The Top Four Largest (And Most Dangerous) Snakes In Georgia
There are quite a few snakes that call Georgia home, but only six species are venomous. Of those, there are four species that are large enough and dangerous enough to kill. In this section, we count down the top four largest and most dangerous. Also, we’ll start things off with an honorable mention to a species that is neither large nor deadly, but a formidable snake just the same!
Honorable Mention: The Pygmy Rattlesnake Is Small But Dangerous!
Of Georgia’s three rattlesnake species, the pygmy rattlesnake is the smallest and least dangerous. The species is only found in the southeastern United States and is one of the few pit vipers that live near humans. This species lacks the heavy neurotoxins or ability to produce the amount of venom that makes larger rattlers deadly. However, the cocktail of other toxins it produces can cause serious medical issues, even the loss of a finger or limb! This species can be identified by its elongated body and broad head. The pygmy rattlesnake is grey overall with darker blotching and small reddish-brown dots.
4. Eastern/Southern Copperhead
The copperhead is named for its overall reddish-brown coloring and can be identified by the brown hourglass markings over the body. Copperheads are pit vipers, with characteristic triangular heads and slitted, catlike pupils. This species is nocturnal but is significantly more active in the fall and spring. Due to its unique color and pattern, the copperhead is a master of camouflaging itself.
3. Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin)
Like many locations where standing water is common, the cottonmouth is a common venomous snake in Georgia, mostly in the southeast portion of the state. While not particularly aggressive, the cottonmouth generally attacks due to being stepped on or disturbed in water. Because of their remarkable ability to blend into their environment, they account for around one percent of deadly snake bites in the United States. The cottonmouth is reddish-brown with black banding when young but may darken to grey or black with age. They can be most easily identified by their signature open mouth warning, which reveals the stark, cotton-colored white interior.
2. Timber Rattlesnake
The timber rattlesnake is found throughout the state of Georgia and is without question the most dangerous. Thankfully, like most rattlesnakes it is an ambush predator, so the timber species is not outwardly aggressive. While this snake has the most powerful and deadly venom of all United States snakes, bites are rare. However, when a bite occurs, it can kill an adult human in minutes. Timber rattlesnakes can be identified by their yellow-grey bodies, brown/black arrow markings, and the reddish-brown stripe down the back. Timber rattlesnakes may also have darker brown banding over the entire body.
1. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
The largest (and most dangerous) snake in Georgia is the eastern diamondback rattlesnake which is the largest venomous snake in the United States. The largest rattlesnake ever was an eight-foot-long diamondback! While this snake has an impressive striking distance and incredible speed, it is slow to attack. Often, the diamondback will remain quite still and wait for you to leave. The diamondback is brown over the entire body, with a distinctive brown diamond pattern outlined in yellow. They can also be identified by the black markings striping the face, as well as the narrow shape and slitted eyes common in pit vipers. If these black face markings are missing, or the snout is upturned and pointed, the snake in question is the diamondback’s lookalike, the eastern hognose!
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