Georgia Snakes Identification: Venomous & Non-Venomous Species

Georgia snakes are plentiful and diverse. Thanks to the state’s accommodating climate, many different species call it home.

From non-venomous snakes like the rat snakes to venomous snakes like the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake, there’s much to learn.

We’ll teach you about the most common species and the venomous snakes that you need to look out for, and show you some pictures of snakes in Georgia.

We’ll also provide you with the basic skills you need for Georgia snake identification, and dealing with a snake.

At the end of the article, you’ll find a list of resources for dealing with snakes.

GeorgiaSnakes Identification Basics

When it comes to identifying Georgia snakes, there are a few things you need to keep an eye out for.

Here are the main identification characteristics to look out for:

• Length
• Location
• Head shape
• Pupil shape
• Habitat type
• Color and pattern

Length

The length of the snake is one of the most important identification characteristics.

Snakes like the indigo snake reach much longer lengths than snakes like the blind snake.

If you find a five-foot-long snake, you can easily rule out snakes that only reach lengths of three feet.

However, if you find a juvenile snake, it will have a different appearance and be much shorter than an adult.

Location and Habitat Type

The location where you find the snake is a significant factor in identifying it.

Take the water snakes for example. Of the six species found in Georgia, only three inhabit the Northeastern part of the state.

If you find a water snake in the Northeast, you can instantly narrow the search down to the three snakes that live in that area.

The habitat type is equally important. If you find a snake in a marshy wetland, the water snakes and marsh snakes are both viable IDs.

Assuming you find the snake in dry woodland far from any water sources, the water and marsh snakes are unlikely choices.

By knowing where you find the snake, you can specifically research snakes that live in that area and habitat type.

Head and Pupil Shape

In the case of Georgia snakes, and snakes in other areas, the shape of the head and pupils are significant.

Different groups of snakes have eyes with different pupil shapes. Eyes may be either horizontal, vertical, or round.

Five of the six venomous snakes in Georgia have elliptical, slit-shaped pupils. The other has a round pupil.

The shape of the head is also significant. Most of the pit vipers have a distinctive, broad, shield-shaped head.

Other species, like coral snakes, have rounded bullet-shaped heads.

Color and Pattern

While coloration varies significantly, even in the same snake species, it can play a significant role in identifying a snake.

For example, a bright red snake certainly won’t be an Eastern diamondback rattlesnake. Likewise, a faded gray snake won’t be a green water snake.

Patterning also plays a role.

The diamondback water snake can look similar to the diamondback rattlesnake.However, the one has basic diamonds, while the other has yellow-bordered diamonds.

There’s NO definitive way of immediately identifying any snake.

The best is to consider all of the characteristics mentioned above, and then look for a snake species that matches all the criteria.

Quickly Identifying Venomous Species

Since there are only six venomous snake species in Georgia, there are a few things you can look for to help you identify them.

While you might think Googling “poisonous snakes in Georgia” will give you the information you need, that’s not the right term.

Poisonous things kill you if you eat them, you’d be looking for “venomous snakes in Georgia” Venomous is the correct term when referring to snakes, scorpions, and spiders.

Let’s take a closer look at the characteristics of venomous snakes.

Most of the Venomous Snakes in Georgia are Pit Vipers

Five of the six venomous snakes in Georgia are pit vipers. This group of snakes has some unique defining characteristics.

Look for the following:

• Elliptical, slit-shaped pupils
• A broad, shield-shaped head
• Large, heat-sensing pits between the eyes and nostrils
• A stocky body shape – the snakes may be long or short, but they’ll be squat.

Most of these snakes have excellent camouflage and tend to hide rather than flee.

If you see a snake with the above characteristics that stays put, it’s probably one of the pit vipers.

Identifying Coral Snakes

The Eastern coral snake is the only one of the venomous snakes that isn’t a pit viper.

This venomous snake is easy to identify, it has:

• A black, bullet-shaped head
• Bright red coloration with black and yellow stripes
• A length of around 18 to 30 inches

The only other snakes in the state that have similar characteristics to the coral snake are the milk snake and the scarlet snake.

