Copperhead snakes starting to slither across GA. Here’s how to spot them, what to do if bitten

Spring officially starts on Mar. 20th, but copperhead season has already arrived.

According to the LiveScience blog, copperheads start to come out during the day in the springtime, so sightings will ramp up around Georgia. Here’s what else to know about them and what to do if bitten:

What copperheads look like

According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website: “Copperheads are well known for their camouflage colors of brown tones. They are thick snakes with keeled scales. The background color is some shade of tan or brown, with darker brown hourglass or ‘Hershey’s Kiss’ shapes overlaid.”

Copperheads also have a golden or coppery-colored head, which makes it distinctly stand out from other snakes.

What to do if bitten by a copperhead

Here’s what to do and not do, said the Georgia Poison Control Center:

DO the following:

• Keep still and stay calm
• Remove all jewelry and tight clothing
• Note the color and shape of the snake and what time the bite happened
• Wash the bite with soap and water and cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing
• Call the GPC at 1-800-222-1222

DON’T do this:

• DO NOT pick up the snake or try to trap it
• DO NOT apply a tourniquet or attempt to restrict blood blow to the affected area
• DO NOT cut the wound
• DO NOT attempt to suck out the venom
• DO NOT apply heat, cold, electricity or any substance to the bite
• DO NOT drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages
• DO NOT take any drugs or medicines

Tips to stay safe from copperheads

If you encounter a copperhead while out or on your own property, the most important thing is to stay calm. Call your local animal control center if you think the snake is venomous

Here are tips to keep copperheads out of your yard:

• Keep grass trimmed low and bushes pruned
• Remove woodpiles, rock piles, and debris
• Repair holes in foundations, vents, and walls
• Get rid of rodents — fast

Have other questions? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com

This story was originally published March 10, 2026 at 6:00 AM.

Chelsea Madden

The Telegraph

Chelsea is a service journalism reporter who began working for McClatchy in 2022. She was born and raised in Middle Georgia and lives in Forsyth. She attended Wesleyan College for undergrad and a few years after that, went to SCAD for an MFA in writing. Outside of work, Chelsea likes to watch Netflix, read books in the thriller genre and chase her toddler around.