This must be a good year for snakes!  I have received a larger than normal snake related questions.  Most questions relate to an encounter with a snake or snake skin near a house. 

A major reason many people fear snakes is that some are venomous.  However, of the more than 50 kinds in Georgia, only six species, or less and 20 percent, are poisonous.  Venomous species of snakes in Georgia are Eastern Coral Snake, Copperhead, Cottonmouth, Pigmy Rattlesnake, Timber Rattlesnake, and Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake.  It should be noted only two venomous species are known to live in Dawson County the Copperhead and Timber Rattlesnake.
 
Fortunately snakebite is a rare accident.  Fewer people are killed by snakes than by lightning.  The best defense is knowledge; learn to recognize poisonous species.   A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians by Roger Conant is a good reference for snake identification, but there are many other good books on the subject.  You may want to check with your local library.  You can find many websites on snake identification. 

Snakes feed on a wide variety of small creatures and are very particular about what they eat.  Some species eat only warm-blooded animals such as rodents and birds.  Others may eat only toads and frogs.  Large land dwelling snakes are likely to feed on rodents, birds and their eggs, lizards, other snakes, toads and frogs.  Aquatic snakes feed primarily on fish and amphibians.  Small snakes are likely to eat mice, frogs, toads, earthworms, slugs, and soft bodied insects.  Thus, snakes are a part of the natural system.  Many of the things they eat are considered pests, therefore, knowledgeable people spare harmless snakes that live in their yards. 

Poisonous snakes are another matter.   Be careful, a snake can strike half its length or more.  Even when dead a snake's reflex movement could result in a bite if handled carelessly.  Bites by poisonous snakes need prompt medical attention. 

What attracts snakes to dwellings?  If the house is surrounded by natural countryside, with rock piles, streams, and swamps nearby, snakes will appear from time to time.   Rock gardens, weedy places, piles of boards, and debris, deteriorating outbuildings and the likes may harbor snakes.  The best way to make yards and outbuildings unattractive to snakes is to clean up and clean out. 

The first step is to insure that there are no openings in dwellings or other structures through which snakes can enter.  Since snakes can get through very small holes, a careful inspection is necessary.

While snakes are being kept out of the house, steps should be taken to make the rest of the premises unattractive.  Look at the surrounds.  Are there rodents or other sources of food?  Are there places to hide?  If the answers are yes, plan a program to remove food and cover.  Control rodents if they are present.  Get rid of debris.  Remove brush and leaf piles.  Place stacked material 12 or more inches above the ground or floor and away from walls.  Space beneath structures and stacks must be kept clean.  Keep shrubbery and other plantings away from foundations and walls.  Keep shrubbery clean and free of debris.  Keep lawns closely mowed.  These practices will reduce, but not eliminate the possibility of finding snakes.

Learn to recognize poisonous species.  If you have any further questions on snake identification and their control, call the Dawson County Extension Service at 706-265-2442.