These snakes live solely in running water with plenty of rocks. They have light stripes down the sides and a yellow belly with four brown stripes that join at the tail. They are under 24 inches long as adults and have a grayish background color that may be olive or brown in tone. The queen snake ( Regina septemvittata) is found in the mountains, parts of the Piedmont, and some river drainages in the Coastal Plains. While they can be confused with the cottonmouth, these snakes do not share their range with the cottonmouth. The northern watersnake will eat aquatic prey like fish and amphibians. They can be found in many aquatic habitats such as lakes, rivers, and marshes. Younger georgia snakes are typically brighter in color. They have squarish blotches on the back and sides that alternate but may form bands. These snakes can be tan, brown, or grayish.

The Northern water snake ( Nerodia sipedon) is restricted to the Piedmont and mountains. They prefer to bask on logs or branches over the water and may be seen hunting in the water for fish and amphibians. They are found in nearly all freshwater habitats in the Coastal Plains region. They also have crossbands that are wide on the back and become narrower on the sides. They can be light brown or reddish to black in their main color. They are between 24 and 48 inches long as adults. The banded watersnake ( Nerodia fasciata) is found mostly in the south of the state. They typically bask near water and are unique among the watersnakes since they will flee onto land if approached instead of into the water. They eat primarily amphibians but will also eat fish on occasion. They prefer living near rivers, creeks, lakes, and swamps. Juveniles are light brown to pinkish with blotches along the body. They are 30-48 inches as adults and are dark brown, light brown, or gray. These snakes are also called the red-bellied watersnake and may have other names depending on the exact subspecies. The plain-bellied watersnake ( Nerodia erythrogaster) is found over most of Georgia aside from the mountainous areas and the southeast of the state. They are very good at climbing and may be found up to 20 feet above the water where they bask on branches. They rarely go far from water and eat fish. They prefer moving water that stays year-round. Their heads are narrower than other watersnakes in the area. They can be told apart from cottonmouths by having round pupils and eyes that are set high on the head. They have light bellies with brown blotches and black crescents. These snakes are between 30 and 60 inches long.īrown water snakes are typically light to dark brown with large square blotches that are a darker brown than the background.

This non venomous snake is easily confused for the venomous cottonmouth. The brown water snake ( Nerodia taxispilota) is found over much of Georgia aside from the north of the state. These snakes are diurnal and primarily eat aquatic prey such as amphibians and fish. They prefer still water like lakes, swamps, marshes, and very slow rivers. Water snakes in the Nerodia genus are rarely found far from water. Juveniles have dark bars that fade with age. They are a solid greenish-brown as adults with a light belly. These snakes are between 30 and 55 inches long as adults. The Eastern green water snake ( Nerodia floridana) is found primarily near the border with Florida, but there is a small population near the border with South Carolina. If you step on a snake you didn’t see, it may bite you in self-defense. Many species will hide under leaf litter. Never handle a wild snake and be careful if you are walking in areas that may have a snake. Most lack venom entirely, but a few species have venom that can’t harm a human.Īt worst snake bites may cause swelling and pain at the site of the bite. Eastern Coral Snake Non venomous snakesĪll of these snakes are considered harmless to humans.

Sepia snake sigil