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Snakes of Georgia

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Title: Snakes of Georgia


1
Snakes of Georgia
  • Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office
  • July, 2005
  • By Tabitha Lovell, Frank Flanders and Brittney
    Foster
  • Special Assistance John Jensen, Georgia
    Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife
    Biology, Herpetology and Kris Irwin, UGA School
    of Forestry
  • Modified by CTAE Resource Network, 2010
  • Based on a slide program from the Georgia
    Cooperative Extension Service and Snakes of
    Georgia and South Carolina published by the
    University of Georgia Savannah River Ecology
    Laboratory.

2
Introduction
  • Reptiles are misunderstood because of
    misinformation, legends, myths and their nature
  • Most of these misunderstandings come from
    exaggeration or hallucinations

Eastern Hognose Snake
3
  • Snakes are beneficial in many ways
  • You should be able to distinguish between
    venomous (poisonous) and non-venomous snakes

4
  • There are about 42 snake species in Georgia
  • Six of these are venomous
  • The venomous snakes consist of the following
  • 3 rattlesnake species
  • 1 cottonmouth species
  • 1 copperhead species
  • 1 coral snake species

5
  • Approximately 3 of the snakes in the US are
    venomous
  • 10 of the species are venomous
  • Venoms vary in potency
  • Snakebite effect also varies

6
  • According to the website eMedicine, there are
    only 5-10 deaths caused by snakebite in the
    United States per year.
  • Snakebite numbers total about 45,000 yearly, but
    only 8,000 (about 18) of these are by venomous
    snakes.
  • eMedicine also reports that many of the
    snakebites in the United States are provoked by
    the victims.
  • http//www.emedicine.com/aaem/topic417.htm

7
Coachwhip Masticophis flagellum
  • Size 42-60 inches
  • Maximum 102 inches
  • Young Hatched

8
Eastern Mud SnakeFarancia abacura
  • Size 40-54 inches
  • Maximum 80 inches
  • Young Hatched

9
Southern Hognose SnakeHeterodon simus
  • Size 14-20 inches
  • Maximum 24 inches
  • Young Hatched

10
Eastern Hognose SnakeHeterodon platyrhinos
  • Size 18-30 inches
  • Maximum 43 inches
  • Young Hatched

11
Corn SnakeElaphe guttata
  • Size 30-48 inches Maximum 72 inches
  • Young Hatched
  • Other common names Red Rat Snake, House Snake

12
Albino Rat SnakeElaphe(Captured in Jackson
County)
13
Yellow Rat SnakeElaphe obsoleta quadrivittata
  • Size 42-72 inches
  • Maximum 84 inches
  • Young Hatched
  • Other common names Yellow Chicken Snake, Banded
    Chicken Snake

14
Gray Rat SnakeElaphe obsoleta spiloides
  • Size 42-72 inches
  • Maximum 84 inches
  • Young Hatched
  • Other common names Gray Chicken Snake

15
Black Rat SnakeElaphe obsoleta
  • Size 42-72 inches
  • Maximum 101 inches
  • Young Hatched
  • Other common names Black Chicken Snake, Mountain
    Black Snake

16
Pine SnakePituophis melanoleucus
  • Size 48-66 inches
  • Maximum 83 inches
  • Young Hatched

17
Eastern Indigo SnakeDrymarchon corais couperi
  • Size 60-84 inches
  • Maximum 103 ½
  • Young Hatched

18
Southeastern Crowned SnakeTantilla coronata
  • Size 8-10 inches
  • Maximum 13 inches
  • Young Hatched

19
Eastern Worm SnakeCarphophis amoenus
  • Size 7 ½ -11 inches
  • Maximum 13 inches
  • Young Hatched

20
Northern Black RacerColuber constrictor
  • Size 36-60 inches
  • Maximum 73 inches
  • Young Hatched

21
Eastern CoachwhipMasticophis flagellum
  • Size 42-60 inches
  • Maximum 102 inches
  • Young Hatched

22
Banded Water SnakeNerodia fasciata
  • Size 24-42 inches
  • Maximum 60 inches
  • Young Born alive
  • Other common names Moccasin

