 Need to identify a snake? Well, you're at the right place! Of the 41 snake species native to Georgia, 35 of them are harmless.
Venomous Snake Identification Page Try these links for more detailed help.
Regardless of how you view snakes, (the only good snake is a dead snake) we must all realize that they are an important but fragile part of our wonderful eco-system. Most snake bites that occur are due to an inexperienced person trying to catch or kill a venomous snake. Many people kill snakes that are found on their property even if they are not venomous. Yes, it's true. Some snakes are not venomous! There are many more non-venomous than venomous snakes in Georgia. It's been said to me many times, "I don't care if it's poisonous or not, I'm not going to get close enough to see what kind of snake it is but instead kill it as quick as I can." You have to get closer to kill a snake than to just identify one. In Georgia, you may find a kingsnake, queen snake, rat snake, midland water snake, corn snake or black racer all of which are non-venomous and do not harm humans -even when they bite. If you find any one of these snakes on your property, then it is either just passing through or is living there because there is a food source. By killing one of these harmless snakes, you are leaving its food source behind which if not also removed will eventually attract another snake to take its place which could be a copperhead or other venomous snake. Black rat snakes are very common in this area of Georgia. Black Rat Snakes can easily eat 3-5 rodents each month. When you take into account the incredible breeding cycle of rats and mice you'll find that one pair of rats can produce well over 250 offspring per year. That's a lot of rats!
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