The eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi) is a large, primarily black snake found in southern Georgia and northern Florida. These snakes grow up to 8.5 feet, making them one of the longest snakes in the United States. Eastern indigo snakes live in several habitats such as forests, grasslands, coastal dunes and wetlands. Nearly all of the eastern indigo's scales are black. Some scales underneath the snake's head are reddish-orange. These snakes search for prey underground and on the surface.
Eastern kingsnakes (Lampropeltis getula) are large native Georgia snakes, growing up to 4 feet in length. These snakes have mostly black scales with yellow or white bands encircling their bodies. Eastern kingsnakes are the most common kingsnake species found in Georgia. Northwest Georgia is the only place where this snake is absent. This snake earns its "kingsnake" name from its proneness to eat other snakes. Venomous snakes are not exempt from the eastern kingsnake's diet since this snake is immune to venom. Eastern kingsnakes are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day.
The scientific name of the coachwhip snake is Masticophis flagellum. The coachwhip snake has a slender body, but reaches lengths of up to 7.5 feet when fully mature. This snake's long, slender body gives it the appearance of a whip. Coachwhips also have large eyes, which appear disproportionate to the rest of the snake's head. They are usually active during the day. Coachwhips are not venomous. A coachwhip's diet consists of small reptiles, mammals and birds. Coachwhips will ascend trees in search for birds and bird eggs. This snake is found throughout most the state, except for northern Georgia.
The eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) is one of the most commonly seen snakes in Georgia; this snake's range extends throughout the entire state. In addition, eastern garters are not as shy as other snakes about approaching urban backyards and gardens. Adult eastern garters grow to lengths in excess of 4 feet. The three head-to-tail lines on its body may identify these snakes; the lines are usually white or pale yellow. While eastern garters prefer living near water sources, they are able to travel great distances without having any water.
The largest venomous snake in the United States is the eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus). This snake reaches lengths of up to 8 feet and weights of approximately 10 lbs. The eastern diamondback is a pit viper. The term comes from the grooves on the side of its face. These facial pits have heat sensors that enable eastern diamondbacks to find warm-blooded prey in the dark. In Georgia, eastern diamondbacks primarily live in the state's Coastal Plains and Atlantic Coast regions.