10 Snakes In North Georgia

Written by Hannah Ward
Updated: April 3, 2023
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Georgia is known for its many diverse ecosystems and beautiful scenery, and there is perhaps no area more stunning than North Georgia.  With vast mountainous regions and miles of rivers, North Georgia has different habitats home to thousands of wonderful animals.  

Amongst these animals are snakes, and North Georgia has its fair share of the 46 species found in the entire state.  Of these, there is a vast range of sizes and colors, along with three of Georgia’s six venomous snakes.  So join us as we discover some of the snakes in North Georgia!

Dekay’s Brown Snake

Snakes in North Georgia - DeKay's Brown Snake (Northern Brown Snake)

Dekay’s brown snakes are found everywhere in Georgia, with the exception of high mountainous regions.

©Jay Ondreicka/Shutterstock.com

We’ll begin by talking about the smallest snake on the list – Dekay’s brown snakes. Also known simply as brown snakes, Dekay’s brown snakes have thin bodies and rarely exceed 12 inches long.  They are brown with a lighter stripe down their body which is often bordered by small black spots.  

Dekay’s brown snakes are found almost everywhere in Georgia – including north Georgia – with the exception of high mountainous regions.  Although they are secretive, they are found in all wetland habitats, where swamps and marshes are particularly favored.  Dekay’s brown snakes eat earthworms, slugs, and snails, while they are preyed on by many larger animals.

Eastern Kingsnake

Eastern Kingsnake

Eastern kingsnakes are immune to rattlesnake venom.

©iStock.com/JasonOndreicka

One of the most beautiful snakes in north Georgia is the eastern kingsnake.  Although dark brown, eastern kingsnakes have incredibly shiny scales with white crossband markings and a chain-like pattern down their bodies. Eastern kingsnakes are 36 to 48 inches long and live in a wide range of habitats.  However, they particularly prefer open grasslands and areas close to rivers and streams.

Eastern kingsnakes are powerful constrictors and prey on rodents, lizards, birds, and frogs.  They also prey on many other snake species – including venomous ones.  This is because they are actually immune to the venom produced by rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and copperheads.  This unique ability is also why they are named “king,” as they prey on so many other snake species.

Timber Rattlesnake

Timber rattlesnaake coiled in a loop

Timber rattlesnakes are one of the most venomous snakes in North Georgia.

©Frode Jacobsen/Shutterstock.com

The first venomous snake on the list is the timber rattlesnake which is 36 to 60 inches long. Timber rattlesnakes have thick, heavy bodies which are brown with black or brown crossband markings. Although they typically live in deciduous forests, the females tend to prefer open areas in the sun where the temperature is higher – such as rocky ledges.

During the summer, they are nocturnal, while during the spring and fall, they are most active during the day. Timber rattlesnakes prey on birds, rodents, frogs, and other snakes. They are one of the most venomous snakes as they have incredibly long fangs and contain a high amount of venom.

However, luckily they don’t have a particularly aggressive nature and typically flee when threatened. Even if they are cornered, they usually give plenty of warning rattles before striking.

Eastern Garter Snake

Eastern Garter Snake on Log

Eastern garter snakes are frequently seen in urban areas.

©Erik Agar/Shutterstock.com

One of the most common snakes in north Georgia is the eastern garter snake. Eastern garter snakes are 18 to 42 inches long and are easily spotted due to their distinguishable yellow stripe over a greenish-brown background. They live in many different habitats, although fields, abandoned farmland, and stone walls separating fields are particularly favored.

They are also one of the most frequently seen snakes in gardens and city parks. Although eastern garter snakes eat anything they can catch, their diet typically consists of worms and amphibians. Due to their relatively small size, they have many predators – including hawks, raccoons, foxes, and larger snakes.

Pygmy Rattlesnake

Pygmy rattlesnakes usually live in forests and floodplains

Pygmy rattlesnakes are one of the smallest rattlesnakes and don’t produce much venom.

©Gerald A. DeBoer/Shutterstock.com

Another venomous pit viper is the pygmy rattlesnake which is relatively small at only 16 to 24 inches long. There are three subspecies of pygmy rattlesnakes, and they are typically gray or grayish-brown with darker spots and a red stripe down their bodies. Pygmy rattlesnakes usually live in forests and floodplains but are also common near lakes and marshlands.

They often inhabit burrows made by rodents and gopher tortoises. Their rattle is small and can only be heard from a short distance away. Also, as they are so small, pygmy rattlesnakes don’t produce much venom, which means that bites are rarely fatal for healthy adults. Their diet usually consists of birds, lizards, and frogs.

Rough Green Snake

rough green snake in leaves

The skin of a rough green snake makes it easy for it to climb trees.

©iStock.com/BobMcLeanLLC

One of the most brilliantly green snakes is the rough green snake. Rough green snakes are stunningly bright green on their dorsal side with cream or yellow bellies. As they often live in meadows, they have the perfect camouflage and can be incredibly difficult to spot amongst the grass.

Rough green snakes are 14 to 32 inches long and have keeled scales. Keeled scales are not smooth but have a ridge down the center which gives a rough texture, and hence gives these snakes their name. Rough green snakes have highly accomplished swimmers and climbers and tend to sleep coiled around tree branches. They are completely harmless to humans and prey only on small animals such as spiders and insects.