23
Brown Water SnakeNerodia taxispilota
  • Size 30-60 inches
  • Maximum 69 inches
  • Young Born Alive

24
Eastern Garter SnakeThamnophis sirtalis
  • Size 18-26 inches
  • Maximum 48 inches
  • Young Born Alive

25
Pigmy RattlesnakeSistrurus miliarius
  • Size 15-22 inches
  • Maximum 31 inches
  • Young Born Alive
  • Other common names Barbours Pigmy Rattler

26
Eastern Diamondback RattlesnakeCrotalus
adamanteus
  • Size 33-72 inches
  • Maximum 96 inches
  • Young Born Alive

27
Timber/Canebrake RattlesnakeCrotalus horridus
  • Size 42-60 inches
  • Maximum 74 inches
  • Young Born Alive

28
CopperheadAgkistrodon contortrix
  • Size 24-36 inches
  • Maximum 52 inches
  • Young Born Alive

29
CottonmouthAgkistrodon piscivorous
  • Size 30-48 inches
  • Maximum 74 inches
  • Young Born Alive

30
Eastern Coral SnakeMicrurus fulvius
  • Size 20-30 inches
  • Maximum 47 ½ inches
  • Young Hatched

31
Eastern KingsnakeLampropeltis getula
  • Size 36-48 inches
  • Maximum 82 inches
  • Young Hatched
  • Other common names Chain Snake, Thunder Snake

32
Mole SnakeLampropeltis calligaster
rhombomaculata
  • Size 30-40 inches
  • Maximum 45 inches
  • Young Hatched

33
Conclusions
  • Many snakes are beneficial
  • Some snakes make interesting pets
  • Snakes can eat more rats than a house cat
  • It is important to know the difference between
    venomous and non-venomous snake species
  • We need to protect our beneficial snakes

34
Teacher Notes
  • Slide 2 Reptiles are probably the most
    misunderstood members of the animal kingdom.
    Perhaps this is due largely to the
    misinformation, legends, and myths surrounding
    them, as well as to their nature. Most of these
    myths are based upon pure exaggeration or
    hallucinations.
  • Slide 3 Snakes are beneficial to mankind in
    numerous ways, however, one should be able to
    distinguish between the non-venomous and venomous
    species. Living snakes were photographed for this
    slide set to better inform -(people)- about some
    of the snakes that are found in Georgia.
  • Slide 4 There are approximately 42 species of
    snakes found in Georgia. Of these, six are
    venomous and the remaining are non-venomous. The
    venomous species (or subspecies) consists of
    three rattlesnakes, one cottonmouth, one
    copperhead and one coral snake.
  • Slide 5 Only about 3 percent of the number of
    snakes found in the United States is venomous. 10
    percent of the species are venomous. The venoms
    from venomous snakes vary in their potency
    depending upon such factors as species, size and
    condition of the snake. The effect of snakebite
    also varies according to the size and sensitivity
    of the victim as well as the site and
    effectiveness of the bite.

35
  • Slide 6 According to the website eMedicine,
    there are only 5-10 deaths caused by snakebite in
    the United States per year. Snakebite numbers
    total about 45,000 yearly, but only 8,000 (about
    18) of these are by venomous snakes. eMedicine
    also reports that many of the snakebites in the
    United States are provoked by the victims.
  • Slide 7 Throughout history, we find accounts of
    man's attitudes toward reptiles. Supernatural
    traits are attributed to many forms, and cults
    have been established to worship particular
    species believed to be endowed with great powers
    of good or evil. The Bible contains numerous
    references to reptilessome favorable, others
    unfavorable. Much of our present attitude toward
    snakes can be traced to the story of Adam and Eve
    in the Garden of Eden. Our American folklore is
    richly flavored with misinformation, myths,
    legends, and simple exaggerations concerning
    snakes.

