Title: Snakes of Georgia
1Snakes 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.
2Introduction
- 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
7Coachwhip Masticophis flagellum
- Size 42-60 inches
- Maximum 102 inches
- Young Hatched
8Eastern Mud SnakeFarancia abacura
- Size 40-54 inches
- Maximum 80 inches
- Young Hatched
9Southern Hognose SnakeHeterodon simus
- Size 14-20 inches
- Maximum 24 inches
- Young Hatched
10Eastern Hognose SnakeHeterodon platyrhinos
- Size 18-30 inches
- Maximum 43 inches
- Young Hatched
11Corn SnakeElaphe guttata
- Size 30-48 inches Maximum 72 inches
- Young Hatched
- Other common names Red Rat Snake, House Snake
12Albino Rat SnakeElaphe(Captured in Jackson
County)
13Yellow Rat SnakeElaphe obsoleta quadrivittata
- Size 42-72 inches
- Maximum 84 inches
- Young Hatched
- Other common names Yellow Chicken Snake, Banded
Chicken Snake
14Gray Rat SnakeElaphe obsoleta spiloides
- Size 42-72 inches
- Maximum 84 inches
- Young Hatched
- Other common names Gray Chicken Snake
15Black Rat SnakeElaphe obsoleta
- Size 42-72 inches
- Maximum 101 inches
- Young Hatched
- Other common names Black Chicken Snake, Mountain
Black Snake
16Pine SnakePituophis melanoleucus
- Size 48-66 inches
- Maximum 83 inches
- Young Hatched
17Eastern Indigo SnakeDrymarchon corais couperi
- Size 60-84 inches
- Maximum 103 ½
- Young Hatched
18Southeastern Crowned SnakeTantilla coronata
- Size 8-10 inches
- Maximum 13 inches
- Young Hatched
19Eastern Worm SnakeCarphophis amoenus
- Size 7 ½ -11 inches
- Maximum 13 inches
- Young Hatched
20Northern Black RacerColuber constrictor
- Size 36-60 inches
- Maximum 73 inches
21Eastern CoachwhipMasticophis flagellum
- Size 42-60 inches
- Maximum 102 inches
- Young Hatched
22Banded Water SnakeNerodia fasciata
- Size 24-42 inches
- Maximum 60 inches
- Young Born alive
- Other common names Moccasin
23Brown Water SnakeNerodia taxispilota
- Size 30-60 inches
- Maximum 69 inches
- Young Born Alive
24Eastern Garter SnakeThamnophis sirtalis
- Size 18-26 inches
- Maximum 48 inches
- Young Born Alive
25Pigmy RattlesnakeSistrurus miliarius
- Size 15-22 inches
- Maximum 31 inches
- Young Born Alive
- Other common names Barbours Pigmy Rattler
26Eastern Diamondback RattlesnakeCrotalus
adamanteus
- Size 33-72 inches
- Maximum 96 inches
- Young Born Alive
27Timber/Canebrake RattlesnakeCrotalus horridus
- Size 42-60 inches
- Maximum 74 inches
- Young Born Alive
28CopperheadAgkistrodon contortrix
- Size 24-36 inches
- Maximum 52 inches
- Young Born Alive
29CottonmouthAgkistrodon piscivorous
- Size 30-48 inches
- Maximum 74 inches
- Young Born Alive
30Eastern Coral SnakeMicrurus fulvius
- Size 20-30 inches
- Maximum 47 ½ inches
- Young Hatched
31Eastern KingsnakeLampropeltis getula
- Size 36-48 inches
- Maximum 82 inches
- Young Hatched
- Other common names Chain Snake, Thunder Snake
32Mole SnakeLampropeltis calligaster
rhombomaculata
- Size 30-40 inches
- Maximum 45 inches
- Young Hatched
33Conclusions
- 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
34Teacher 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.