Spanning 57,000 square miles, Georgia has a diverse range of habitats which are home to thousands of wonderful animals. ย While some animals are incredibly rare or secretive and are hardly seen, there are others that we are much more likely to come across. ย Some of these animals are snakes and with 46 species of snakes calling Georgia home, itโs not surprising that there are quite a few that fall into that category. ย So join us as we discover some of the most common (and non-venomous) snakes in Georgia!
Eastern Kingsnake

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Also known as the common kingsnake, eastern kingsnakes are non-venomous snakes that are also popular as pets. ย They are typically between 36 and 48 inches long and are known for their shiny scales. ย In fact, the first part of their scientific name โ Lampropelitis getulaย โ means โshiny shieldsโ. ย Eastern kingsnakes are usually dark brown with white crossbands and a chain-like pattern down their sides. ย They prefer open habitats such as grasslands and prairies close to rivers and streams. ย Eastern kingsnakes are constrictors and eat rodents, birds, lizards, and frogs. ย They also eat other snakes โ including venomous copperheads and coral snakes โ and the โkingโ part of their name refers to them preying on other snakes.
Northern Water Snake

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One of the largest common snakes in Georgia is the northern water snake which can reach almost 4.5 feet long. ย Northern water snakes are typically brown with darker crossbands on their neck and blotches down their back. ย They are always found near to permanent water sources such as streams, ponds, rivers, lakes, and swamps. ย During the day they can often be seen basking in the sun on rocks and logs. ย Northern water snakes hunt along the waters edge and in the shallows and they typically eat fish, frogs, birds, and salamanders. ย Although they are not venomous, their saliva contains an anticoagulant (blood thinner) which means that any bite bleeds much more than usual.
Eastern Garter Snake

ยฉErik Agar/Shutterstock.com
Described as being one of the most widespread snakes across North America, eastern garter snakes are easy to spot with their unique striped pattern. ย They are 18 to 26 inches long and are brown or greenish brown with a distinctive yellowish stripe. ย Eastern garter snakes live in a wide variety of habitats, including entering urban parks. ย They like to bask in the sun but quickly flee underneath logs and rocks at the first sign of danger. ย Although they are not venomous to humans, eastern garter snakes are mildly venomous to their prey. ย They lack fangs with which to inject it with so instead it is produced in their saliva. ย Their prey includes frogs, toads, and worms, but they will eat anything else they can catch.
Dekayโs Brown Snake

ยฉJay Ondreicka/Shutterstock.com
Also known as the brown snake, Dekayโs brown snakes are small snakes that are usually less than 12 inches long. ย They have thin bodies and are usually brown with a lighter central stripe. ย Dekayโs brown snakes favor wetland habitats and โ although secretive โ are widespread across Georgia. ย They mainly prey on earthworms and slugs. ย Due to their small size they are often preyed upon by larger snakes.
Ring-Necked Snake

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Despite their secretive nature, ring-necked snakes are actually one of the most common snakes in Georgia โ and one of the smallest at only 8 to 14 inches long. ย Although they are black on their dorsal side, ring-necked snakes are easily one of the most stunning due to the bright ring of color around their neck and bright bellies. ย Their neck ring and bellies can be red, orange, yellow, or even red fading to yellow and makes them easily distinguishable from other snakes. ย As they are so secretive, ring-necked snakes prefer habitats where there is plenty of vegetation for them to hide under โ such as woodlands or rocky hillsides. ย Ring-necked snakes produce a mild venom-like substance that they use to immobilize their prey โ mainly salamanders โ but they are not truly venomous or dangerous to humans.
Eastern Racer

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With eleven recognized subspecies, eastern racers are one of the most frequently seen snakes across North America. ย They vary greatly in size โ being between 20 and 60 inches long โ and in appearance. ย Their color is usually either black, tan, green, blue, or brown depending on the subspecies, while their bellies are typically a lighter color than their dorsal side. ย Eastern racers are fast, active snakes that usually live in grassland habitats. ย However, they are also excellent climbers and often raid bird nests for eggs and chicks. ย Southern black racers are one of the more common subspecies and is the one that is most likely to be seen in Georgia.
Rough Green Snake

ยฉiStock.com/BobMcLeanLLC
One of the most stunning green snakes in Georgia is the rough green snake which are a vibrant green on their dorsal side with bright yellow or cream belles. ย Rough green snakes are 14 to 33 inches long and typically live in meadows and woodlands. ย They are excellent swimmers and they are never far from a permanent water source. ย Rough green snakes are also highly accomplished climbers and spend much of their time in trees. ย They are active during the day and often spend the night coiled around tree branches. ย Rough green snakes mainly eat small animals such as insects and spiders.
Gray Rat Snake

ยฉGabbie Berry/Shutterstock.com
Also known as the chicken snake, gray rat snakes get their nickname as they sometimes kill and eat chickens. ย Aside from chickens, their diet includes rodents and other birds while juveniles prefer frogs and lizards. ย As well as being one of the most common snakes in Georgia, gray rat snakes are also one of the largest as they can reach more than 6 feet long. ย They are typically a grayish color with dark brown blotches down their bodies. ย Gray rat snakes are adaptable and live in a range of habitats, although forests, and tree-lined fields and streams are preferred. ย They are excellent climbers and can be found at any height in trees โ even up to the top.
Plain-Bellied Water Snake

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Widespread across the southeastern region of the United States, plain-bellied water snakes always live near to permanent water sources. ย Although they are always in and around freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes, streams, and swamps, plain-bellied water snakes spend more time out of the water than other water snakes do. ย Despite this, they rely heavily on the water for their prey which is mainly fish and amphibians. ย Plain-bellied water snakes are 24 to 40 inches long and are usually brown, gray, or black with a plain yellow or orange belly, although their color varies depending on the subspecies. ย Plain-bellied water snakes are most active during the summer months and hibernate during the winter.
Eastern Coachwhip

ยฉJay Ondreicka/Shutterstock.com
Another common snake in Georgia is the eastern coachwhip which is one of six subspecies of the coachwhip snake. ย Eastern coachwhips are 50 to 72 inches long and have slender bodies. ย Their heads are black but their bodies are brown which lightens towards the tail. ย They have smooth, shiny scales which tend to give the appearance of a whip, hence their name. ย Eastern coachwhips live in many habitats, although swamps and pine woodlands are particularly favoured. ย They are quick, active snakes that hunt during the day using their sense of smell and sight. ย Itโs not uncommon to see them scanning the nearby area with their head raised above the ground while looking for prey. ย They are not constrictors and eat birds, lizards, snakes, and rodents. ย Although most prey is swallowed alive, they sometimes beat them against the ground to stun them first.
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