Nashville, Tennessee, is home to a diverse array of snake species. While the thought of encountering a snake might be unsettling for some, these reptiles are an integral part of the local ecosystem. Tennessee hosts approximately 32 different snake species, with only four of these being venomous.
Nashville’s Snake Population
Snakes thrive in Nashville due to its varied natural and urban landscapes, which offer suitable habitats and abundant food sources. The city’s green spaces, parks, suburban areas, and proximity to waterways and forests create an ideal environment. Snakes play a beneficial role in maintaining ecological balance by preying on rodents and insects. Many species are often found around human dwellings, including barns and sheds, where they help control pest populations.
Identifying Local Species
Identifying local snake species helps distinguish between non-venomous and venomous snakes. Non-venomous snakes in Tennessee typically have round eye pupils and lack heat-sensing pits. Their heads are generally not triangular, though some may flatten their heads when threatened.
Black Racer
The Black Racer (Coluber constrictor) is a common non-venomous snake in Nashville. This slender snake often reaches lengths between 36 to 60 inches. Adults are solid black with smooth, shiny scales and a white patch on their chin and throat. Young racers are lighter in color with dark gray, brown, or reddish-brown patterns on their backs. They are known for their speed and tendency to flee rapidly when approached, though they may strike if cornered.
Common Garter Snake
The Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) is another frequently encountered non-venomous species, often found near homes. These medium-sized snakes typically range from 18 to 26 inches, though some can be up to 4.5 feet long. They are variable in coloration but commonly feature three light stripes—yellow, brown, or green—running along their black, brown, or olive bodies. One stripe runs down the center of their back, with two others on each side. Garter snakes may release a foul-smelling musk as a defense mechanism if threatened.
Gray Rat Snake
The Gray Rat Snake (Pantherophis spiloides) is a large, non-venomous constrictor often found in urban areas. They can reach lengths of 39 to 72 inches, with some reaching 9 feet. Their coloration varies, often gray with darker blotches and a whitish belly with a checkerboard pattern towards the tail. These snakes are excellent climbers and may enter homes through foundation openings or by utilizing trees that overlap roofs. When agitated, they may rapidly vibrate their tails, mimicking a rattlesnake sound.
Common Kingsnake
The Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) is a non-venomous species known for preying on other snakes, including venomous ones, due to venom resistance. These snakes are typically black with white or yellow bands or speckles that can form a chain-like pattern. They can grow to over 6 feet in length. Kingsnakes are often found in a variety of habitats, from forests and fields to urban spaces. Like rat snakes, they may also vibrate their tails when threatened.
Nashville is home to four venomous snake species, all of which are pit vipers: the Copperhead, Timber Rattlesnake, Cottonmouth, and Pygmy Rattlesnake.
Copperhead
The Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) is responsible for most snake bites in Tennessee. It is a medium-sized, heavy-bodied snake, typically 24 to 36 inches long, with a large, triangular, coppery-red head. Its body is characterized by dark brown “hourglass” crossbands that are wide on the sides and narrow at the center of the back, blending well with leaf litter. Juvenile Copperheads have a bright yellow tail tip, which they use to lure prey.
Timber Rattlesnake
The Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) is Tennessee’s largest venomous snake, reaching lengths of 36 to 60 inches. They have a large, triangular head, vertical pupils, and a characteristic rattle at the end of their tail. Body coloration is highly variable, often gray with black chevron-shaped crossbands and a rust-colored stripe down the back. Timber Rattlesnakes prefer dense wooded areas and rocky hillsides. While their venom is potent, they are reclusive and will use their rattle as a warning when threatened.
Coexisting Safely
Coexisting with snakes involves prevention and knowing how to respond to encounters. To deter snakes from your property, maintain a tidy yard by removing brush piles, tall grass, and debris where snakes might seek shelter or hunt. Sealing cracks in foundations and ensuring proper pest control to reduce rodent populations can also make your home less appealing to snakes.
Encountering a Snake
If you encounter a snake, remain calm and maintain a safe distance. Snakes are generally not aggressive and usually try to escape rather than attack. Avoid approaching, cornering, or attempting to handle the snake. If a snake is in an unsafe location, such as inside your home, contact local animal control or a professional for safe removal. Never try to kill a snake yourself, as most bites occur when individuals attempt to do so.
Snake Bite
In the rare event of a snake bite, seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 or your local emergency number. While waiting for help, remain as still and calm as possible to slow the spread of any potential venom. Remove any jewelry or tight clothing from the bitten limb before swelling occurs. Gently clean the wound with soap and water, then cover it with a clean, dry dressing. Do not attempt to cut the wound, suck out venom, apply a tourniquet, or apply ice.