Information on Reptiles in Georgia

Alligators and Turtles

• The American alligator is a common reptile you may see in the southern and coastal region of Georgia. They can be found in rivers, freshwater lakes and ponds.

  Georgia is also home to 27 species of turtles, according to the New Georgia Encyclopedia. Most of the turtle species are located in rivers and lakes. However, the chicken turtle stays in the wetlands that may dry out during the summer. The alligator snapping turtle lives in rivers in the southwestern part of the state and is North America's largest freshwater turtle. On Georgia beaches, you may stumble upon a loggerhead sea turtle or gopher tortoise, which is also the state reptile.

Lizard and Snakes

• Georgia has a small community of lizards, most of which are skinks. Juvenile skinks can be recognized by their bright blue tails. Adult male skinks have a large red head. The glass lizard is unusual because it does not have legs. The lizard can be differentiated from a snake by its eyelids and ear openings. There are a couple of lizard species not native to Georgia: the brown anole and the Old World Mediterranean gecko. They can be found in the coastal areas.

  Georgia has 41 native species of snakes including the mud and rainbow snakes. The top of the snake has black scales, but the eyes are bright red and the bellies are yellow. The eastern worm snake, ringneck snake, and the southeastern crowned snake are rarely seen by people because they are so small and inoffensive.

Endangered

• Georgia is home to three endangered sea turtles: hawksbill sea turtle, Kemp's ridley sea turtle and leatherback sea turtle. The green and loggerhead sea turtle also reside in Georgia and are on the threatened list. The eastern indigo snake is also protected under the federal Endangered Species Act, according to the Georgia New Encyclopedia.

Dangerous Reptiles

• Among the snakes that live in Georgia, five species belong to the poisonous pit viper family. They include three types of rattlesnakes, the cottonmouth and copperhead. Georgia also has poisonous coral snakes that belong to the cobra family. According to the New Georgia Encyclopedia, most snake bites come from the copperhead. And most bites are easily remedied with medical attention.

  One other reptile that is a potential danger to humans is the alligator. When humans feed alligators it causes the alligator to no longer be shy around humans. Feeding alligators is illegal in Georgia for this reason. When faced with an aggressive alligator, it is recommended to retreat a few feet away.

Commercial Use

• Georgia does not carry many reptile species that bring a substantial commercial value. Salamanders are sold as bait for fishing. Some turtles are sold to restaurants and meat markets.