Posted by Pamela Scheer on October 20, 2005

Q: The other day my 4 yr old was lost a golf tee in our front yard. While looking through the grass and running my hands over it I saw a gray snake piled up. It looked to be about 6-8 inches or so. I tried to scoop him out of the grass with a golf club but he went underground before I could get to it. I live in a residential area in SW Atlanta with a nicely sodded yard. I did not see any rings or spots and the entire snake looked dull dark gray. I didn't notice a lighter underbelly. Should I worry about my kids playing? What kind of snake do you think that it was?

Habitat: suburban/yard

State: Georgia

Habitat: suburban/yard

A: I really don't have enough information to make an identification of your snake but from what you've shared, it does not sound like a poisonous snake. There are many different kinds of snakes in the Atlanta area and people are much more likely to see the nonpoisonous ones in your area. Snakes really do get bad press in North America even though very few people are bitten each year. Snakes, even poisonous snakes, in North America are eager to avoid any kind of confrontation with humans and prefer to flee rather than defend themselves. For obvious reasons, it's always best to be cautious but you shouldn't be alarmed about your children playing in the yard.

I would, however, be sure your children understand that snakes should never be approached or handled. Not so they'll be afraid of snakes but just so they understand that a given snake may not be safe - much the same as you would alert them to unfamiliar dogs. Thanks for asking and feel free to write again with your questions.

John Wiessinger ( October 21, 2005)