Everyone is enthralled by snakes, from the smallest garden variety to the formidable rattlesnake. We at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL) see this reaction almost every day of the year: thousands of people attend presentations given by us to learn more about this remarkable form of native wildlife. Whether we are talking to civic groups, schools, government organizations, or corporations, we meet people who are eager for knowledge about the natural history and ecology of snakes. It is through these encounters that we attempt to impart an enhanced appreciation for wildlife and the world in which we live.
Our intent in this brochure is to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the snakes that occur in South Carolina and Georgia. We also provide information about the biology of these reptiles, as well as information and photographs useful for identifying the snake species of the region.
SREL is a research laboratory of the University of Georgia located on the U.S. Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina, bordering the state of Georgia. Here our research has uncovered a wealth of ecological knowledge of snakes native to the two-state region. In fact, more is known about the ecology of snakes on the SRS than in most regions of North America or the world.
Authors of this brochure are actively engaged in field research and have participated in educating the general public about snakes. Our objective is to communicate our own knowledge about and experiences with this fascinating but greatly maligned group of animals. For some readers this brochure should help replace fear of snakes with respect for them. For everyone we hope to enhance their experience in future encounters with the snakes of the region.
