Snakes – Tree Climbers?

Q: I was cutting my grass and had to bend down to cut under a tree. My head hit a limb and a brown/rust colored snake, twelve inches long, fell down. When did snakes start climbing trees?

A: Some Georgia snakes are pretty good climbers. Young black racers are a mottled brown/tan in color. Black rat snakes are more black with white markings. Both can climb a tree or shrub while looking for bird eggs and frogs. It’s not likely you’ll see one again, but if the thought scares you just hit low limbs with a stick beforehand. A nearby snake will disappear before you see it.