Snake Season In GA: Safety Tips, What To Know About These Reptiles

GEORGIA — Snake season has slithered upon the Peach State.

The start of spring regularly brings out the slinking reptiles, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources told Patch.

Georgia reptiles prefer to be more active in warm weather, triggering more snake sightings across the state in the spring when the weather is not too cold or too hot.

The Peach State is home to 47 snake species, seven of which are considered venomous. Most frequently seen of all the species are rat snakes, king snakes, garter snakes and brown snakes.

The copperhead snake, which is venomous, is common in metro areas, the DNR said. Other venomous snakes include the eastern cottonmouth, the Florida cottonmouth, the eastern coral snake, the eastern diamond-backed rattlesnake, the pigmy rattlesnake and the timber rattlesnake.

While humans are known to be fearful of these unique reptiles, the DNR said all snakes are naturally scared of humans. To put it simply, the DNR said snakes "just want to be left alone."

They have been deemed viable for the state's ecosystem as they act as predators and prey. The DNR said their willingness to eat rats, mice and other animals considered to be pests is economically beneficial.

"Some snakes have been used as bioindicators to assess pollutants in terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems," the DNR said in an email to Patch.

Snakes are among some of Georgia's protected animals, making it illegal to kill nonvenomous snakes. Venomous snakes cannot be killed in state parks.

Killing or owning nonvenomous snakes is a misdemeanor in Georgia and can result in a fine of up to $1,000 and a year in jail.

State law says people cannot "disturb or destroy the dens, holes or homes of wildlife or use explosives, chemicals or other devices to drive wildlife, including venomous snakes, from those homes."

"The best advice is to not try to capture, move or harm them. Stay on trails when hiking, and look where you step or place your hands, especially around rocks," the DNR said.

Due to habitat loss and wanton killing, the DNR said several snake species have decreased as a result of human activities.

The eastern indigo snake and the southern hognose snake, both native to Georgia, are state-listed as threatened, the DNR said.

Additionally, the eastern indigo snake is deemed threatened at the federal level under the Endangered Species Act.

Here's what the DNR says you should do if you see a snake:

• You can try to identify it from a distance.
• Do not attempt to handle the snake. Give it the space it needs.
• Remember that snakes are predators that feed on small mammals, amphibians, insects and even other snakes. There is no need to fear non-venomous snakes.
• If a clearly identified venomous snake is in an area where it represents a danger to people or pets, consult Georgia Wildlife for a list of private wildlife removal specialists. Most bites occur when a snake is cornered or captured and defending itself.

If one is bitten by a snake, the Georgia Poison Center advises people to immediately call the center for treatment recommendations.

The DNR's programming theme in Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites this year is “Tales of Scales,” focusing on snakes and other reptiles. See a calendar of related events.