Northern Water Snake

brown watersnake

Northern Water snakes are one of the most common water snakes in north Georgia.

©Radiant Reptilia/Shutterstock.com

One of several water snakes in Georgia is the northern water snake which reaches almost 4.5 feet long. Northern water snakes are typically brown with darker crossbands on their neck and blotch down their body. They are one of the most common water snakes in Georgia and always live near a permanent water source – such as rivers, streams, ponds, and even swamps.

Northern water snakes are not venomous but are frequently mistaken for venomous cottonmouth. As a result, many of them are killed every year due to mistaken identity.  Northern water snakes always hunt near the water’s edge and in the shallows and their diet mainly consists of fish, amphibians, and birds. Despite not being venomous, their saliva contains an anticoagulant which means that bites from them bleed more than usual.

Banded Water Snake

Banded Water Snake

Banded water snakes rarely stray from the aquatic vegetation

©Patrick K. Campbell/Shutterstock.com

Also known as southern water snakes, banded water snakes are semi-aquatic snakes that live in shallow freshwater habitats.  There are three recognized subspecies and they are typically 24 to 48 inches long. Banded water snakes are usually brown or gray with darker crossband markings and cream-colored bellies.

They are active during both day and night but rarely stray far from the vegetation surrounding the water’s edge. Banded water snakes give birth to live young rather than laying eggs and the juveniles are only around 8 inches long at birth.  Banded water snakes mainly eat frogs and fish, with juveniles eating only fish until they are large enough to consume frogs.

Southern Black Racer

southern black racers are fast, agile snakes in north Georgia

The southern black racer snake is not venomous but uses great speed to escape predators and other threats.

©Jay Ondreicka/Shutterstock.com

Named for their speed, southern black racers are agile snakes which are highly active. They are one of the most common subspecies of eastern racer snakes and are typically black with a white chin. Their size varies greatly, between 24 and 60 inches long.  Southern black racers are found in a variety of habitats but tend to prefer grasslands.  They are non-venomous and prey on lizards, insects, birds, rodents, and frogs.

Eastern Copperhead

Eastern Copperheads are the most common venomous snake in north Georgia

Eastern copperheads prefer to live in forests and have weak venom.

©Jeff W. Jarrett/Shutterstock.com

The final snake on the list is also the most common venomous snake in North Georgia – the eastern copperhead. Eastern copperheads are 24 to 36 inches long and have thick, heavy bodies. They are a pinkish-tan color which is overlaid with brown blotches and crossbands. Eastern copperheads live in a wide range of habitats, although they typically prefer deciduous forests and mixed woodlands.

They hibernate during the winter but are nocturnal during the summer and diurnal during the spring and fall. Rather than fleeing at the first sign of danger, eastern copperheads tend to freeze which often leads to people unwittingly stepping on them. Although they are venomous, their venom is the weakest of all the pit vipers. Eastern copperheads are ambush predators and feed on a wide range of prey.

Different Animals Found In Georgia

Head-on view of large alligator

One of the most iconic animals of Georgia is the American alligator, which can be found in freshwater rivers, swamps, and marshes throughout the state.

©meunierd/Shutterstock.com

Georgia, a state in the southeastern United States, is home to a diverse range of animal species. From the coastal plains to the Appalachian Mountains, Georgia’s varied landscapes provide habitat for a variety of animals, including both native and introduced species.

One of the most iconic animals of Georgia is the American alligator, which can be found in freshwater rivers, swamps, and marshes throughout the state. This reptile is native to the southeastern United States and is one of two existing alligator species, the other is the Chinese alligator, which is smaller than the American species. These reptiles can weigh up to 1,000 pounds and grow to lengths of up to 15 feet. Its broader snout helps distinguish it from the American crocodile.

Box Turtle

Unlike many other species in the turtle family, eastern box turtles are terrestrial.

©outdoorsports44/Shutterstock.com

Other reptiles found in Georgia include the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, the copperhead snake, and the eastern box turtle. The eastern box turtle, also known as the common box turtle, has six existing subspecies and is known for its distinctive hinged lower shell that allows it to completely enclose itself. They can be found in a variety of habitats such as open woodlands, road sides, marshy meadows, floodplains, scrub forests and brushy grasslands and are currently listed as a vulnerable species.

In the mountains of North Georgia, black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys are common sights. The Chattahoochee National Forest is also home to the elusive red wolf, which is one of the rarest and most endangered canids in the world.

Along the coast, sea turtles and manatees are frequently spotted in the warm waters. Dolphins, sharks, and various species of fish are also abundant in Georgia’s coastal waters.

Georgia’s birdlife is also diverse, with over 300 species recorded in the state. The brown-headed nuthatch, the Bachman’s sparrow, and the painted bunting are just a few of the birds that call Georgia home.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Radiant Reptilia/Shutterstock.com

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About the Author

Hannah is a writer at A-Z animals where her primary focus is on reptiles, marine life, mammals, and geography. Hannah has been writing and researching animals for four years alongside running her family farm. A resident of the UK, Hannah loves riding horses and creating short stories.

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