There are many different kinds of snakes in Georgia, and most aren't dangerous. However, there are a few venomous species that are local to the area, and if you spot them, you should call animal control to get them off your property. To help you decide whether you need snake removal, try to identify the animal from a safe distance.

How to Determine You Need Animal Control for a Snake

1. Identify Venomous Species

There are six types of venomous snakes in Georgia and the United States. They include coral snakes, cottonmouth or water moccasins, copperheads, and several varieties of rattlesnakes. If you learn the characteristics of these species ahead of time and can positively identify each one, you won't have to guess whether the snake you're looking at is safe or not.

2. Look for Distinctive Features

Even if you can't remember everything about how to identify a snake, there are a few standard features to look for. Venomous snakes have pupils with vertical slits like cats, while non-venomous ones have round pupils like humans. Coral snakes also have distinct bands of red, black, and yellow across their bodies, with the red and yellow bands touching. Additionally, rattlesnakes have signature rattles on their tails. Finally, pit vipers have small, sunken pits on the sides of their noses to help them sense the heat of their prey.

3. Consider Shape & Size

While the coral snake is small and slender, most other venomous species are large with proportionately thick, heavy bodies. This isn't a surefire way to tell, since baby snakes are smaller, but a fat snake is still more likely to be a pit viper than not. You can also look for a wide, triangular head, which generally indicates danger. These traits aren't perfect indicators, but they do make it easier to decide on calling animal control without getting close.

If you need animal control to remove a snake on your property, call Urban Wildlife Control in Roswell, GA. Serving the area for over 15 years, they’re fully licensed and insured to provide humane animal relocation and handle other problems related to wildlife, including insulation replacement and waste removal. Call (678) 493-7194 for a free consultation, or visit them online to learn more about their snake services.