Poisonous Snakes in Georgia
Published by We have lots of snakes in the humid climate of Georgia, but most of them are harmless and work for the good of the environment. Rat snakes and other harmless snakes eat rodents that destroy crops and also keep rodents away from homes. If you see any of Georgia’s poisonous snakes step back quietly. You don’t want to raise their ire.
There are approximately 40 species of snakes found in Georgia. But only six of these species are venomous (or “poisonous”) snakes:
Copperhead
The copperhead’s nostrils are primarily respiratory openings, while the pits on the forward head of a copperhead and other pit vipers are for sensing heat. Copperheads have unusual hourglass pattern and many have yellow tipped tails which they point upward. The flickering tongue gathers scent particles on the air and on the ground. If you’re out in fields or wooded areas wear baggy pants. If you do run into a snake it will strike the pants and miss your leg.
Canebrake (or Timber) Rattlesnake
The Timber Rattlers venom is saliva that immobilizes it’s prey and begins the digestive process from the inside out before the prey is swallowed. Not everyone who is bitten by poisonous snakes dies because much more is know about treatment than decades ago.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Image via Wikipedia
The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is the largest poisonous snake in the United States reaching 8 foot long. Though extremely dangerous it is relatively mild tempered until disturbed. It rests quietly and strikes quickly. They are responsible for more fatalities than any other snakes.
Pygmy Rattlesnake
Pygmy snakes are hot tempered and will strike repeatedly if disturbed. The rattles on their tail are tiny and make a buzzing sound like an insect so you wont hear them before they strike.
Water Moccasin (”Cottonmouth”),
Image via Wikipedia
The Water Moccasin or Cottonmouth lives in the banks of creeks and rivers. They will strike in the water or on land. It has pits on the forward part of the head, near the nostrils and the inside of the mouth is white. Cottonmouths vibrate their tails when ready to strike.
Eastern Coral Snake.
Image via Wikipedia
The Eastern Coral Snakes are mimicked by various non venomous snakes. Some but not all have red bands bordered by yellow bands. In the non venomous red and yellow do not touch.
Most Georgia snakes are not venomous. But because snakes have similar coloration, it’s often difficult telling them apart. For this reason, if you find a snake in your house it’s best to call a professional.
Most Georgia snakes feed on rats, mice, and other rodents that do a lot of agricultural damage, so it’s a good idea to leave these harmless snakes alone to keep down the rodent population. There’s no need to disturb non-venomous snakes that are doing no harm.
The bites of venomous snakes can be fatal to humans, domestic animals, and livestock; so if you see these snakes around your place call a professional. Of course when we see a snake we get the hoe and chop it’s head off, but if you are unfamiliar with snakes, don’t risk it.
Publish your articles and earn income.
Ruby Hawk’s articles:
http://scienceray.com/biology/snakes-in-the-united-states/
http://scienceray.com/biology/cicadas-sing-a-heck-of-a-song/
http://scienceray.com/biology/altered-genes-of-the-midwife-toads/
http://scienceray.com/astronomy/the-search-for-life-in-outer-space/
Liked it
On July 14, 2011 at 10:10 pm
Wow that is a lot of snakes Awesome post
On July 14, 2011 at 10:24 pm
Great information and advice. It’s glad to know more, particularly for those who live close to the nature so that people can be more alerted.
On July 14, 2011 at 10:46 pm
I don’t like snakes!
On July 14, 2011 at 10:57 pm
Sure makes me appreciate living in Ireland whee there are no snakes.
On July 14, 2011 at 10:58 pm
The Eastern Coral snake is so cool. I like the colors even though I’m terrified of snakes. I’m pretty sure that I read one of your articles last week on snakes. I’m just like the pygmy rattlesnake. This is interesting information. I really enjoy your science articles.
On July 14, 2011 at 11:01 pm
thanks never knew that there were so many snakes in geaorgia
On July 15, 2011 at 12:38 am
i like this post Mr Ruby
On July 15, 2011 at 12:48 am
great pictures..I am scared of them though
On July 15, 2011 at 12:54 am
Nice share. Thank you.
On July 15, 2011 at 2:07 am
Great post and good quality pictures.Well done!
Check out my articles
On July 15, 2011 at 2:20 am
i hate snakes because when i see snakes,i was thinking that he is bitting me rediciculous
On July 15, 2011 at 2:34 am
It’s good to hear that some snakes are harmless, and even beneficial to the environment. But, many of them are on the other hand deadly.
On July 15, 2011 at 3:18 am
Too many people don’t get how beneficial snakes are to the environment . . . thanks for sharing
On July 15, 2011 at 4:01 am
I am interested with Rosettaartist1 statement that there is no snake in Ireland
On July 15, 2011 at 4:32 am
OMG!!!!!
On July 15, 2011 at 5:08 am
Great article Ruby, snake are interesting creatures,Still I am happy to know there are none in New Zealand, except in the zoo. We will make do with cats and terrier dog to keep the rats down.
On July 15, 2011 at 8:34 am
as you said, most snakes help us humans by killing rodents. and other snakes, but the best advice for most, just keep clear of them and they will of you…. good article
On July 15, 2011 at 10:58 am
dangerous snakes indeed.
On July 15, 2011 at 12:24 pm
Maybe we should move to Hawaii, Ruby. No snakes.
On July 15, 2011 at 12:49 pm
The only poisonous snake here in Alberta is the Rattlesnake. Snakes are beneficial to the environment, as you said, and most wont attack unless you bother them or are a mouse.
On July 15, 2011 at 1:19 pm
Another good snake article but I did some checking here after reading your last article on snakes and we just have the Cooperheads.. the rest are not a threat
On July 15, 2011 at 2:16 pm
good article
On July 15, 2011 at 3:44 pm
Oh scary
On July 15, 2011 at 7:39 pm
We have the same snakes here and I don’t like any of them. I once had a king snake trying to get into my front window after my parrot. My daddy was still alive and he lived just down the street from us, so I called him for help. He tried to get it to move on but it wouldn’t so he had to kill it.
On July 15, 2011 at 10:56 pm
Scary but good article Ruby.
On July 16, 2011 at 4:54 am
I am not a snake fan!
On July 16, 2011 at 8:01 am
Interesting article. We have only one venomous snake here in Cyprus. It is deadly to all, The Blunt Nosed Viper.
On July 16, 2011 at 9:19 am
I think I’m now glad I don’t live in Georgia!
On July 16, 2011 at 12:50 pm
I am very interesting at snakes dancing. This peace is very nice.
On July 16, 2011 at 1:34 pm
Interesting information, Ruby. My son found a snake in his garden in Japan the other day, then he went indoors and found a dead bat on the floor. It was quite a memorable day for him.
On July 16, 2011 at 7:57 pm
I do find snakes rather interesting. Not that I want to be anywhere near one.
On July 17, 2011 at 5:25 am
I am not a snake person but that made me a little more intresting !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On July 19, 2011 at 9:32 pm
Your article suddenly reminds me of Nagini…Voldemort’s snake buddy. I was watching the last installment of Harry Potter in IMAX and the huge screen plus 3D almost gave me a heart attack when the snake opened its fang. LOL
Just saying. Nice post!
On July 28, 2011 at 7:05 pm
Wow, there use show call vemon ER about snake bites
On August 13, 2011 at 2:34 am
I have a holy fear for snakes. I just skimmed through your visuals, but you have done a very informative article so we would be aware of the dangers that lurk somewhere…