However, for the most part, it’s easy to tell the venomous snake apart from the harmless ones.

The milk snake:

• Has a shorter face
• Reaches lengths of 14 to 72 inches
• Doesn’t have yellow bands touching the red ones

Fun Fact: The milk snake is one of the best pet snakes for beginners.

The scarlet snake:

• Doesn’t have a black head
• Reaches lengths of up to 20 inches
• Has broken black and yellow bands, rather than solid ones
• Has yellow bands flanked by black instead of black flanked by yellow

The banding is the easiest way to distinguish the three snake species.

The coral snake has yellow bands touching black, while the others have yellow bands touching red.

However, not all snakes will look the same. Aberrations are common, and some snakes may present with different pattern arrangements.

While it’s generally a useful rule of thumb, it’s not foolproof.

The banding differences have led to nursery rhymes like “Red next to black, a friend of Jack” and “Red touching yellow, kill a fellow”.

It’s worth noting that the rhymes are only useful for snakes in the US. In other regions, they can quickly lead you astray.

Which Snakes Live in Georgia?

There are approximately 43 Georgia snakes, including the following venomous species:

• Pit Vipers
  • Florida Cottonmouth – Agkistrodon conanti
  • Eastern Copperhead – Agkistrodon contortrix
  • Northern Cottonmouth – Agkistrodon piscivorus
  • Timber Rattlesnake – Crotalus horridus
  • Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake – Crotalus adamanteus
  • Pygmy Rattlesnake – Sistrurus miliarius
• Coral Snakes
  • Eastern Coral snake – Micrurus fulvius

Most of the non-venomous species are part of one of the following main groups:

• Mud Snakes
  • Mud snake – Farancia abacura
  • Rainbow Snake – Farancia erytrogramma
• Hognose Snakes
  • Eastern Hognose Snake – Heterodon platirhinos
  • Southern Hognose Snake – Heterodon simus
• Kingsnakes
  • Black Kingsnake – Lampropeltis nigra
  • Prairie Kingsnake – Lampropeltis calligaster
  • Scarlet Kingsnake – Lampropeltis elapsoides
  • Eastern Milksnake – Lampropeltis triangulum
  • Eastern Kingsnake – Lampropeltis getula
• Swampsnakes
  • Black Swampsnake – Liodytes pygaea
  • Glossy Swampsnake – Liodytes rigida
  • Striped Swampsnake – Liodytes alleni
• Watersnakes
  • Brown Watersnake – Nerodia taxispilota
  • Banded Water snake – Nerodia fasciata
  • Red-bellied Watersnake – Nerodia erythrogaster
  • Florida Green Watersnake- Nerodia floridana
  • Common / Northern Watersnake – Nerodia sipedon
• Rat snakes
  • Corn Snake – Pantherophis guttatus
  • Gray Rat snake – Pantherophis spiloides
  • Eastern Rat snake – Pantherophis alleghaniensis
• Brown Snakes
  • Red-bellied Snake – Storeria occipitomaculata
  • Dekay’s Brown Snake- Storeria dekayi
• Crowned Snakes
  • Florida Crowned Snake – Tantilla relicta
  • Southeastern Crowned Snake – Tantilla coronata
• Garter Snakes
  • Ribbon Snake – Thamnophis saurita
  • Eastern Garter Snake – Thamnophis sirtalis

The other non-venomous snakes in Georgia are singular representatives of their genera. They include:

• Pine Snake – Pituophis melanoleucus
• Coachwhip – Masticophis flagellum
• Queen snake – Regina septemvittata
• Scarlet snake – Cemophora coccinea
• Rough Earth Snake – Haldea striatula
• Ring-necked Snake – Diadophis punctatus
• Smooth Earthsnake – Virginia valeriae
• Rough Green snake – Opheodrys aestivus
• Eastern Worm Snake – Carphophis amoenus
• Eastern Indigo Snake – Drymarchon couperi
• Brahminy Blind snake – Indotyphlops braminus
• North American Racer – Coluber constrictor
• Pine Woods Littersnake – Rhadinaea flavilata

Most Common Snakes in Georgia

We’ve combed sites like iNaturalist to find the most common snakes in Georgia.

