Snake Season: Safety Tips For Facing GA's Slithering Serpents

GEORGIA — Residents will want to practice "sssafety" among Georgia's slithering serpents.

Georgia reptiles prefer to be more active in warm weather, triggering more snake sightings across the state in the spring when the weather is not too cold or too hot. Snake season generally begins in late March or early April.

The Peach State is home to 47 snake species, six of which are considered venomous, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Most frequently seen of all the species are rat snakes, king snakes, garter snakes and brown snakes, the DNR previously said.

The copperhead snake, which is venomous, is common in metro areas, the DNR previously said. Other venomous snakes include the cottonmouth, the eastern coral snake, the eastern diamond-backed rattlesnake, the pigmy rattlesnake and the timber rattlesnake.

While humans are known to be fearful of these unique reptiles, the DNR said all snakes are naturally scared of humans. To put it simply, the DNR said snakes "just want to be left alone."

They have been deemed viable for the state's ecosystem as they act as predators and prey. The DNR said their willingness to eat rats, mice and other animals considered to be pests is economically beneficial.

"Some snakes have been used as bioindicators to assess pollutants in terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems," the DNR said on its site.

Snakes are among some of Georgia's protected animals, making it illegal to kill nonvenomous snakes. Venomous snakes cannot be killed in state parks.

Killing or owning nonvenomous snakes is a misdemeanor in Georgia and can result in a fine of up to $1,000 and a year in jail. (See a list of nonvenomous snakes.)

State law says people cannot "disturb or destroy the dens, holes or homes of wildlife or use explosives, chemicals or other devices to drive wildlife, including venomous snakes, from those homes."

Due to habitat loss and wanton killing, the DNR said several snake species have decreased as a result of human activities.

The eastern indigo snake and the southern hognose snake, both native to Georgia, are state-listed as threatened, the DNR said.

Additionally, the eastern indigo snake is deemed threatened at the federal level under the Endangered Species Act.

Here is what the DNR says you should do if you see a snake:

• You can try to identify it from a distance.
• Do not attempt to handle the snake. Give it the space it needs.
• Remember that snakes are predators that feed on small mammals, amphibians, insects and even other snakes. There is no need to fear non-venomous snakes.
• If a clearly identified venomous snake is in an area where it represents a danger to people or pets, consult Georgia Wildlife for a list of private wildlife removal specialists. Most bites occur when a snake is cornered or captured and defending itself.

If one is bitten by a snake, the Georgia Poison Center advises people to immediately call the center for treatment recommendations.

"Occasionally, snakes searching for rodents or eggs, or a place to shed their skin, will take refuge in barns, crawl spaces underneath homes, or sometimes in a home. The best way to keep snakes from entering your home or other building is to prevent snakes and snake food (rodents) from entering your home. Closing up all possible entrance locations is a must. Next, a rodent control program should be put in place to eliminate the food attraction for snakes," the DNR stated.

Southern-based company Northwest Exterminating offered the following tips for keeping snakes away from yards:

• Keep grass and vegetation trimmed short to reduce hiding places for snakes and their prey.
• Remove debris, such as logs, brush piles and rock piles, where snakes may seek shelter.
• Seal any gaps or cracks in buildings, foundations and fencing to prevent snakes from entering your yard.
• Install snake-proof fencing around gardens, play areas, and other high-traffic areas to keep snakes out.
• Consider natural deterrents such as certain plants (example: marigolds and wormwood) or commercial repellents.