nongame wildlife species, including non-venomous snakes (o.C.g.a. 27-1-28). it is also illegal to disturb or destroy the dens, holes or homes of wildlife or use explosives, chemicals or other devices to drive wildlife, including venomous snakes, from those homes (o.C.g.a. 27-1-30).

NoNgame CoNservatioN seCtioN

Quick Reference Guide

to Georgia's Non-venomous Snakes

Rough Green Snake

Mud Snake

Rainbow Snake

Eastern Indigo Snake

Black Racer

Coachwhip

Eastern Rat Snake

(Black Phase)

(Yellow Phase)

Gray Rat Snake

Pine Woods Snake

Eastern Kingsnake

Black Kingsnake

Corn Snake

Mole Kingsnake

Florida PIne Snake

Eastern Hognose Snake Southern Hognose Snake

Eastern Milk Snake

Scarlet Kingsnake

Scarlet Snake

Eastern Ribbon Snake Common Garter Snake Striped Crayfish Snake

Glossy Crayfish Snake

Plain-Bellied Watersnake

Banded Watersnake

Northern Watersnake

Brown Watersnake

Eastern Green Watersnake

Queen Snake

Black Swamp Snake

Brown Snake Rough Earth Snake

Florida Brown Snake Eastern Worm Snake

Red-Bellied Snake

Ringneck Snake

Southeastern Crowned Florida Crowned Snake Snake

Smooth Earth Snake

Federally Protected

State-protected

Species of Conservation Concern

Brahminy Blind Snake

Recognizing a snake's color and pattern (presence or absence of encircling rings, bands, blotches or longitudinal stripes) may be the best way to identify Georgia's snake species, although the appearance of some can vary significantly by individual and geographic area. These photographs show a fairly characteristic example of each species but do not account for variations in appearance. Also, the young of several species, such as the Eastern Rat Snake and Black Racer, are more boldly patterned than adults.

Distribution of Venomous Snakes in Georgia

Copperhead Cottonmouth E. Diamondback Rattlesnake Timber Rattlesnake Pigmy Rattlesnake Eastern Coral Snake

ABCD E FGH I JK L




A

2 34 5 1

B

6

8

14

7

C

15

D E

16 9 12

13 D

10

E

11

F

G

G

K

J

L

K

H

HI

Major Georgia reservoirs on the edge or outside of the known range of Cottonmouths

Carters Lake 1 Lake Burton Blue Ridge Lake 2 Weiss Lake Nottely Lake 3 Allatoona Lake Chatuge Lake 4 Lake Lanier

5 Jackson Lake 9 Lake Sinclair 13 6 Lake Juliette 10 Lake Hartwell 14 7 Lake Tobesofkee 11 Lake Russell 15 8 Lake Oconee 12 Clarks Hill Lake 16

Caution: Species ranges as depicted reflect current

!

knowledge of venomous snake distribution (2016). range margins are estimated and people using this brochure should be cautious when approaching any snake that has not been identified.

Copperhead, Highland Moccasin
Agkistrodon contortrix

DESCRIPtIoN: Medium-sized snakes reaching a maximum length of about 4.5 feet, but most are less than 3 feet. The background coloration is usually light brown or gray, but individuals range from rusty orange to pinkish to nearly black. This species is easily identifiable by a pattern of 10-21 dark-brown, hourglass or saddle-shaped crossbands, which are wider at the sides of the body and become narrower along the back.

Adult, Long County

Adult, Floyd County

HaBItat: Occur in most forested habitats but are particularly common on rocky wooded hillsides in the mountains and swamp and river edges in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain. Habitats with abundant logs, leaf litter, and rocks for cover are favored, while open habitats such as old fields and agricultural areas are generally avoided.

Juvenile, McIntosh County

NoN-vENoMouS SPECIES oFtEN CoNFuSED WItH: Gray Rat Snake; Eastern Rat Snake (yellow phase); Corn Snake; Northern, Brown and Banded Watersnakes; Eastern Hognose Snake.

StatuS: Uncommon to common. Copperheads are apparently more tolerant of urban development than many
snake species. Populations often persist in suburban neighborhoods
as long as some patches of forest remain.

Predicted Species Range Documented County Occurrence Outside of Species Distribution

Cottonmouth, Water Moccasin
Agkistrodon piscivorus

DESCRIPtIoN: Relatively

large, heavy-bodied snakes

reaching a maximum length of

nearly 6 feet, but most are less

than 3 feet, 3 inches. Although

these snakes are characterized by wide, dark bands along the

Adult, Liberty County

body on a lighter brown or olive-colored background, individual coloration varies

within and among populations. As Cottonmouths mature, many become very dark, and

the bands become totally obscured.