36
  • Slide 8 One of the favorite snake stories
    concerns this Eastern Mud Snake, commonly
    referred to as the "Hoop Snake," "Stinging
    Snake," or "Horn Snake." This snake is
    erroneously believed by some to take its tail in
    its mouth and to roll along like a hoop, chasing
    its victims. At the right moment, it releases its
    tail from its mouth and the tail jabs the victim.
    The victim, whether plant or animal, dies
    immediately. The Mud Snake is reported to have a
    powerful stinger in the end of its tail with
    which it jabs its victim. Actually, no snake has
    a stinger or venom gland of any sort in its tail,
    but the Eastern Mud Snake has a sharp terminal
    scale on its tail with which it maneuvers food
    into position for swallowing. These snakes are
    unable to inflict even a minor scratch with this
    scale. The smooth, shiny, black scales, with the
    pink underbelly, serve to identify the Eastern
    Mud Snake. A snake of southern swamps and
    low-lands, its favorite food is salamanders.
    Adults usually range from 3 to 4½ feet in length.
  • Slide 9 The "Hognose Snakes" represent some of
    Mother Nature's best "actors." Although quite
    harmless, they have earned themselves a bad
    reputation by their actions. By flattening their
    heads and necks, hissing loudly, and inflating
    their bodies with air, they produce a show of
    hostility that would unnerve all but the
    stout-hearted. This is the smallest of the
    Hognose Snakes and is known as the Southern
    Hognose Snake.

37
  • Slide 10 The Eastern Hognose Snake is larger
    than the southern species, but its actions are
    the same. When the bluff of the Hognose Snake
    fails to frighten the intruder, it will soon roll
    over on its back, open its mouth, give a few
    convulsive movements, and then lie still as
    though dead. When turned right side up, it will
    promptly roll over again, probably thinking that
    the only position for a dead snake is on its
    back. Snakes exhibit many variations in pattern
    and color even within the same species. This is
    another Eastern Hognose Snake, completely lacking
    the pattern and colors of the previous one.
    Because of their behavior, the Hognose Snakes
    have earned such dangerous sounding names as
    "Hissing Adder", "Spreading Adder", "Puff Adder",
    and "Blow Viper". Many people fear these snakes
    because they have been told that they will spit
    venomous fumes into their eyes. They have no
    venom, and could not spit if they wanted to.
  • Slide 11 Many people believe that a mother
    snake will swallow her young for protection, then
    release them when the danger is past. What do you
    think is in this Corn Snake's mouth? No authentic
    account of a mother snake swallowing her young
    for protection has ever been recorded. The belief
    is probably based on the fact that many snakes
    feed on lizards, mice and other snakes, and many
    times, all that is seen of the victim is the tail
    as it is being swallowed. The victim was not a
    baby snake but was instead a small mouse. We see
    the snake immediately after it has struck. The
    body has been coiled around the mouse and the
    suffocation process has begun. The Corn Snake is
    one of our most beneficial reptiles and should be
    protected and not destroyed through ignorance or
    prejudice. They consume many rodents that eat on
    corn and destroy stored grain. Normally, snakes
    swallow their prey beginning with the head first.
    The flexibility of a snake's skull and body
    enables it to swallow prey much larger than its
    own head. By working the two sides of its jaw
    independently, the snake literally pulls its body
    over and around its food. Once the food has
    passed the mouth, it is worked back to the
    stomach by a series of muscular contractions in
    the snake's body. The Corn Snake makes an
    excellent pet, rarely attempting to bite and
    accepting food easily.

38
  • Slide 12 Occasionally, in both the plant and
    animal kingdoms, we find unusual examples, such
    as the "albino" specimen of a Rat Snake. The
    color of the skin and eyes of albinos is usually
    characteristic and is caused by a deficiency in
    pigment. The pink eyes and white skin of this
    albino are similar to the pink eyes and white fur
    found on white mice or rabbits. The dark pigment
    lacking in the eyes enables more light to
    penetrate the pupil of the eye, resulting in poor
    eyesight.
  • Slide 13 Another species of Rat Snake is the
    Yellow Rat Snake, sometimes called the
    "Four-lined Chicken Snake" or the "Striped House
    Snake". The dark stripes are always strongly
    defined, but the ground color varies
    considerably. They are found high up in cypress
    and other trees in great river swamps of the
    South where the rivers approach the coast. Food
    consists mainly of young rats, and small birds.
    The tongue of all snakes is long, slender, and
    forked at the end. It is not a poisonous
    structure, but serves to detect odors in the air.
    It is also used to locate the head of its prey
    prior to swallowing. Snakes have no ear openings,
    therefore, they cannot hear air-borne sounds.
    They are very sensitive to ground vibrations,
    however.
  • Slide 14 The Gray Rat Snake is another of our
    beneficial snakes. Often called the Oak Snake,
    or White Oak Snake, this serpent retains the
    strongly blotched juvenile pattern throughout
    life, but there is much variation in its
    intensity. The adult size generally is from 3½ to
    6 feet.

