Georgia has a ton of snakes, and while we may not see them as much with temperatures dropping, that doesn’t mean they just go away.
On Thursday, WorldAtlas released its list of the five most snake-infested rivers in the state. Here’s which ones were highlighted and a sample of what the writers had to say about them:
Altamaha River
“Known as ‘Georgia’s Little Amazon,’ the Altamaha River winds 137 miles from central Georgia and out to the Atlantic Ocean. It’s the largest free-flowing river on the east coast and Georgia’s largest watershed. It’s also an area of significant ecological importance which supports several rare and endangered species. The Altamaha River corridor is home to several snake species including three venomous snakes — eastern diamondback rattlesnake, cottonmouth, and eastern coral snake.”
Chattahoochee River
“The lower Chattahoochee River runs north-south through Georgia, and is a popular recreation spot for hiking, tubing, and fishing. The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area covers a 48-mile stretch of the river, providing public access to trails, boat or tube launches, and cycling paths. The river is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including around 20 different snake species. These include two venomous species, the timber rattlesnake and the copperhead. Various watersnake species are also present, including the plain-bellied Watersnake, a harmless semi-aquatic species with a beige-colored belly.”
FILE – The Savannah River flows near New Ebenezer in Effingham County. WorldAtlas says it’s one of the most snake-infested rivers in Georgia.
Savannah River
“The Savannah River is a boundary as well as a waterway, forming the border between Georgia and South Carolina. According to the Nature Conservancy of Georgia, the Savannah River Basin has as much diversity of life as a South American rainforest, supporting key habitats and species. The river’s pristine wilderness is best seen from the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge which features a scenic drive, walking trails, and a visitor center. If you’re walking the trails, watch out for some of the refuge’s reptiles. These include the eastern ribbon snake, a small and slender snake with three light-colored stripes down their back.”
Satilla River
“The Satilla River flows around 200 miles east across Georgia before emptying into the Atlantic. The tannins in the water give it a distinctive dark color and its stocked with 52 species of fish including sunfish and catfish. The river is also home to several snake species including the banded watersnake, a medium-sized, thick snake that grows up to 48 inches long.”
FILE – Ogeechee Riverkeeper Executive Director Damon Mullis takes the water quality monitoring probes in the Ogeechee River from the base of the tree. WorldAtlas says it’s one of the most snake-infested rivers in Georgia.
Ogeechee River
“There are many ways to enjoy the 245 mile Ogeechee River. Along its banks are several parks and preserves including Hamburg State Park, Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge, and Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge. Hikers, boaters, anglers, and paddlers all have ample opportunity to enjoy the river’s stunning scenery and unique wildlife. That wildlife includes several species of harmless water snakes which include the red-bellied watersnake and the brown watersnake.”
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: WorldAtlas ranks the 5 most snake-infested rivers in Georgia
