Georgia snakes: Here's what species live in the Peach State and venomous snakes to watch out for

Kim Luciani, Augusta Chronicle
·2 min read
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Georgia is home to 46 species of snakes, but only six of them are venomous.

Though they strike fear in the hearts of many, snake encounters are relatively infrequent and it's important to consider the ecological benefit they provide by eating mice, rats and other animals considered pests.

Many species are secretive and spend most of the time hiding.

According to the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, you're most likely to encounter snakes when they're crossing roads, moving through backyards or transient habitats, during breeding season in the spring and fall, and when they're basking near habitat edges, such as bodies of water and forest lines.

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More on snakes: Venomous snakes in the US, an illustrated guide

Here's what to know about snakes in the Peach State:

Venomous snakes in Georgia

Six species of venomous snakes can be found in Georgia:

  • Copperhead

  • Cottonmouth/Water moccasin

  • Eastern coral snake

  • Eastern diamondback rattlesnake

  • Pigmy rattlesnake

  • Timber/Canebrake rattlesnake

What's the most dangerous snake in Georgia?

The Eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the most dangerous snake in Georgia. It's also the largest and most venomous snake in North America.

Georgia's nonvenomous snakes

Most Georgia snakes are not venomous. Forty species of nonvenomous snakes make their home in the state:

  • Eastern Green Watersnake

  • Brown Watersnake

  • Plain-bellied Watersnake

  • Banded Watersnake

  • Northern Watersnake

  • Queen Snake

  • Striped Crayfish Snake

  • Glossy Crayfish Snake

  • Black Swamp Snake

  • Brown Snake

  • Florida Brown Snake

  • Red-bellied Snake

  • Eastern Ribbon Snake

  • Common Garter Snake

  • Smooth Earth Snake

  • Rough Earth Snake

  • Eastern Hognose Snake

  • Southern Hognose Snake

  • Ringneck Snake

  • Eastern Worm Snake

  • Pine Woods Snake

  • Mud Snake

  • Rainbow Snake

  • Black Racer

  • Coachwhip

  • Rough Green Snake

  • Corn Snake

  • Eastern Rat Snake

  • Gray Rat Snake

  • Pine Snake

  • Common Kingsnake

  • Black Kingsnake

  • Mole Kingsnake

  • Scarlet Kingsnake

  • Eastern Milk Snake

  • Scarlet Snake

  • Southeastern Crowned Snake

  • Florida Crowned Snake

  • Eastern Indigo Snake

  • Brahminy Blind Snake (non-native)

Is it illegal to kill snakes in Georgia?

While it's legal to kill venomous snakes in the Peach State, it is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine, to kill nonvenomous snakes.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Snakes in Georgia: Here are the 6 venomous species to watch out for