39
  • Slide 15 Some of our Rat Snakes literally stand
    up and fight when cornered in the field. This
    Black Rat Snake has the forward portion of his
    body raised and the head drawn back in an
    S-curve, ready to strike. Usually, they hiss as
    they lunge forward from this position. All snakes
    can bite. The bite pattern of a non-venomous
    snake may show teeth marks but no fang punctures.
    A mild local pain may result but usually does not
    last long. An antiseptic should be applied to
    prevent infection. Some of our non-poisonous
    snakes are gentle and can be handled safely if
    they do not become excited. Others retain their
    fighting spirit even after long periods in
    captivity. Snakes sometimes give forth a pungent
    or unpleasant odor, especially when excited or
    when first captured. This is another of Natures
    methods of self-defense. The Black Rat Snake is
    often confused with the Black Racer and is
    sometimes called the Pilot Blacksnake. All of
    the non-poisonous snakes found in Georgia, such
    as this Black Rat Snake, have round eye pupils
    and do not have the pits between the nose and
    eyes, which most of our poisonous snakes have.
    The poisonous Coral Snake is an exception and
    will be mentioned later.
  • Slide 16 The large black and white snake with a
    noisy hiss is sometimes called the Bull Snake.
    A more acceptable common name is the Pine Snake.
    It is found in sandy pine barrens or dry mountain
    ridges, usually in or near pine woods. Due to its
    habit of burrowing underground, its presence is
    often unsuspected even by people who have lived
    in the same area with it for years. Food
    consists primarily of rodents, including the
    Pocket Gopher, therefore earning it another
    common name, the White Gopher Snake.

40
  • Slide 17 Another of our more beneficial snakes
    is the Eastern Indigo Snake. When cornered, this
    snake flattens its neck vertically and hisses
    loudly, earning itself the common name Blue Bull
    Snake. Another common name is Blue Gopher
    Snake. When caught, the Indigo Snake becomes
    tame almost at once, seldom attempting to bite.
    Food includes small mammals, birds, frogs and
    snakeseven Cottonmouths and Rattlers. This
    species has the distinction of being the longest
    snake found in the United States, with an
    authentic measurement of 8 feet, 7 ½ inches.
  • Slide 18 Not all of our snakes are large, the
    Southeastern Crowned Snake is one of our
    smallest, ranging from only 8 to 10 inches in
    length. It can be identified by the black head
    cap, followed by a light band across the rear of
    the head, and then followed by a black band. Also
    called the Black-headed Snake, it can usually
    be found under rocks or rotting logs where it
    feeds on small centipedes and insect larvae.
  • Slide 19 The Eastern Worm Snake is another
    small species with habits very similar to the
    Crowned Snake. When held in the hand, Worm Snakes
    attempt to push their way between the fingers
    with both the head and spinelike tail tip. The
    range of this species in Georgia is from the fall
    line north.
  • Slide 20 This slender, satiny snake is plain
    black both above and below. The long keen tail
    helps to identify it as the Northern Black Racer,
    one of our fastest snakes. Contrary to many folk
    tales, snakes do NOT move rapidly. Actual
    measurements have shown that the fastest species
    never travel over three to four miles an hour. A
    military marching pace is roughly 3.8 miles an
    hour, so almost anyone can outrun a snake. The
    Black Racer is quick to flee when approached but
    fights fiercely when cornered.

