Fences are no match for GA snakes. They can climb much better than you think
Summer is snake season, and keeping them out of your home and yard may seem fairly simple, but not for the snakes in Georgia. We have over 46 species of snakes in the state and most of them can climb.
Snakes use their muscular bodies and scales to grip surfaces and propel themselves upward and some can even climb vertical surfaces if they have enough texture to their grip, says Georgia Outdoor New.
While this may seem like terrifying news, snakes are not routinely aggressive, nor do they often chase humans, says the University of Georgia’s Camden Agriculture & Natural Resources Update. They actually prefer to avoid human contact altogether.
The good news for both human and snake is that the likelihood of you having to climb a tree to flee from a snake is pretty low because you simply cannot climb faster than a snake.
Which snakes can climb in Georgia?
Of the 46 species of snakes in Georgia, only six are venomous and only the timber rattlesnake and the copperhead are known to climb. Otherwise, if you see a snake heading skyward, it’s probably one of these non-venomous varieties:
Black rat snakes: these snakes are notoriously good climbers and scale all sorts of surfaces including rough vertical walls and fences.
Young black racers: these snakes are nimble climbers, especially when they are young.
Yellow rat snakes: mostly found near coastal climates, these snakes are among the strongest species.
How can you keep snakes from climbing over your fence into your yard?
Snakes climb trees for a variety of reasons, including searching for bird or frog eggs or to escape potential threats. It is important to remember that they eat a lot of pests we want to eliminate anyway, and, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, having them hanging around isn’t always a bad thing.
However, if you need to keep your space snake-free, there are a few ways to discourage them from climbing and making a home in your backyard.
Install a barrier with a smooth surface such as vinyl fencing or metal sheeting. This is not foolproof as some snakes are just strong enough, but it could discourage a lot of them.
Attach a mesh or hardware cloth to the bottom of your fence, extending it at least a foot high and burying it several inches underground.
Create an outward-facing ledge on the top of the fence. This makes it hard for snakes to climb over.
The best way to keep snakes away is to make your yard as inhospitable as possible. Eliminate their food source, like rats and mice. Keep your grass short and remove any underbrush. Clear away ground cover like pine straw or leaves, and eliminate hiding spots like wood piles or debris.
Have you ever seen a snake climb? Sound off in the comments, or email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.
