Eastern Kingsnake 

The Eastern Kingsnake, sometimes referred to as the chain king snake 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 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. 

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

Occasionally, anomolies in nature occur resulting in an animal looking anything but normal. An example is the albino eastern kingsnake (bottom). These snakes are occasionally genetically engineered and bred in captivity. However, this particular individual was found in the wild. It was discovered by a home owner in Butts County Georgia in 2022. Fortunately, the home owner safely captured it instead of killing it and turned it over to Southeastern Reptile Rescue to be used for education. It's possible that this snake could have survived in the wild for many years but with no natural camouflage, its chances were not good.