Adult, Liberty County

HaBItat: Semi-aquatic. Cottonmouths prefer swamp-like habitats and can be very abundant in these areas. Sometimes found along rivers or in more open areas such as around large lakes. Also, these snakes may move overland long distances and can sometimes be found far from any water source. They generally hibernate in dry, upland areas, often in stump holes.

Juvenile, Liberty County

NoN-vENoMouS SPECIES oFtEN CoNFuSED WItH: Several species of the large watersnakes (genus Nerodia; Plain-bellied, Northern, Brown, Banded and Green) are often mistakenly referred to as Cottonmouths because of their similarity in appearance. However, the dark stripe on the side of the jaw, heat-sensing pit on the face and
the behavior of gaping a defensive posture where the snake opens its mouth wide are distinctive to Cottonmouths.

StatuS: Abundant.

Predicted Species Range Documented County Occurrence Outside of Species Distribution

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Crotalus adamanteus

DESCRIPtIoN: Georgia's heaviest-bodied

and one of the state's longest snakes, reaching

or possibly exceeding 7 feet, but more typically

measuring 3-5 feet in total length. The tail has

3-10 brown and white bands and a "rattle" (one

Adult, Thomas County

or more loose rings of hard keratin) that makes

a loud whirring noise when shaken. Upper surface of the body is patterned by a long

row of 24-35 dark brown, diamond-like blotches, fringed by thin yellow to cream

borders. These blotches are broader than long and are linked together at their tips.

HaBItat: Eastern Diamondbacks occupy upland habitats with an open canopy,

especially native longleaf pine forests on

sandhills, clay hills and flatwoods. Found in

numbers on barrier islands, especially within

inter-dune meadows containing dense bunch

Tail and Rattle

grasses alternating with shrub thickets and in the dense edges of saltmarsh. Also found in

mixed pine-hardwood forests that develop on abandoned agricultural sites, and in and

around open woodlots, brushy pasture borders and abandoned homesites in suburban

and rural areas. However, these snakes almost never enter houses.

StatuS: Rare, Georgia Species of Concern. Human impacts have caused the species to decline throughout its range. Habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation are the most serious threats to the species because its upland habitats are in high demand for agriculture, silviculture, and residential development. Unfortunately,
Eastern Diamondbacks are killed by most people whenever they are encountered. The widespread practice of gassing Gopher Tortoise burrows to kill rattlesnakes or evict them for use in "rattlesnake roundups" often harms this species, and is a detriment to the large assemblage of up to 300 other animal species that use tortoise burrows.

Predicted Species Range Documented County Occurrence Outside of Species Distribution

Timber/Canebrake Rattlesnake
Crotalus horridus

DESCRIPtIoN: Large, heavy-bodied

snakes reaching a maximum length of nearly

6 feet in the Coastal Plain and about 5 feet in

the mountains, but most range from 3-5 feet

in length. The background color ranges through various shades of pink, yellow, tan, gray, brown

Adult, Lumpkin County

and olive to velvety black. A series of brown to black chevron-shaped crossbands

(15-34) typically cross the body. The tail is black and tipped by a segmented

rattle. Very dark or solid black individuals are common in higher mountains of the

northeastern part of the state but are rare elsewhere.

Adult, Liberty County Tail and Rattle

HaBItat: Common in much of the heavily wooded country of the Coastal Plain, but in more open areas these snakes are primarily limited to wooded stream corridors. The range is spotty on the barrier islands and along the immediate coast. In the Piedmont, distribution is highly fragmented due to habitat loss and Timber Rattlesnakes are primarily associated with heavily wooded stream corridors and small, isolated mountains. In the Georgia mountains, the distribution is somewhat localized around suitable denning sites (including root and stump holes, mammal burrows, old home sites and debris piles, and especially in upland regions rock crevices).

StatuS: Common (locally abundant). Common in much of the Coastal Plain but the range is highly fragmented in the Piedmont and under increasing pressure from residential development. Timber Rattlesnakes are hunted to some extent in the mountains, where in many areas they appear to have declined in recent years.

Predicted Species Range Documented County Occurrence Outside of Species Distribution

Pigmy Rattlesnake
Sistrurus miliarius

DESCRIPtIoN: Smallest of the rattlesnakes, with the maximum total length reported of 31 inches, but pigmy rattlesnakes usually reach a size of 16-23 inches. The background color is usually gray or tan, but occasional individuals can be reddish or almost black in some populations. The pattern consists of a series of light-edged dark blotches or spots (22-45) on the back, as well as from one to three rows of dark spots on the sides. There may be a reddish stripe down the center of the back. The tail is tipped by a segmented rattle; however, the interlocking segments of the rattle are poorly notched compared to other rattlesnakes, and occasionally some individuals lack a rattle.

