Common Snakes in Georgia

Copperheads

• Copperheads are snakes more commonly found in the Atlanta area. This venomous snake has bands of dark brown stripes and a triangular head. It has a pink or copper-colored body. Copperheads, which can grow up to 40 inches long, thrive in leaf litter. They can cause a very painful bite when provoked. Within Atlanta, the copperhead is the only venomous snake. Timber rattlesnakes and cottonmouths, which also are venomous, live on the outskirts of the city or its neighboring forests.

Black Rat Snake

• One of the most common snakes in Georgia is the black rat snake. This snake can reach up to 5 feet in length and has distinct features, such as a jet-black color and faint white stripes between its scales. Young black rat snakes can vary in color from dark gray to green, and have white bellies. Fortunately, this snake is harmless and not aggressive with humans.

Corn Snakes

• The corn snake is orange with spots that can be a combination of black, white, pink or yellow. These snakes can reach a length of 4 feet. A young corn snake may be able to climb, while old corn snakes tend to thrive in leaf litters. Corn snakes are non-venomous and relatively harmless. Many pet stores in Georgia sell corn snakes as pets.

Pine Snake

• Pine snakes are relatively large snakes that vary in color and pattern. They can be found throughout Georgia. A fully-grown pine snake can reach up to 5 feet in length and can have dark, irregular spots on its yellow or gray body. Pine snakes dig dens in dry mountain forests and ridges. These snakes feed on a variety of prey, including small rodents, toads and even bird eggs. When approached, the pine snake will shake its tail and hiss. Although the pine snake is not venomous, its bite can be painful.

Scarlet Kingsnake

• The nonvenomous scarlet kingsnake is one of the most prominent snakes in Georgia. As a defense mechanism, the kingsnake resembles the venomous coral snake, which has a bright red, black, and yellow pattern. Kingsnakes are small snakes, not exceeding 2 feet in length. They are nocturnal and feed on small lizards, rodents and even other snakes.

Timber Rattlesnake

• The timber rattlesnake is a large, stout snake whose coloration varies from bright patterns to solid brown or black. This rattlesnake is the biggest venomous snake in Georgia, reaching a length of about 5 feet. Categorized as a pit viper, timber rattlesnakes have two heat sensitive "pit organs" located between their eyes and nostrils. These organs can detect temperature differences within the environment, making these snakes highly effective predators.