Cobb County Extension Service
Horticulture

Common Non-Venomous Snakes

Just the thought of snakes will evoke some type of reaction from even the most devout nature lover.  At this time of year snakes can be found in most backyards, parks and woodland urban areas.  The discovery of an elongated, limb-less reptile can set the phones to ringing on our Horticulture phone line here at the Extension Office. The pleasant temperature and weather conditions of spring and fall can make the meeting encounter of humans and snakes more likely during this time of year. Additionally, breeding for snakes usually occurs during spring or fall because they cannot tolerate extreme temperatures.  They are relatively inactive when it is cold, and generally do not like the dog days of Georgia summers; however, they will take advantage of summer evenings, especially after a rain.

All snakes eat animals such as insects, fish, amphibians, birds, rodents, eggs, and other reptiles.  Many snakes are important economically because they eat rats, mice, and other nuisance animals.  One Rat Snake can eat 2 – 3 rats every two weeks.  Thus clearly one snake could have a significant positive impact on an ecosystem by reducing the potential for serious diseases (i.e. hanta virus, Lyme disease).

The many unusual characteristics of snakes can be scary, but more aptly described as fascinating once you take the time to understand them. The most common form of defense used by snakes, is avoidance.  At the first sign of danger, they will usually flee.  Any other defensive behavior by a snake, such as biting or striking is usually a last resort.  Non-venomous snakes are generally harmless and include species such as kingsnakes, water snakes, and rat snakes. There is no single rule that dictates a visual indicator of the difference between a venomous snake vs. a poisonous snake, other than the presence of fangs. Speculation on snakehead shape or pupil shape has not been confirmed as a surefire designation.

Information on a few representative species is presented below.

Common. Kingsnakes occur in a wide variety of habitats. Although this species is considered terrestrial, it often is found in the vicinity of permanent or temporary aquatic areas. Adults often reach lengths of 3 to 4 ft. Eastern kingsnakes are black with light yellow or whitish cross bands whereas the black kingsnake, found in northwestern Georgia, is shiny black with scattered flecks of yellow. The belly is a combination of black and yellow. This kingsnake feeds on snakes (including venomous species), lizards, rodents, birds, and eggs--even eggs scavenged from turtle nests. Experiments with kingsnakes have demonstrated that they are immune to the venom of rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and copperheads.     

Locally abundant. This species is associated with stream, river, and swamp or aquatic environments. However, occasionally some water snake species have been encounter several hundred feet away from permanent water It often attains a length of 4 ft. and is light brown on top with darker squares on the back and sides.

 The brown water snake is one of the most common snakes along rivers and streams within its geographic range and often is mistaken for the venomous cottonmouth. This snake frequently basks on tree limbs that overhang the water and it is not uncommon to see them at heights of 10 ft. or more. Brown water snakes feed almost exclusively on fish, especially catfish.        

                                                     Uncommon to common. Common garter snakes are found in a diversity of habitats that are usually wet or damp, although not necessarily near permanently aquatic areas. They usually are less than 2 ft. long but occasionally reach lengths greater than 3 ft. Garter snakes are distinguished from all other species except ribbon snakes by the presence of three yellow longitudinal stripes on a dark body. Garter snakes have black lines on their lip scales, whereas ribbon snakes do not.

Although this pattern is common, some garter snakes in Georgia have a checkered body pattern with poorly defined stripes and a grayish body color. The belly of garter snakes is white or light yellow. This species gives birth to live young, sometimes having more than 50 babies. Garter snakes feed on frogs, toads, salamanders, fish, and tadpoles.

    Common. Rat snakes are found in a wide variety of habitats, but are most common in wooded or swampy areas. Adults frequently attain lengths of more than 4 ft. Coastal forms are olive with 4 dark stripes on the back; inland specimens range from black to light gray or brown with darker blotches and have a light belly with dark blotches. They feed on birds and their eggs as well as rodents, such as rats, mice, and squirrels. Known as the “chicken snake” in farming areas because they will readily eat chicks and chicken eggs, rat snakes also enter barns in search of mice and rats. They are very good climbers.    

Locally common to uncommon. This species is found in a diversity of habitats from moist to dry woodlands to swampy areas, if abundant ground cover and litter are available. Populations are frequently encountered in debris-covered sections of urbanized areas. This snake is one of the most common species in some residential areas of Georgia and South Carolina. This species is seldom more than 1 foot long. Its general appearance varies from a soft brown or gray to dark brown; its belly is much lighter in color. Brown snakes feed on earthworms, slugs and salamanders. They may exhibit an unusual defense behavior when picked up; they curl their upper lips upwards, making their mouths look larger.

Black racers are abundant on the Savannah River Site. This species is found in a wide diversity of habitats and is particularly common in abandoned old fields, pine woods and hardwood areas. Racers are frequently seen crossing highways during daylight hours. Adults are usually slender, 3 to 5 feet long, and black or dark gray all over except for a white chin.  

Black racers feed on frogs, rodents, birds, lizards and insects. Although the scientific name suggests that racers are constrictors, they are not. Racers eat their food while it is still alive, sometimes pinning the prey with their body before eating it.

Take precaution while gardening. When able, limit encounters with snakes by not creating a viable habitat for them in your yard.  For more information on exclusion or ridding your area of snakes consult your local Extension Office.

* Also see UGA Publication: Snakes and Their Control

former program assistant Laurene Hall

SOURCES: 

• The University of Georgia Savannah River Ecology Laboratory

  • Snakes of the Savannah River Site

          click non-venomous snakes

   

• Snakes of Georgia and South Carolina

Produced by the University of Georgia – SREL

• Snakes of Georgia & South Carolina On-line Brochure