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Kids surround deadly rattlesnake, deputy steps in to remove it

The sheriff's office said a crowd of children was circled around the snake.

POLK COUNTY, Ga. — The Polk County Sheriff's Office took to Facebook to give kudos to a deputy who safely removed a venomous snake that a group of children had crowded around.

Deputy Mike Jones arrived at a home in the Mountain View subdivision and found the large timber rattlesnake on a driveway. They said a crowd of children had circled around the snake.

RELATED: Georgia woman fatally bit by rattlesnake while gardening

The snake was removed safely and placed back into the wild away from homes, the Facebook post said.

The sheriff's office used this as an opportunity to remind families to share with their children that this breed of snake is venomous and can be deadly if bitten.

In total, there are more than 46 species of snake, but just six are poisonous. Generally speaking, venomous snakes will have a triangular-shaped head with long, movable fangs. Non-venomous snakes typically have a round head, no fangs and no heat-sensory pits on their faces. 

RELATED: Your guide to the six venomous snakes in Georgia

With temperatures rising and Georgians enjoying the great outdoors this summer, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the wildlife. 

Timber rattlesnakes can vary in color from yellow to black with dark bands on their back. Coastal rattlesnakes are typically a light tan color with dark bands or a red stripe running down their back.

Adults are usually around 4-5 feet long and can be found along forest floors.

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