Adult, Lincoln County Adult, Long County

HaBItat: Found in a variety of habitats

at elevations of 0-1,640 feet and ranging

from dry sandhills and longleaf pine forests

Tail and Rattle

to wet hammocks and seasonally flooded

pine flatwoods. In southern Georgia, Pigmy Rattlesnakes specifically thrive in

saw palmetto thickets.

NoN-vENoMouS SPECIES oFtEN CoNFuSED WItH: Eastern and Southern Hognose snakes.

StatuS: Uncommon. In some areas, population densities of these rattlesnakes are very high, while
in other places Pigmy Rattlesnakes are fairly uncommon. However, this species is small and cryptic, and chances are that many individuals are overlooked.

Predicted Species Range Documented County Occurrence Outside of Species Distribution

Eastern Coral Snake
Micrurus fulvius

DESCRIPtIoN: Fairly slender snakes

reaching a maximum length of 47 inches, but

most range from 20-30 inches long. The body is

patterned with broad black and red rings, equal

in width and separated by narrow yellow rings.

The red rings are dotted with numerous black flecks that may coalesce on the back into a pair

Adult, Long County

of spots. The rounded snout is black and is followed by a broad yellow band across

the head and neck. The tail has three or four broad black rings and two to four

narrow yellow rings.

HaBItat: Coastal Plain populations are typically associated with sandy upland habitats such as longleaf pine sandhills and pine-saw palmetto flatwoods. Live oak and other hardwood hammocks on well-drained soils may also support populations. Eastern Coral Snakes are absent from extensive wetlands and from vast tracts of pine flatwoods underlain by low, poorly-drained soils. Individuals lead highly subterranean lives and shelter in virtually any type of underground refuge, including Gopher Tortoise burrows and stump holes.

NoN-vENoMouS SPECIES oFtEN CoNFuSED WItH: The Scarlet Kingsnake also has a color pattern of contrasting red, black and yellow or white rings but has a red snout, and the light-colored rings are separated from the red ones by black. The Scarlet Snake has a red, pointed snout; red back blotches that are outlined by black; and a white, unmarked belly. A helpful rhyme to distinguish Eastern Coral Snakes goes, "Red touch
yellow, deadly fellow; red touch black, venom lack."

StatuS: Rare, Georgia Species of Concern. This species is generally distributed and
seemingly fairly common in the lower and middle Coastal Plain of southeastern Georgia. Its status in the Piedmont, upper Coastal Plain and in the southwestern portion of the state is poorly known.

Predicted Species Range Documented County Occurrence Outside of Species Distribution

For additional information, please contact:
NoNgame CoNservatioN seCtioN
116 rum Creek Drive; Forsyth ga 31029
478-994-1438
www.georgiawildlife.com
Production and printing of this brochure made possible by:

1. Stay Calm. get the

6. do not give

patient to the nearest hospital the Patient

right away! Call 911 or the

food, drink, or

georgia Poison Center

mediCation (e.g., pain

(1-800-222-1222) immediately. medications, alcohol, etc.).

2. try to identify the Snake by Sight only. Look for color, patterns and head shape.
3. do not try to kill the Snake; it could bite again.
4. keeP the Patient Calm and immobile (preferably lying down).
5. keeP the affeCted limb at an even level with the rest of the body.

7. do not uSe a tourniquet.
8. do not Cut the wound.
9. do not try to SuCk out the venom.
10. do not PaCk the wound in iCe.
Bites from non-venomous snakes should be washed with warm soapy water; a tetanus shot may be needed.
Courtesy of Georgia Poison Center www.georgiapoisoncenter.org

species distribution, range maps and species information are attributed to the georgia Herp atlas Project and georgia Department of Natural resources.
Content: K. H.andrews, m. e. Dorcas, m. elliott,t. m. Floyd, J.W. gibbons, X. glaudas,W. H. martin, D. B. means, r.a. moulis, P. spivey, D. J. stevenson, J. D.Willson
Photos: r. Bartlett, g. Beaton, r. Birkhead, s. Collins (CNaH),a. Day,t. m. Floyd, s. graham, g. greer, r. gunwald, P. Hill, g. Hilliard, J. B. Jensen, B. Johnston, K. Krysko,
t. Luhring, g. miller, P. spivey, D. J. stevenson, D. steen