41
  • Slide 21 The Eastern Coachwhip is an active,
    fast-moving serpent. It sometimes prowls with its
    head above the ground and escapes the would-be
    collector with a burst of speed. Fighting
    savagely when cornered, it embeds its teeth and
    then yanks away, producing lacerations instead of
    puncture wounds. The Eastern Coachwhip is
    credited with many amazing feats, including its
    ability to outrun a man and whip him to death.
    Although pure nonsense, this legend still
    persists. Scales on the long slender tail
    suggests a braided whip with the dark forward
    part resembling the whip handle.
  • Slide 22 Snakes of this species are almost
    always found near water. They strike and bite
    hard when cornered. Some people resent them
    because they feed on fish, although research
    indicates they actually improve good fishing by
    culling out sick and less vigorous fish and
    helping to thin out over-populated lakes and
    ponds. Can you guess what snake this is? Is it
    venomous or non-venomous? Another view of this
    snake may aid you in identifying it. Note the
    triangular shaped head and the heavy body of this
    snake. These characteristics are usually, though
    not always associated with poisonous species. If
    you guessed the Cottonmouth or the Cottonmouth
    Water Moccasin, you were wrong. Most persons
    confuse the Banded Water Snake and other Water
    Snakes with the venomous Cottonmouth, and not
    without reason, for they look much alike. In
    spite of the triangular shaped head, this species
    in non-poisonous. An examination of the head will
    reveal round eye pupils and no facial pits. The
    venomous Cottonmouth has elliptical eye pupils
    and pits located between the nose and eyes.

42
  • Slide 23 Another of the harmless water snakes,
    and one of the easiest to confuse with the
    Cottonmouth is the Brown Water Snake. Often
    called the Water Pilot or the Water Rattle,
    it is an accomplished swimmer and climber, often
    found up in trees 20 feet or more. The head is
    distinctly triangular shaped, again destroying
    the belief that only venomous snakes have
    triangular shaped heads.
  • Slide 24 The pattern and coloration of the
    Eastern Garter Snake is extremely variable, with
    either spots or stripes predominating. It is a
    well-known and probably the most common snake in
    the Eastern United States. It feeds on frogs,
    toads, salamanders, fish, tadpoles and
    earthworms. It occupies a wide variety of
    habitatsmeadows, marshes, woodlands, hillsides,
    along streams and ditches, and in city lots and
    dumps.
  • Slide 25 Looking somewhat like the Garter
    Snake, although a lot more dangerous, the Pigmy
    Rattlesnake is at home in the flatwoods and all
    types of terrain where lakes and marshes abound.
    Also called the Ground Rattler, the tiny rattle
    of this snake cannot be heard more than a few
    feet away. One of the smallest of our venomous
    snakes, with a record length of 31 inches, Pigmy
    Rattlesnakes usually range from 15 to 22 inches
    in length. A subspecies, the Carolina Pigmy
    Rattlesnake, is found in some counties in North
    Georgia.

43
  • Slide 26 The largest venomous snake found in
    this country, growing to lengths of up to 8 feet,
    is the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake. Although
    not aggressive, this species will seldom run when
    bothered, but will remain in a tight coil and
    stand its ground. Its favorite food is the
    Cottontail Rabbit, but it also feed on rats,
    mice, birds, and small mammals. The Eastern
    Diamondback Rattlesnake will usually, but not
    always, warn you with its rattles. A powerful and
    dangerous snake, with long fangs and a great
    quantity of poison, it is probably the most
    deadly snake in North America. At home in the
    palmetto flat woods and dry pinelands of the
    South, it is frequently found in Gopher holes or
    other holes beneath stumps, etc.
  • Slide 27 The Timber/Canebrake Rattlesnake
    prefers retreat to combat, but will fight bravely
    when cornered. Considerable variation may be
    found in the coloration of this species. The most
    familiar phase is a yellow ground color with
    wide, dark brown or black crossbands. The tails
    of some specimens are black. Food includes small
    rabbits, squirrels, rats, mice, and birds.

