The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has shared advice regarding the emergence of snakes as the weather warms.
As spring warms up, snakes are on the move and Georgians are asking questions when they see one: namely, what species is it and what should they do.
Daniel Sollenberger, a senior wildlife biologist with DNR’s Wildlife Conservation Section, explains that seldom will the snakes you encounter be venomous.
Only seven of the 47 species native to the state are venomous, and only one – the copperhead – usually thrives in suburban areas, which is where many Georgians live.
As for what to do when you see a snake, Sollenberger offers this advice:
First, do not attempt to handle the snake. Give it the space it needs.
You can try to identify it from a distance. Resources such as georgiawildlife.com/georgiasnakes can help.
Remember that snakes feed on small mammals, amphibians, insects and even other snakes. There is no need to fear nonvenomous snakes. Also, Georgia’s nonvenomous species are protected by state law. One – the eastern indigo – is even federally protected.
If a clearly identified venomous snake is in an area where it represents a danger to people or pets, visit georgiawildlife.com/preventing-wildlife-conflicts for a list of private wildlife removal specialists. Most bites occur when a snake is cornered or captured and defending itself.
