Gray Rat Snake: Harmless and Protected

The snake found on the driveway is a gray rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta), a non-venomous, beneficial predator of voles and mice. All non-venomous snakes in Georgia are protected by law—killing them is illegal.

Key Points

• Completely harmless to humans and pets.
• Excellent natural rodent control.
• For identification help, visit the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory's herpetology website.