As spring temperatures rise, snakes across Georgia are becoming more active — and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wants the public to be prepared, not panicked.
Daniel Sollenberger, state herpetologist and senior wildlife biologist with DNR’s Wildlife Conservation Section, said most of the calls he receives in spring center around two questions: What species is this, and what should I do?
The good news, according to Sollenberger, is that the odds of encountering a venomous snake are low. Of the 47 snake species native to Georgia, only seven are venomous. And just one—the copperhead—is commonly found in suburban areas.
“With spring, a variety of wildlife species become active and visible in and around our homes, yards and gardens, including snakes,” Sollenberger said. “While seven of Georgia’s snake species can be dangerously venomous to humans, the 40 other species are nonvenomous, completely harmless and actually protected by state law.”
If you spot a snake, DNR recommends the following:
- Do not attempt to handle it.
- Give it plenty of space.
- Try to identify it from a safe distance using resources like georgiawildlife.com/georgiasnakes.
- If the snake is clearly venomous and poses a danger, consult a wildlife removal specialist at georgiawildlife.com/preventing-wildlife-conflicts.
Nonvenomous snakes often get mistaken for their venomous counterparts. For instance, scarlet kingsnakes are confused with coral snakes, while watersnakes are mistaken for water moccasins, according to a press release from the Georgia DNR.
To complicate matters, some nonvenomous snakes mimic venomous traits, like flattening their heads to appear more threatening.
“To keep yourself safe and allow our native wildlife to thrive, give all snakes the space they require and the ability to escape on their own,” Sollenberger said.
In addition to being misunderstood, the Georgia DNR reported that snakes play important ecological roles.
Some eat rodents or even venomous snakes, while others, like brown and red-bellied snakes, help gardeners by feeding on slugs and snails.
To discourage snakes from entering one’s yard, the Georgia DNR recommends removing brush, logs and rock piles that attract their prey.
The organization also urged locals to remember that most snakes do not care for their young, so spotting a small snake does not mean parents are nearby.
The DNR also reminds Georgians that supporting wildlife conservation helps protect species like snakes and their habitats.
Donations to the Nongame Wildlife Conservation Fund can be made online, through license plate purchases, when filing state taxes, or by buying a hunting or fishing license.
For more snake facts and identification tips, visit georgiawildlife.com/georgiasnakes.