The top ten most common snakes (by the number of sightings) are the:

1. Dekay’s Brown snake – Storeria dekayi
2. Common / Northern Watersnake – Nerodia sipedon
3. Eastern Rat snake – Pantherophis alleghaniensis
4. Eastern Garter Snake – Thamnophis sirtalis
5. North American Racer – Coluber constrictor
6. Eastern Copperhead – Agkistrodon contortrix
7. Eastern Kingsnake – Lampropeltis getula
8. Ring-necked Snake – Diadophis punctatus
9. Gray Rat snake – Pantherophis spiloides
10. Timber Rattlesnake – Crotalus horridus

Since we’ve already discussed several of these species elsewhere in the article, we’ll only investigate the other snakes here.

Dekay’s Brownsnake – Storeria dekayi

Eastern Garter Snake – Thamnophis sirtalis

North American Racer – Coluber constrictor

Eastern Kingsnake – Lampropeltis getula

Ring-necked Snake – Diadophis punctatus

Venomous Snakes in Georgia

Only seven of the Georgia snakes are venomous, and six of those seven snake species are pit vipers.

Many people only count six species of venomous snake, presumably because they count both species of cottonmouth as a single type.

The other venomous snake species is the coral snake, which is technically a type of cobra.

The venomous Georgia snakes are:

• Pygmy Rattlesnake – Sistrurus miliarius
• Timber Rattlesnake – Crotalus horridus
• Eastern Coral snake – Micrurus fulvius
• Eastern Copperhead – Agkistrodon contortrix
• Florida Cottonmouth – Agkistrodon conanti
• Northern Cottonmouth – Agkistrodon piscivorus
• Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake Crotalus adamanteus

In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at the different groups and species of venomous Georgia snakes.

Rattlesnakes in Georgia

Three of the six Georgian pit vipers are rattlesnakes. They’re distinct from the other vipers because of the iconic rattle which gives them their name.

The last scales on the snakes’ tails are modified so that they make a noise when rubbed together.

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake – Crotalus adamanteus

The Eastern diamondback rattlesnake is one of the most distinctive snakes in the US. It’s also the largest rattlesnake, and its large, diamond-shaped patterns are iconic.

These snakes typically prefer forests and prairies where they feed mainly on rodents.

Although they’re not uncommon, you’re unlikely to encounter these snakes if you stick to well-trodden trails.

Timber Rattlesnake – Crotalus horridus

The timber rattlesnake is the second-largest rattlesnake in the US.

Thanks to its love for forests and woodlands, hikers and joggers often encounter these animals.

One would think that its distinctive coloration would make it easy to spot. However, this is an approach known as disruptive coloration.

The accumulation of different colors helps the snake to blend into the leaf litter that it frequently spends time on.

Pygmy Rattlesnake – Sistrurus miliarius

The Pigmy rattlesnake is the smallest of the Georgian pit vipers. It prefers moist woods and forests, and is easy to step on thanks to its excellent camouflage.

Other Pit Vipers

There are three more pit vipers in Georgia. These snakes have the same distinctive head shape and slit-shaped pupils as the rattlesnakes.

However, they lack the iconic rattle that sets the rattlers apart. All three species prefer to live near water sources.

Florida Cottonmouth – Agkistrodon conanti

The Florida cottonmouth is a relatively distinctive species. Not only is it semi-aquatic, preferring wet and marshy habitats, it also has a distinct pattern.

As long as you don’t step on it accidentally, the cottonmouth is likely to give you a warning before striking at you.

It will open its mouth wide to show the white interior and utter a low hiss.

Eastern Copperhead – Agkistrodon contortrix

The Eastern Copperhead has a distinctive russet and brown coloration. It also has distinctive slit-shaped pupils and a broad, flat head, making it easy to spot.

Another tell-tale sign is the wet, marshy habitat that these snakes prefer.

Northern Cottonmouth – Agkistrodon piscivorus

The Northern cottonmouth has the distinct white mouth lining that all cottonmouths share.

