Eastern Kingsnake 

The eastern kingsnake is usually black with yellow or pale yellow markings. The yellow markings appear as rings encircling the body when viewed from the top. This snake can be found in a variety of habitats including both suburban and agricultral areas. The kingsnake is a constrictor and is known for eating other snakes including venomous species. Because this snake is immune to the venom of pit vipers, they often eat rattlesnakes, copperheads and cottonmouths as well as other non-venomous snakes. In addition to snakes, they also consume their fair share of rodents. Because of its eating habits, those who are well educated about snakes often enjoy having this snake share their property. This snake is harmelss but if harrassed or handled it may bite. If bitten by this snake, you can treat the bite just as most of the other non-venomous snakes of Georgia. You simply need to wash the scratch like wound with soap and water and apply peroxide. I myself have been bitten many times by several different species of Georgia's non-venomous snakes. Although, some snake bites are worse than others, the best way to explain the bites are by comparing them to a briar scratch that you might receive while walking through the woods.

The Eastern Kingsnake is a protected species in Georgia. It may not be captured, possessed, harrassed or killed.

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