In more terrifying snake news for Georgia, it seems that some of the 46 species can climb, and this includes trees, fences, and sometimes even walls.

Snakes use their muscular bodies and scales to grip surfaces and propel themselves upward and some snakes have been known to climb completely vertical surfaces if they have enough texture to their grip, says Georgia Outdoor News.

Despite what you may have heard, snakes are not routinely aggressive, nor do they often chase humans, says the University of Georgia’s Camden Agriculture & Natural Resources Update. In fact, they generally prefer to avoid human contact altogether.

What many people think is aggressive behavior is merely a defense to what the snake perceives as danger, so the likelihood of you having to flee a snake-chase up a tree is just not a thing.

This is good news for both the human and the snake because you simply cannot climb faster than a snake.

 

Which snakes can climb in Georgia?

Of the 46 species of snakes in Georgia, only six are venomous and only the timber rattlesnake and the copperhead are known to climb. Otherwise, if you see a snake heading skyward, it’s probably one of these non-venomous varieties:

  • Black rat snakes - these snakes are notoriously good climbers and scale all sorts of surfaces including rough vertical walls and fences.
  • Young black racers - these snakes are nimble climbers, especially when they are young.
  • Yellow rat snakes - mostly found near coastal climates, these snakes are among the strongest species.

 

How can you keep snakes from climbing over your fence into your yard?

Snakes climb trees for a variety of reasons, including searching for bird or frog eggs or to escape potential threats. It is important to remember that they eat a lot of pests we want to eliminate anyway, and, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, having them hanging around isn’t always a bad thing.

However, if you need to keep your space snake-free, there are a few ways to discourage them from climbing and making a home in your backyard.

  • Install a barrier with a smooth surface such as vinyl fencing or metal sheeting. This is not foolproof as some snakes are just strong enough, but it could discourage a lot of them.
  • Attach a mesh or hardware cloth to the bottom of your fence, extending it at least a foot high and burying it several inches underground.
  • Create an outward-facing ledge on the top of the fence. This makes it hard for snakes to climb over.

The best way to keep snakes away is to make your yard as inhospitable as possible. Eliminate their food source, like rats and mice. Keep your grass short and remove any underbrush. Clear away ground cover like pine straw or leaves, and eliminate hiding spots like wood piles or debris.

Have you ever seen a snake climb? Sound off in the comments, or you can email me and find me on Instagram.

This story comes to GPB through a reporting partnership with the Ledger-Enquirer. 

Tags: Georgia  snakes  wildlife  DNR