Which State Has More Venomous Snakes: Texas or Georgia?

Located on the southern border of the United States, Texas and Georgia are some of the most populous states in the region, home to a total of 42 million people. Along with the immense number of people, animals also thrive in these states due to their diverse geography and natural areas. From the Atlantic Ocean coast along eastern Georgia to the Mississippi River in Texas, both states have a unique topography for a unique set of animals to call home. While many are harmless, Texas and Georgia also have many venomous snake species, such as rattlesnakes, copperheads, and coral snakes. Avoiding these snakes is essential, as bites from some can even be fatal. That said, which snakes should you avoid? And which state has the most snakes? This article dives into the venomous snakes of Texas and Georgia to find the answer to this question.

Venomous Snakes In Texas

Texas is the second-largest state in the United States by area, spanning a whopping 269,000 square miles (696,200 square km). Throughout this vast landscape, plenty of landmarks abound, from Texas’s Hill County with tall, rugged hills to the Gulf Coastal Plains with thick piney woods. Multiple snake species live in Texas thanks to this vast assortment of outdoor areas. These range from the Copperhead snake, which prefers watery regions, to the timber rattlesnake, which lives in hilly forests and piney areas. In total, the Lone Star State has around 15 venomous snake species, one of the highest concentrations in the nation.

Copperheads (Agkistrodon)

The copperhead is a genus of pit vipers that is found across North America. This snake is found in both Texas and Georgia, with Texas housing two sub-species. These are the Eastern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix), which lives in central and eastern parts of Texas, and the broad-banded copperhead (Agkistrodon laticinctus), scattered across central and west Texas.

The most common is the Eastern copperhead. This snake features a light brown/gray coloration with dark brown hourglass-shaped markings along its body. The average adult can reach a length of up to 37 inches (95 cm) and tends to live in deciduous forests. While venomous, copperheads are not very aggressive, and bites are rare. Moreover, the lethal dose for their venom is around 100mg, which is far more than the amount injected in an average bite. That said, symptoms such as pain, swelling, and nausea can arise, so it is best to avoid them in the wild.

Rattlesnakes (Crotalinae)

One of the most well-known types of venomous snakes, the rattlesnake subfamily is a set of pit vipers known for their infamous “rattling” tail. These snakes are found in both Texas and Georgia, but Texas is home to ten species of rattlesnakes, much more than the three in Georgia. Some of the most common rattlesnake species in Texas are the timber rattlesnake, prairie rattlesnake, western massasauga, and western diamondback.

The western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox), also known as the Texas diamond-back, is prominent in the Southwestern United States. These snakes can grow up to 5 feet (150cm) in length, making them one of the largest venomous snakes in the region. In terms of appearance, they have a khaki ground coloration, with 23-45 dorsal body blotches of a darker shade. The timber rattlesnake also grows to around 5 feet long, although it has a darker color pattern with keeled dorsal scales. Rattlesnakes are also one of the most dangerous species on this list, with long fangs, a large venom yield, and a potent venom. Depending on the sub-species, their venom can be neurotoxic or hemorrhagic, leading to symptoms like bleeding, paralysis, and tissue damage.

Water Moccasin/Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus)

Another member of the Agkistrodon genus, the cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus), is closely related to the copperhead and is another sub-species in Texas. This snake is a semiaquatic viper native to the Southeastern United States and is found in both Georgia and Texas. Water moccasins can be identified by their dark coloration, with most specimens almost completely black. Some snakes, especially younger specimens, are lighter in color, with a brownish color overlaid by dark brown crossbands.

At adulthood, the average male will be between 26 and 35 inches (65 and 90 cm) in length, making it an average-sized species. That said, what makes cottonmouths special is their adept swimming ability, which surprises many tourists while swimming and boating. Their venom is cytotoxic and can destroy tissue, leading to amputation in severe cases. To this end, it is best to avoid any large snake-like shapes when in the waters of Texas.