Its patterning can vary significantly, but its more faded look makes it easy to distinguish from the Eastern cottonmouth.

The Latin name piscivorous refers to this snake’s eating habits, and means “fish eating”.

Eastern Coral Snakes – Micrurus fulvius

Eastern coral snakes belong to the family Elapidae. This family contains all the cobras and sea kraits, some of the most venomous snakes in the world.

In a way, you can consider the Coral snake to be the only cobra in Georgia. As with many other species in this family, these snakes are highly venomous.

Non-Venomous Snakes in Georgia

The majority of Georgia snakes are entirely harmless. Of the approximately 43 species found in the area, only six are venomous snakes.

There are far too many non-venomous snakes to investigate in-depth, but we’ll take a closer look at the types you’re most likely to encounter.

Water Snakes in Georgia

Water snakes are harmless, semi-aquatic species.

They get their name from the fact that they spend most of their time around rivers and other water sources. They also make up several of the black snakes in Georgia.

Let’s take a closer look at the characteristics of this genus:

Rat Snakes in Georgia

The rat snakes are common and harmless, generalists who feed mainly on small rodents. These animals are common, even in suburban areas, and often make their way into houses.

The corn snake is a popular pet species of rat snake in Georgia, and some people keep other rat snakes as well.

Hognose Snakes in Georgia

The Eastern Hognose snake is a fairly convincing mimic of the venomous pit vipers, as is the Southern.

Eastern hognose snakes have stocky bodies and broad heads which they can flatten like an angry cobra.

However, these animals are entirely harmless. You can tell them apart from the pit vipers by their flattened necks and frog-like mouths.

They prefer moist areas, but don’t have the rattles or white mouths that mark most Georgian pit vipers.

Crowned Snakes in Georgia

The crowned snakes are slender, fragile-looking snakes that get their names from the black blaze on top of their heads.

They’re relatively distinctive and don’t look much like any of the other snakes in the region.

Their coloration and patterning set them apart from species like the worm snake for which they might otherwise have been mistaken.

Iconic Georgia Snake Species

Georgia has some iconic snake species which you have to see if you’re in the area.

From an introduced hermit to a snake that looks like a worm. Let’s take a closer look.

Brahminy Blind Snake – Indotyphlops braminus

The Brahminy blind snake is one of the only introduced snake species in Georgia. It originates in India and probably made its way to the US in flower pots.

These snakes prefer soft moist soil where they can burrow easily. As their name suggests, they have no eyes and rely on scent and vibrations to find prey.

Swampsnakes

The swampsnakes are remarkably similar to water snakes in many ways. Both species are semi-aquatic, prefer living in swamps and marshes, and feed on fish (among other things).

It’s easy to confuse the two genera, and you may have to rely on coloration and locality to get a positive ID.

Eastern Worm Snake – Carphophis amoenus

The Eastern worm snake has a distinctive shape and coloration. It’s not a large snake and has a slender body.

This snake typically has pink and purple hues, and its eyes set it apart from the worm snake. It’s also considerably longer than the worm snake.

What You Need to Know

All Georgia snakes, even the venomous ones, want you to leave them alone.

Despite what urban legends and old wives’ tales would have you believe, snakes won’t pursue you.

Snakes perceive you as only one thing: a predator. Most snake bites are the result of someone interfering with a snake.

The other bites are usually the result of someone unintentionally stepping on a snake.

There are a few things that you can learn to help keep you safe:

• Don’t move, chase, or try to kill snakes.
• Get to know common venomous species and their preferred habitats.
• How to safely remove yourself if you come across a venomous snake.

The following sections will discuss the basics of cohabiting with snakes and dealing with snake bites.

Coexisting with Georgia Snakes

The key to coexisting with Georgia snakes is to learn not to be afraid of them.

You should always treat snakes with respect, and a certain level of caution. However, there’s no need to fear them.

The best way to protect yourself is to get to know the snakes in your area. By knowing about them, you can eliminate most of the fear related to snakes.

