Georgia has endangered snakes - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Georgia has endangered snakes

Posted: Updated:
(Source: UGA/David Scott) (Source: UGA/David Scott)

  • More WALB News10 HeadlinesMore News Headlines

  • Tuesday, June 18 2013 7:25 PM EDT2013-06-18 23:25:17 GMT
    A young man in Moultrie is turning to you for help after suffering from a rare flesh eating bacteria. Michael Hobgood suffered a cut on his thumb while shooting a gun at an area pond. The condition of
    A young man in Moultrie is turning to you for help after suffering from a rare flesh eating bacteria. Michael Hobgood suffered a cut on his thumb while shooting a gun at an area pond.

  • Tuesday, June 18 2013 7:24 PM EDT2013-06-18 23:24:00 GMT
    Sherwood Baptist Church is inviting all children to join its Backyard Bible club. The club runs from 10-noon until Friday.Church members assist the children in worship and bible study.The camp is held
    Sherwood Baptist Church is inviting all children to join its Backyard Bible club. The club runs from 10-noon until Friday.Church members assist the children in worship and bible study.The camp is held

  • Tuesday, June 18 2013 7:04 PM EDT2013-06-18 23:04:37 GMT
    Dan McCarthy, AHA Executive Director, stands before city commissioners during Tuesday's Meeting
    An Albany Housing Authority plan to revitalize a central Albany neighborhood gets a stamp of approval from city leaders. Commissioners approved a resolution of support for the plan to transform McIntosh
    An Albany Housing Authority plan to revitalize a central Albany neighborhood gets a stamp of approval from city leaders.  Commissioners approved a resolution of support for the plan to transform McIntosh Homes into a thriving mixed income community called "The Oaks at North Intown".
    •   

By Robin Jedlicka - bio | email

VALDOSTA, GA (WALB) - Georgia's Department of Natural Resources warns people against killing snakes that come on their property.

In Georgia, it is illegal to kill native, non-venomous snakes.

Workers at Reed Bingham State Park constantly respond to reports of venomous snakes in the area, only to find the snakes aren't poisonous at all.

"People see something in the water, they automatically think it's a cotton mouth or a water moccasin, but most of the time, it could be anything but," said Park Manager Chet Powell.

Rangers say that sadly, it's not uncommon for people to kill any snake that comes on their property.

This is not recommended by the DNR.  "Most of the bites that occur every year in the United States are when people try to kill or catch it," said Powell.

It's actually very easy to tell a venomous snake from a non-venomous. There are only five poisonous snakes in Georgia. Three of them are rattlers, the Diamond Back, the Timber, and the Pygmy Rattle Snake. Their unmistakable rattles make them easy to identify.

Some snakes will act like rattlers, but if you don't hear a rattle, it's not venomous.

 "This snake is one of the most common snakes in Georgia. He's called a Grey rat Snake. Even though he will rattle his tale, he's completely harmless," said Jennifer Glover, an Interpretive Ranger.

The venomous copper head is very distinctive with its bright copper coloring, and it's small size. The last venomous snake is the Cotton Mouth. This guy is easy to spot with its rust-colored banding with a light colored belly, and distinctive black stripes on the eyes.

Snakes help keep rodent populations to a minimum. Leaving them alone will lessen you chances of getting bit, and help Georgia's ecosystem maintain its balance.

Georgia's largest snake, the Eastern Indigo snake is now on the endangered species list. It is commonly killed because of its intimidating size, though they are harmless, and even eat dangerous venomous snakes.

It can be identified by its shiny blue coat.

    • Click HERE to see information on Georgia's poisonous snakes

©2009 WALB News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.  Feedback