44
  • Slide 27 contd A lowland counterpart of the
    Timber Rattlesnake is the Canebrake Rattlesnake.
    At home in cane thickets and swamplands, he is
    distinguished from the Timber Rattler by the
    reddish-brown stripe down the back, usually
    lacking in other species. Food includes toads,
    mice, insects, birds, and small snakes.
    Rattlesnakes and other snakes are commonly found
    on or under old logs or downed trees. As a safety
    measure when hunting or walking in the woods,
    always watch where you put your feet. When
    crossing a log, never step over the log, but step
    on it and then over. If you are bitten , the bite
    will probably be lower down on your leg and your
    chances of survival will be better.
  • Slide 28 The Copperhead is known by such common
    names as Highland Moccasin, Pilot Snake, and
    Chunkhead. When viewed from above, the dark
    markings on this venomous snake resemble an
    hourglass. Sometimes the markings are broken
    along the top of the back and fail to meet. Food
    of the Copperhead includes small birds, frogs,
    insects, and a favorite is mice.

45
  • Slide 29 The Cottonmouth is a large, aquatic
    snake. Its color is olive, brown or black above,
    with a lighter colored belly. Broad cross bands
    are evident in younger specimens, while old
    snakes may be dark or un-patterned. These very
    dangerous snakes are found in the southern
    lowlands, swamps, lakes, and rivers. It suns
    itself on logs at waters edge. The Cottonmouths
    food consists of fish, frogs, salamanders,
    snakes, lizards, small turtles, baby alligators,
    birds and small mammals. The Cottonmouth closely
    resembles many of the non-poisonous water snakes,
    and at a distance it is difficult to distinguish
    between them. A dead specimen is easily
    identified by the facial pits located between the
    nose and eyes. Note also the elliptical eye
    pupils which are characteristic of the pit
    vipers. Harmless water snakes usually flee
    quickly, whereas the Cottonmouth will often stand
    its ground or crawl slowly away. The Cottonmouth
    and other pit vipers have movable front fangs,
    which, when not in use, are folded against the
    roof of the mouth. A thoroughly aroused
    Cottonmouth will throw its head upward and
    backward, holding its mouth wide open revealing a
    white interior, origin of the name Cottonmouth.
    Venom is injected into a victim through the
    fangs. The fangs are hollow, with an opening near
    the end, similar to a hypodermic needle. Snake
    venom is a liquid, usually yellowish in color. It
    is used in medicines and serum for snake-bite
    treatment. The venom from the Cottonmouth and
    other pit vipers affects the blood cells and
    muscle tissues primarily, causing swelling,
    discoloration and great pain. If given proper
    treatment, victims of snake bit usually recover.
    All pit vipers, including the Cottonmouth, have
    single scales or plates covering at least a large
    part of the under-surface of their tails. All
    non-poisonous snakes have a double row of scales
    beneath their tails. The very dangerous Coral
    Snake also has a double row of scales and should
    not be confused with non-poisonous species.

46
  • Slide 30 A dangerously venomous snake, although
    often mistaken for a harmless species, is the
    Eastern Coral Snake, a far-off cousin of the
    dreaded Cobra. The colored rings completely
    encircle the body with the red and yellow rings
    touching. The end of the snout is black, followed
    by a broad yellow band across the head. The venom
    of this snake affects the nervous system
    primarily, causing paralysis and other symptoms.
    The Coral Snake is NOT a pit viper, therefore, it
    has no facial pits. Nor does it have elliptical
    eye pupils or single scales on the underside of
    its tail as do the other venomous snakes of
    Georgia.
  • Slide 31 Listed among our most popular and
    beneficial reptiles are the Kingsnakes. They
    are powerful constrictors which kill and eat
    other serpents, including venomous ones. Contrary
    to popular opinion, they do not prowl around
    looking for Rattlers to fight, but they will make
    a meal of any snake. They are apparently immune
    to the venoms of our native venomous snakes. The
    Eastern Kingsnake can easily be identified by the
    white or yellow markings against a background of
    shiny black.
  • Slide 32 Another of our Kingsnakes is the Mole
    Snake or perhaps known better as the Brown
    Kingsnake. It is a shiny, smooth serpent that
    may or may not be patterned. An accomplished
    burrower, it is often turned up by the plow. It
    occasionally appears on the surface after heavy
    spring or summer rains.

47
  • Slide 33 Many of the snakes found in Georgia
    are beneficial, and, if one desires, make
    interesting pets. Around barns, they will eat
    more rats than a house cat. Of course, a person
    should learn the difference between venomous and
    non-venomous species, and protect those that act
    as mans friend.
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