Water Snakes in Georgia: A Comprehensive Guide

Georgia is home to a diverse array of snake species, including many different types of water snakes. Water snakes inhabit Georgia’s lakes rivers streams, swamps and marshes, where they fill an important ecological niche as both predator and prey.

While most water snakes in Georgia are nonvenomous, there are two venomous water snake species: the cottonmouth (or water moccasin) and the Florida cottonmouth. Therefore, proper identification is crucial for safety when encountering snakes near water.

This article provides an overview of the most common water snake species found in Georgia, how to identify them, and details about their habitat, behavior, diet and conservation status.

There are 16 snake species in Georgia that live in or near water, of which 14 are nonvenomous water snakes. The most frequently occurring water snake species include:

• Common watersnake
• Plain-bellied watersnake
• Banded watersnake
• Brown watersnake
• Glossy watersnake
• Black swampsnake
• Florida green watersnake

Water snakes can be found statewide in Georgia, inhabiting all types of freshwater and brackish water bodies. They prefer areas with shallow water ample cover and basking sites.

During warmer months, water snakes are often seen basking in the sun on rocks, logs or branches overhanging water. They quickly flee into the water when approached or disturbed.

Identifying Georgia’s Water Snakes

Properly differentiating between venomous cottonmouths and harmless water snakes is important for safety. While some nonvenomous water snakes may flatten their heads or bodies, or vibrate their tails when threatened, they cannot produce venom.

Here are some key identification tips:

• Cottonmouths have elliptical (cat-eye) pupils, unlike the round pupils of nonvenomous water snakes.

• Cottonmouths have a heat-sensing loreal pit on their heads. Nonvenomous water snakes lack this pit.

• The pattern on cottonmouths consists of wide, dark crossbands that are widest on the sides. Nonvenomous water snakes have bands that are widest on top.

• Cottonmouths often have a dark stripe running from their eye to their jaw.

• When swimming, cottonmouths float on the surface with their heads held high. Water snakes swim subsurface with just their heads above water.

Habitats and Behaviors

Water snakes inhabit a variety of freshwater habitats in Georgia, including lakes, rivers, streams, marshes, swamps, ponds and wetlands.

They prefer shallow water areas with dense vegetation and abundant cover such as logs, branches and rocks. This allows them to easily find prey and places to bask while also hiding from predators.

Water snakes are most active during warmer months and typically retreat to hibernacula such as burrows, rock crevices and hollow logs during winter. They emerge again in early spring to bask and feed.

When warm, water snakes are often seen basking in the sun. If approached, they quickly dive into the water and swim away to escape perceived threats. Some species, like the northern water snake, may become defensive if captured and bite.

Diet and Hunting

Water snakes in Georgia prey predominantly on fish, amphibians like frogs and salamanders, small mammals, and other small aquatic animals.

They hunt along shorelines and in shallow water, looking for prey. When they locate prey, water snakes grab it quickly with their jaws then swim away to safety before consuming it.

Cottonmouths exhibit unique hunting behaviors on land versus water. They release captured rodents on land so venom can take effect before eating. But they hang onto aquatic prey like fish underwater until the venom immobilizes it.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Water snakes mate from March through June. Female water snakes are ovoviviparous – they incubate eggs inside their bodies and give birth to live young, rather than laying eggs.

Litter sizes average 20-30 young, with northern water snakes producing up to 100 offspring. Baby water snakes are independent immediately and must fend for themselves.

In the wild, water snakes typically live 5-10 years. When maintained in captivity with proper care, some species may reach 15-20 years old.

Conservation Status

Most water snake species in Georgia have stable populations and are not at imminent risk. However, habitat loss and degradation remain threats to their wetland ecosystems.

Water snakes are also deliberately killed by people who mistakenly identify them as venomous cottonmouths. Education about proper identification and snake conservation helps protect these beneficial reptiles.

While not currently threatened, conservation measures aimed at protecting wetlands and reducing unnecessary killing of snakes supports healthy water snake populations in Georgia.

Water snakes play an important ecological role in Georgia as both predator and prey. Proper identification is key to avoiding venomous cottonmouths while appreciating our native nonvenomous water snake diversity.

Simple measures like maintaining wetland habitats, following responsible recreational practices near snake habitats, and learning to identify species helps promote water snake conservation so generations to come can enjoy Georgia’s aquatic reptiles.