Feature: Summertime Snakes on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

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Now that summer is upon us, you're more likely to encounter snakes and other reptiles on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. We checked in with Forest Environmental Coordinator (and herpetologist) Norm Leonard to answer some FAQ’s about our slithery forest friends.

Norm holds a PhD in Conservation Biology from the University of New Orleans and has worked with the U.S. Forest Service for almost 3 years.

A black racer (Coluber constrictor) basking on a log near Dahlonega, GA. Racers like this one are often confused with rat snakes (Pantherophis alleghaniensis). Both species are non-venomous and provide excellent rodent control. Forest Service photo by Norm Leonard.

What snake species am I likely to see in the Forest this time of year?

The answer to this question depends on where you are and how observant you are. By now, all 42 of the snake species in Georgia are active in their habitats. But not all 42 can be found on the Forest. Some species are limited to the coastal plain while others are limited to the more mountainous areas of the state. Some of the more common species for people to see are rat snakes, because they move around more than many other species; any of the water snakes, because they like to bask in patches of sunlight along streams or the margins of wetlands; and smaller species that we often encounter in our gardens such as brown snakes, red-bellied snakes, ringneck snakes, and garter snakes.
Note: due to differences in the ways herpetologists classify snakes, Georgia DNR reports 47 species of snake in Georgia.

How do I tell the difference between a venomous and non-venomous snake?

The oft-repeated but dangerous cues, such as eye shape and head shape, are less reliable and require an observer to get close to potentially venomous animals. And they can be hard to remember - do venomous snakes have diamond-shaped heads or triangular heads? It's a trick question for two reasons: First, there are several species of non-venomous snakes that flatten their head when threatened to mimic venomous snakes. Second, the coral snake has a triangular head, just like its non-venomous doppelgangers. Also, if you're close enough to an animal to confidently determine the shape of its pupils, you're close enough to get bitten. Just don't.

Are there any non-venomous snake species that commonly get mixed up with venomous snakes?

Several. The most common mix-up is copperheads and their look-alike cousins, the corn snake and the banded water snake. People often report seeing a copperhead when they actually saw one of the two non-venomous species. Look-alike snakes in the mountains might be a timber rattlesnake instead of an eastern diamondback rattlesnake, or a scarlet kingsnake instead of a coral snake. Coral snakes are not on the Forest.

Herpetologists (amphibian and reptile experts) will tell you to know where you are and to learn patterns. Knowing where you are tells you what species are in the area. Scale patterns are simply more reliable than anything else.

A very orange-ish redbellied snake (Storeria occipitomaculata) from the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest near Dahlonega, GA. Forest Service photo by Norm Leonard.

What should I do if I encounter a venomous snake?

Admire from a distance and leave it alone. If you think people are in danger, warn them and make sure they leave the snake alone, too. DON'T try to move it, poke it, prod it, or otherwise interact with it. Bear in mind that the Arizona Poison Control Center reports that the majority of venomous snake bites are to the hands and feet because people attempt to pick the snakes up or nudge them with their feet. While some people do step on snakes and get bitten as a result, the proportion of those injuries is actually rather small.

What sort of ecological services to snakes perform?

Snakes are the best rodent and insect control you can get. The snake species that eat mice are more reliable than cats. Most snakes that eat insects are very general in their food choices, but all of those choices still happen to be insects. They're an important part of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in gardens and organic farms. By controlling pest species, snakes help plants thrive, keeping gardens and forests healthy.

When and where am I most likely to spot snakes in the Forest?

When: This time of year, when nights are cool and warm temperatures occur in the daytime, you'll see snakes mid-day as they bask and, possibly, as they hunt. In the warmest part of the season, you might find snakes on roads that were sunlit during the day because the road surface retains heat and stays warm for several hours after sunset.

Where: In areas less-frequented by people and their dogs, in places where they can find food, places to bask undisturbed, or quickly escape to safety.

Are there any endangered snake species in the Forest?

In Georgia, only two species of snake are listed as threatened: the indigo snake (Federally Threatened; Georgia Threatened), and southern hognose snake (Georgia Threatened). All snake species are declining due to habitat loss and fragmentation, pesticide use (which kills their prey and may poison the snake too), and disease. All non-venomous species in Georgia are protected by state law.

A queen snake (Regina septemvittata) from Lumpkin County, GA. Queen snakes, which specialize on crayfish, are found along streams with sunny banks and vegetation that hangs over the water. Forest Service photo by Norm Leonard.

The U.S. Forest Service works with partner organizations like the Orianne Society to improve habitat for wildlife and protect at-risk species. Join us in protecting snakes by practicing the principles of Leave No Trace and leaving wildlife undisturbed while visiting the Forest.