Most states have courses and seminars where you can get exposed to snakes and learn more about them.

Snake Safety 101

To keep yourself and your family safe from snake bites, you can put the following things into practice:

1. Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots.
2. Keep your pets on a leash at all times.
3. Stick to well-marked and frequently used trails.
4. Don’t leave children and pets unattended in densely planted or semi-wild areas.
5. Don’t enter spaces beneath houses, crawlspaces, or other places snakes might live without good lighting.
6. Don’t walk through dense vegetation and other hard-to-see terrains unless you have to. If you do, stay alert and attentive.

About Venomous Snakes

Most snakes avoid humans by fleeing. Depending on the venomous snake in question, it may do the same.

However, only one venomous snake species in Georgia might do that. The other five species are all pit vipers.

While pit vipers aren’t necessarily more aggressive than other snakes, you’re more likely to get bitten by one.

The reason? All snakes consider you a predator and will react as they do in the presence of a predator.

For a coral snake, the correct approach to facing predators is running away. Pit vipers, however, rely on camouflage to protect them from predators.

That’s why you’re more likely to get a bite from this type of venomous snake. Instead of moving so you can see them, they stay deadly still.

Most of the pit viper bites that aren’t the result of someone messing with a snake are the result of someone stepping on a snake.

Therefore, the best way to protect yourself is to stick to well-trodden paths and wear sturdy shoes.

Treading Carefully in Snake Habitat

The number one key to avoiding Georgia snakes is to keep to established hiking and walking paths.

If you’re going hiking in a densely vegetated area, pay careful attention to where you’re stepping.

It’s also a good idea to invest in a pair of sturdy hiking boots.

If You Encounter a Snake

If you encounter a snake, the best thing to do is leave it alone.

In the instance of your nearly stepping on the snake, move away slowly and leave the snake in peace.

If you find a snake in a place where it’s at risk or places someone else at risk, then call a snake-handling professional to remove it.

NEVER try to kill or move a venomous snake if you find one. It’s best to leave it to the professionals.

When to Call for Help

You should always call for help when you find a snake in a place where it needs to be moved.

In most cases, a snake poses no threat to anyone, in which case you should leave it alone.

However, you may find a snake in a place where your pets might kill it, or it poses a threat to human or animal lives.

In these situations, it’s best to contact a wildlife removal expert.

You should also call for help if a snake bites you. While not all snakes are venomous, you may be allergic to the proteins in their saliva.

It’s best to get checked out by a medical professional whenever a snake bites you.

Useful Resources

We’ve compiled a list of useful resources for dealing with snakes, and snake bites if the need arises.

Emergency Poisoning Advice:

Poison Control Center’s national hotline: 1-800-222-1222

ASPCA Poisoning Hotline: 1-888-426-4435.

Snake Relocation Services:

Free Snake Relocation Directory group on Facebook

Georgia Nuisance Wildlife Trappers

Educational Resources:

Georgia Fish and Wildlife Service often shares education articles, as well as useful information about how to deal with unwanted wildlife.

You can also contact them to learn more about snakes in your area. They might be able to put you in touch with someone who runs courses about wild snakes.

iNaturalist is an excellent resource for learning about the wildlife in your area. You can also use it to get identifications of any snakes you encounter in the wild.

Altogether it’s an excellent resource for learning more about snakes and how they live in the wild. It’s also ideal for baby snake identification in Georgia.

Partners in Amphibian and Wildlife Conservation run education campaigns to help people learn the truth about snakes and amphibians.

They also teach people how to protect and conserve these fascinating animals. If you’re afraid of snakes, this resource can help you learn how harmless they truly are.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this article about identifying and dealing with snakes native to Georgia. Do your best never to interfere with a snake, and you’re unlikely to get bitten.

Which Georgian snake is your favorite? Let us know in the comments. Don’t forget to check out similar content like our Wisconsin, Louisiana, Hawaii, South Carolina, Arizona, California, Pennsylvania, Florida, Alabama, Missouri, Georgia, Virginia, Michigan, Tennessee snake identification guides.

You might also enjoy our article about identifying Texan lizards.