It's snake season in Georgia!

Beautiful annuals return each spring.

April 8th, 2024: Spring has come around again with green leaves, flowers, pollen and snakes! With these warmer temperatures, snakes that have been sheltering and brumating (it's not the same as hibernating, but it's similar) are starting to emerge from the places that have kept them safe during the cold months and they are hungry. And, like many animals in the spring - some are looking for love. It's a good time to remember a few basics about snakes. For example, they are natural wildlife and most species are protected by Georgia state law. Also, they are not interested in having contact with people or our pets. They do not want to bite you, but if they are frightened and feel threatened, it's really the only defense they have. So if you see a snake, please just give it plenty of room to slither away. If you are curious like me, you might be inclined to observe for a while, but unless you are ABSOLUTELY certain its a harmless species, just make sure you observe from a safe and respectful distance. Most snakes have a striking range of about 1/3 to 1/2 their total body length. For them to not feel threatened by your presence, you will probably need to be at least 6-8 feet away.

If you find a snake in an area where there are often pets or children it is reasonable to want to know if the snake poses any threat to them. It takes some effort and time to learn to positively identify all the species that live in Georgia. There are at least 46 native species and few that aren't from here originally, but have made our state their home. Please don't kill them because you don't know the difference between a gentle, harmless and very beneficial snake like the Dekay's brown snake my granddaughter is holding in the photo below, just take a clear photo with your phone (being careful not to get too close - that's what your zoom is for) and text the picture to me at 470-588-1168 and ask for an ID. I'll be happy to let you know if it's a snake that should be avoided or one you can rest easy knowing it poses no danger to anyone.

This little brown snake is full-grown! It's not a baby despite its small size. They are very common in Georgia, especially in the northern parts of the state and are very tolerant of human activity. They are one of - if not THE - the most commonly found snake in the suburbs around Atlanta. They eat worms, slugs and other invertebrates, and they are a fossorial species - meaning they live in mulch, under rocks or other types of debris and aren't often seen out moving around in the open during the day. But you may see them moving around after dusk in your yard or driveway, or you may find them when you are raking or picking up debris. So how can you know that it isn't a baby copperhead? Well, copperhead snakes when they are small and less than 12" long, typically have a green tip to their tail. they also have a fatter, heavier body and heavier-looking head with triangular markings down their sides. Not sure? Just leave it alone! For safety, you should always use caution in low light - be careful where you step and wear real shoes - don't walk around barefoot or wearing sandals when the light is low or poor. Most people who are bitten by venomous snakes were either trying to catch, kill, or handle the snake that bit them. Or they accidentally stepped on a snake they didn't see. A recent study found that most people who sought treatment for a copperhead bite were bitten on the foot or ankle while walking barefoot or in sandals after dark.

You don't need to be scared of our native reptiles - understanding how we can live together in mutual safety and without conflict should be our goal. If I can help by identifying or relocating a snake for you, please let me know!