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Simply hearing the word snake sends shivers up most folk’s spine. However, snakes are an important component of our ecosystem in Georgia because of their major role as both a predator and prey. Snakes are environmentally beneficial because they eat rats, mice, and other animals deemed to be pests. Some snakes have been used as bio-indicators to assess pollutants in terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems.
Unfortunately, many species of snakes are declining as a result of human activities. Thankfully, of the 41 snake species that occur in Georgia, only one is considered legally threatened, the eastern indigo snake.
Snakes are reptiles characterized by elongated bodies and a lack of limbs. Snakes are closely related to lizards, but do not have external ears or eyelids. The skin of snakes is dry and scaly, not slimy like some people believe. Snakes have a forked tongue used to “sample” microscopic particles from the air. The particles are transferred to the Jacobson’s organ to taste the air to figure out its surroundings. Snakes are “cold-blooded” meaning they rely on their surroundings for body heat. As a result, snakes cannot tolerate extreme temperatures. Therefore, when it is cold or extremely hot outside, snakes are relatively inactive. It is common for a snake to raise its body temperature by “sunning” in the middle of a sidewalk or driveway, or cool its body temperature by laying under landscape materials or in bushes & shrubs.
Snakes can be found in most backyards, parks, and woodlands throughout Georgia. Many species are secretive, spending most of their time underground or under cover. Active gardeners may occasionally see small ringneck, worm, red-bellied, brown, earth, and crowned snakes. None of these species are much bigger than a large earthworm and do not bite. Several larger snake species also frequent backyards, especially corn and rat snakes, as well as racers. These larger snakes will eat mice, rats, and occasionally birds and their eggs. Snakes often take refuge in piles of brush or firewood. Water snakes, especially banded water snakes, are occasionally found in areas bordering streams, swamps, or farm ponds.
Occasionally, snakes searching for rodents or eggs will take refuge in barns, crawl spaces underneath homes, or sometimes in a home or attic. The best way to keep snakes from entering your home or other building is to prevent snake food (rodents) from entering your home. Closing up all possible entrance locations is a must. Next, a rodent control program should be put in place to eliminate the food attraction for snakes.
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