Snakes in Georgia: Identification Guide

Quick Answer: Georgia is home to over 40 snake species, including six venomous ones: copperhead, cottonmouth, timber rattlesnake, pygmy rattlesnake, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, and coral snake. Learn to identify them by head shape, pattern, and habitat. Most snakes are harmless and beneficial for pest control.

What are the most common snakes in Georgia?

Common nonvenomous snakes include the eastern rat snake, eastern kingsnake, black racer, and garter snake. Venomous species you might encounter are the copperhead (most common), cottonmouth, and several rattlesnakes.

How can you identify venomous snakes in Georgia?

Venomous pit vipers (copperhead, cottonmouth, rattlesnakes) have triangular heads, vertical pupils, and a heat-sensing pit between eye and nostril. Coral snakes have red bands touching yellow bands. Check out our rattlesnake identification guide for more details.

What should you do if you see a snake in Georgia?

Stay calm and give the snake space. Do not try to handle or kill it. Most bites happen when people try to move snakes. If you need removal, contact a professional wildlife service. Learn about our wildlife services for safe relocation.

Best snake-themed t-shirts for Georgia reptile fans

Show your appreciation for Georgia's snakes with these t-shirts. Perfect for hikers, herpetologists, or anyone who loves these creatures. Check out our full snake t-shirt collection.

Product	Image	Price	Description
Rattlesnake Graphic T-Shirt		$16.99	Bold rattlesnake graphic, great for showcasing your respect for this iconic species.
Green Viper Snake T-Shirt		$26.95	Features a vibrant green viper, perfect for fans of these striking serpents.
Retro Cute Snake T-Shirt		$12.99	A playful retro design that makes snakes look adorable.
Snake T-Shirt		$26.95	Classic snake design, simple and stylish.
Funny Snake T-Shirt		$21.79	Humorous snake graphic, great for snake keepers with a sense of humor.
Just A Boy Who Loves Snakes T-Shirt		$9.99	Perfect gift for a young snake fan.
Men's Snake T-Shirt		$19.30	"It's Venomous not Poisonous" design, a hit for snake qualitys who know the difference.
Snake Shirt. Snake Lover Gift...		$16.93	A versatile snake lover gift with a classic snake silhouette.
Funny Cobra Lover King Snake Cobra T-Shirt		$13.38	Homage to the king cobra, with a fun twist.
Cobra Gift Venomous Reptile Accessories...		$18.69	Features king cobra design, OEKO-TEX certified.
Motor City DesignWorx Vintage Distressed King Cobra...		$14.99	Vintage distressed cobra graphic for a rugged look.
Urban Empyre Cobra Snake x King Cobra Snake Serpent T-Shirt		$13.49	Urban style with a king cobra print.
King Cobra Vintage Snake Gifts King Cobra Groovy Vintage Snake T-Shirt		$19.99	Groovy vintage snake design, great for retro lovers.
Mara Closet Vintage Snake Japanese Style King Cobra T-Shirt		$15.95	Japanese-inspired king cobra artwork.
Magical and Funny Snake lover Gifts King Cobra Snake T-Shirt		$14.44	Whimsical king cobra design for snake fans.

Rattlesnake Graphic T-Shirt

This shirt features a bold rattlesnake graphic. My buddy Jim, who hikes the Appalachian Trail in Georgia, wears this one every time we go out. He says it's his way of showing respect for the diamondbacks he sometimes spots. The cotton blend is soft and holds up well after many washes. Check Price and Availability

Green Viper Snake T-Shirt

A bright green viper stands out on this tee. My sister, a herpetology student at UGA, bought this for field work. She loves how detailed the viper's scales look. The fabric is breathable, good for Georgia's humid summers. Check Price and Availability

Retro Cute Snake T-Shirt

This retro design makes snakes look friendly. I got this for my nephew who was scared of snakes after seeing a copperhead in our backyard. He now thinks snakes are cool. The colors are muted and the fit is relaxed. Check Price and Availability