Texas Coral Snake (Micrurus tener)

The Texas coral snake (Micrurus tener), as the name suggests, is a species of coral snake found in Texas and surrounding areas. It is the state's only “vibrant” venomous snake, boasting bright black, yellow, and red rings across its body. Females are longer than males, with most ranging around 22-26 inches (56-66 cm). That said, larger specimens have been recorded, reaching up to 48 inches (122 cm) long. Similar to their strong visibility, Texas coral snakes have a potent venom that is both neurotoxic and myotoxic. Thus, a bite can cause paralysis and myolysis, both requiring urgent medical care. Thankfully, these snakes tend to be quite shy in the wild, hunting at night and avoiding open areas.

Venomous Snakes In Georgia

Georgia is located in the Southeastern United States between South Carolina and the Atlantic Ocean. Geographically, the state is defined by its vast Coastal Plain, Blue Ridge Mountains, and Appalachian Plateau. These areas provide ample habitat for snake species, and the Peach State is home to over 40 types of snakes. Among these, six species are venomous, from the Copperhead to the eastern coral snake. That said, four species: the cottonmouth, copperhead, pygmy rattlesnake, and timber rattlesnake are also found in Texas. Thus, Georgia has two unique species of venomous snakes: the eastern diamondback rattlesnake and the eastern coral snake.

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus)

Part of the Crotalus genus, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) is a close relative to Texas’s western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox). The eastern diamondback is endemic to the Southeastern United States and is prominent in Georgia and surrounding states. It is the largest rattlesnake species and the heaviest known venomous snake species, with a maximum known length and weight of 7.8 ft (2.4 m) and 34 pounds (15.4 kg), respectively. Even the average eastern diamondback is around 3.5 to 5.5 feet (1.1 to 1.7m) long.

Throughout their long body, these snakes sport a brown-to-gray color pattern with 24-35 darker-colored diamonds. Each of these blotches has a lighter outline with yellowish or cream scales, making them great at blending in with sand, logs, and debris. Moreover, eastern diamondbacks tend to avoid being out in the open, often tunneling for shelter. That said, they are adept hunters with a strong swimming ability and loud rattle. These snakes are also one of the most venomous in Georgia and North America, as they have a mortality rate between 10 and 30%. This is due to their long fangs and high venom yield, making it essential to avoid bites.

Eastern Coral Snake (Micrurus fulvius)

A close relative to the Texas coral snake, the eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius) is another vibrant and venomous coral snake. This species is endemic to the Southeastern United States and is found in Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama, and nearby states. It has an average length of around 18-24 inches (45 to 60 cm), making it one of the smallest venomous snakes in the state. These snakes also boast a vibrant color pattern, with a series of wide red and black rings separated by smaller yellow rings. Meanwhile, their head is completely black, with a black snout and black eyes in most specimens. Thanks to their noticeable look and tendency to hide underground, bites are rare. If you are bitten, medical attention is advised as their venom is highly neurotoxic.

First Aid

If bitten by a venomous snake, it’s crucial to remain calm and act quickly. First, move away from the snake to avoid a second bite, and try to remember its color and shape, which can help medical professionals determine the type of antivenom needed. Keep the bite area immobilized and positioned below heart level to slow the spread of venom. Do not attempt to suck out the venom, apply ice, or use a tourniquet, as these methods can do more harm than good. Call 911 immediately or get to the nearest medical facility as soon as possible. Prompt treatment is the best way to reduce complications and improve recovery.

Which State Has More Snakes

When it comes to venomous snakes, Texas comes out on top. With around 15 venomous species, including ten types of rattlesnakes alone, the Lone Star State has one of the highest concentrations of venomous snakes in the U.S. Georgia, by comparison, has six venomous species, including the massive eastern diamondback rattlesnake and the striking eastern coral snake. While both states offer a range of habitats and share several species, Texas’s larger land area and wider ecological diversity make it the more snake-populated of the two. So, if you're looking for sheer numbers, Texas wins, but staying aware and informed in either state is your best defense.