CALIFORNIA SNAKES

 Georgia is home to over 40 different types of snakes! Common Georgia snakes include the Queen snake, Rat snake, Midland Water snake, Corn snake and Black Racer, all of which are non-venomous and harmless to humans. In fact, only six Georgia snakes are venomous.

 Georgia snakes come in a wide array of shapes and sizes, but the most fascinating thing about Georgia snakes are their plethora of stunning colors! Here are just a few tidbits about some “gorgeous” Georgia snakes.

Scarlet snakes are one of the three “tri-colored” snakes in the Georgia region. They are small, slender snakes patterned with alternating red, black, and white or yellow bands. Like many small Georgia snakes, Scarlet snakes are most frequently found hiding beneath logs, rocks, leaves, and debris such as boards or trash. Scarlet snakes are never active above ground during the day, but might be encountered at night while crossing rural roads. Most interestingly, the tri-colored pattern of these stunning Georgia snakes is said to mimic that of the venomous coral snakes, presumably to discourage predators. However, Scarlet snakes rarely bite when picked up.

Out of all Georgia snakes, the coloring and patterns of the Scarlet Kingsnake is arguably the most beautiful in the region.  Scarlet Kingsnakes typically have alternating bands of red, black, and yellow in which red touches black but not yellow. They are very similar in appearance to another type of Georgia snake, the Eastern Coral Snake, where red touches yellow but not black.

The Milk snake can also be included in the category of gorgeous Georgia snakes. There are two subspecies that differ in pattern and color. These mid-sized Georgia snakes have a triangular or Y-shaped light patch at the base of the head. Their backround color is gray to tan, with black-bordered brown blotches on the dorsum. Their belly has a black and white checkerboard pattern. These eye-catching Georgia snakes are often mistaken for venomous Copperhead snakes, but the crossbands found on Copperheads are hourglass-shaped rather than rounded or square.

Copperheads are Georgia snakes that get their name from the copper color of their heads. The sides of the snake are tan and the back is a dark chestnut color. Young Copperheads look just like adults except they have bright yellow tail tips that they wiggle to attract their prey!

 If you are a snake watcher, you will be happy to know that there are many more beautiful Georgia snakes found in the region. Since most snakes are harmless and won’t bite unless threatened or harassed, just keep your distance, keep your eyes open, and you are sure to spot some of the area’s attractive Georgia snakes!