Snake T-Shirt

A straightforward snake design that any reptile fan will appreciate. I wear this to reptile expos and always get compliments. The print is high quality and hasn't cracked. Check Price and Availability

Funny Snake T-Shirt

If you have a snake that escapes its enclosure, this shirt is for you. It has a humorous take on snake ownership. I bought this for a friend who keeps ball pythons and she laughed out loud. Check Price and Availability

Just A Boy Who Loves Snakes T-Shirt

Perfect for kids (or adults) who are obsessed with snakes. My 8-year-old son wears this to school and his teacher says he's always telling snake facts. The price is hard to beat. Check Price and Availability

Men's Snake T-Shirt

This shirt says "It's Venomous not Poisonous" and that's a common mix-up. My biology professor would approve. The black shirt makes the print pop. Good quality, sold by Rapi Snake T-Shirts. Check Price and Availability

Snake Shirt. Snake Lover Gift. Snake T-Shirt. Snake Owner Gift. Snake Lover Shirt. Reptile Lover Shirt. Snake Apparel. Snake Theme #OS5638

A multipurpose snake shirt with a clean design. My cousin, who keeps corn snakes, got this as a gift and wears it all the time. It's a safe bet for any reptile lover. Check Price and Availability

Funny Cobra Lover King Snake Cobra T-Shirt

Cobra fans will like this humorous take. I bought it for my brother-in-law who is a snake handler. He says it's comfortable and the fit is true to size. Check Price and Availability

Cobra Gift Venomous Reptile Accessories & Stuff Funny Cobra Design for Men Women Kids King Snake Cobra Lover T-Shirt OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100

An OEKO-TEX certified cobra shirt for the whole family. My wife and I got matching ones for a reptile convention. The material is soft and the print is clear. Check Price and Availability

Motor City DesignWorx Vintage Distressed King Cobra Power Snake Muscle Car Karate T-Shirt OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100

A vintage distressed look with king cobra and muscle car elements. My uncle, a car and snake lover, got this and wears it to car shows. The distressed print holds up. Check Price and Availability

Urban Empyre Cobra Snake x King Cobra Snake Serpent T-Shirt

Urban style meets king cobra. I wear this for casual outings. The design is bold and gets attention. The cotton is preshrunk so no worries about shrinking. Check Price and Availability

King Cobra Vintage Snake Gifts King Cobra Groovy Vintage Snake T-Shirt

Groovy retro cobra design. My friend who loves 70s style paired this with bell-bottoms. It's a fun conversation starter. Check Price and Availability

Mara Closet Vintage Snake Japanese Style King Cobra T-Shirt

Japanese art style cobra. I bought this for my sister who studies Japanese culture. She loves the intricate design. It's a quality print on a soft shirt. Check Price and Availability

Magical and Funny Snake lover Gifts King Cobra Snake T-Shirt

Whimsical cobra design that includes magical elements. My coworker, a snake breeder, got this for a reptile show. It's fun and fits well. Check Price and Availability

Frequently Asked Questions about Snakes in Georgia

Are there venomous snakes in Georgia?

Yes, Georgia has six venomous species: copperhead, cottonmouth, timber rattlesnake, pygmy rattlesnake, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, and coral snake.

What is the most common snake in Georgia?

The eastern rat snake is often considered the most common, especially around homes. Copperheads are the most frequently encountered venomous snake.

How can you tell a copperhead from a corn snake?

Copperheads have hourglass-shaped bands and a triangular head. Corn snakes have blotches that look like maize kernels and a more slender head. Corn snakes are also nonvenomous.

What should you do if bitten by a snake in Georgia?

Stay calm, keep the bitten area below heart level, and seek medical attention immediately. Do not cut the wound or apply a tourniquet. For details, see our snake bite first aid guide.

Do Georgia snakes come out in winter?

Most snakes in Georgia brumate (a form of hibernation) during cold months, but on warm winter days they may become active. Some species, like the copperhead, can be active year-round in milder areas.