While you might not automatically equate Georgia with venomous snake bites, you’d be surprised once you learn these staggering statistics. Not only should North Carolina and Texas also be looped in about venomous snake bites on the rise, but Georgia, too, should be careful. Thinking of going out into the wilderness this autumn for some trail hiking? You might want to read about the potential for venomous snakebites in Georgia first.

Venomous snake bites have been on the rise in Georgia this past summer, with Georgia being slated to set records with the number of bites reported in the state.

Flickr Melinda * Young Over the past few years, venomous snakebites have seen an incline and are up over 10% from just a year ago, according to Georgia’s poison-control center.

Georgia is one of the few states to have a high biodiversity of snakes, with 46 different species located within state lines.

Flickr Neal Wellons Snakes in Georgia can be found from the mountains, all the way to the barrier islands on the coast.

Precipitation is often the reason for increased snake activity throughout many states, and while scientists aren’t fully aware of why, one suggestion is that rain disturbs the habitat.

Flickr Abi Skipp While snakebites are very rarely fatal in a healthy human being, it is always best to have a plan in place for exactly what to do if the situation does occur.

It’s important to know that not all snakes in Georgia are venomous—in fact, only six species out of the 46 are.

Georgia Wildlife The six venomous snakes you need to familiarize yourself with include Copperhead, Cottonmouth, Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Timber/Canebrake Rattlesnake, Pigmy Rattlesnake, and the Eastern Coral Snake.

If you are bitten by a snake in Georgia you should immediately seek medical attention—no questions asked.

Flickr Larry Smith Even if you cannot tell if a snake is venomous or not, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.

Prevention is the best way to avoid snakebites altogether, whether it be wearing thick boots when hiking, or staying out of non-manicured areas of wild grass.

Flickr veggiefrog It’s also important to note that while you may have seen on TV and movies that sucking the venom out is a helpful way to prevent infection, the venom will spread too quickly for this to even make a difference—instead, call 911 and apply ice or snow to slow the spread.

Don’t let the possibility of snakes prevent you from exploring the outdoors in Georgia. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division has provided a free guide to venomous snakes within the state, including a map for which snakes can be found most often in which areas.

Flickr Melinda * Young

Over the past few years, venomous snakebites have seen an incline and are up over 10% from just a year ago, according to Georgia’s poison-control center.

Flickr Neal Wellons

Snakes in Georgia can be found from the mountains, all the way to the barrier islands on the coast.

Flickr Abi Skipp

While snakebites are very rarely fatal in a healthy human being, it is always best to have a plan in place for exactly what to do if the situation does occur.

Georgia Wildlife

The six venomous snakes you need to familiarize yourself with include Copperhead, Cottonmouth, Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Timber/Canebrake Rattlesnake, Pigmy Rattlesnake, and the Eastern Coral Snake.

Flickr Larry Smith

Even if you cannot tell if a snake is venomous or not, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.

Flickr veggiefrog

It’s also important to note that while you may have seen on TV and movies that sucking the venom out is a helpful way to prevent infection, the venom will spread too quickly for this to even make a difference—instead, call 911 and apply ice or snow to slow the spread.

Make sure you share with your family and friends, and tag them in the comments so they know what’s going on!

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