There are approximately 40 species of snakes found in Georgia. But only six of these species are venomous (or “poisonous”) snakes:
CopperheadThe 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) RattlesnakeThe 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
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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”),
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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.
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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.
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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/
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