Killing GA’s non-venomous snakes may bring more trouble than you think

Caption

The southern black racer is one of Georgia’s 40 non-venomous snakes that are protected by law from being hunted or killed.

Credit: Richard Stovall/Unsplash

Georgia ranks eighth among states with the most snake species, according to the World Population Review, but only seven out of 47 are venomous. Because of this, it’s not uncommon for someone to come across a snake and not know what kind it is, much less know if it’s venomous or not.

Despite this, it is illegal to kill non-venomous snakes and most nongame animals in the state of Georgia. There are a few reasons for the protection of non-venomous snakes, and a couple of ways to stay safe both physically and financially.

Why is killing non-venomous snakes illegal?

The reason most snakes in Georgia are protected by law is because of their essential roles in the ecosystem. According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, snakes regulate the prey and pest populations statewide while serving as food sources to hawks, bobcats and other snakes. This means that they effectively contribute to balancing the food chain as both natural predator and prey.

Snake protection-centered laws also exist to limit endangerment among the lesser snake populations. Several snake species in Georgia have dwindling numbers in certain regions of the country, including the federally protected Eastern Indigo snake.

What is the penalty for killing a non-venomous snake?

Snakes are not generally considered game species and according to Georgia’s law, killing any non-exempt species can lead to a misdemeanor charge. This would result in no more than a $1,000 charge or potential jail time for up to a year.

So what if you accidentally kill one? Accidentally killing a non-venomous snake is not technically illegal, so killing a snake to legitimately defend yourself or in a vehicle won’t result in any penalties.

If you ever come in contact with a snake and want it removed or want more information on what it is, contact animal control/pest services. If you’re ever bitten by a snake and are unsure whether it’s venomous or not, try to take a picture of it and contact emergency services.

This story comes to GPB through a reporting partnership with The Telegraph.