LIVING WITH WILDLIFE

out of the way quickly enough to avoid you. But also, no matter how much you want to, do NOT give them fresh water. Much like a dog that will beg for food if fed from the table, this will encourage manatees to look for fresh water sources near docks, which puts them at risk of boat strikes, and discourages them from foraging for what they need, which alters their behavior and could prove fatal. You should also be aware that if caught, you could face fines of up to $11,000 and up to a year in jail. More information about protecting sea turtles and manatees can be found on page 19.

And now we come to snakes. These reptiles get a bad rap, when in fact, you’re much more likely to be struck and killed by lightning than bitten and die from a snakebite. I understand fear – ask anyone who knows me how I react to spiders. But of the 47 species of snakes found in Georgia, only seven are venomous, and several of those are frequently confused with their harmless, non-venomous cousins.

But snakes play critical roles in our coastal ecosystem, eating things you likely don’t want near your home, such as rodents, centipedes, and other unsavory critters. You should also be aware that if you kill a non-venomous snake in Georgia, even if it’s a case of mistaken identity, you could be fined $1,000 and face up to a year in jail. A far better option would be to leave the area and contact a wildlife removal expert. More info about snakes and what to do if you encounter one can be found on page 9.

Without sea turtles, visiting manatees, and even snakes, our coastal region wouldn’t be what it is. It’s up to us to live peaceably alongside them and protect them, which protects our coast as well.

See you out there!

Amy Thurman

Editor

Chief