Tennessee is home to diverse wildlife, including various snake species. For residents and visitors enjoying outdoor activities, understanding how to safely interact with snakes is important. This knowledge helps prevent unwanted encounters and ensures appropriate responses.
Venomous Snake Species in Tennessee
Tennessee hosts four species of venomous snakes, all pit vipers: the Copperhead, Cottonmouth, Timber Rattlesnake, and Pygmy Rattlesnake. These snakes exhibit distinct characteristics and inhabit specific environments across the state, aiding in identification and safety.
The Copperhead is found throughout Tennessee. These snakes measure between 24 to 36 inches long and have a heavy body. Their distinguishing feature is hourglass-shaped crossbands, wide on the sides and narrow along the centerline of their back, set against a lighter brown or gray body. Their head is coppery-red and triangular. Copperheads prefer rocky, wooded hillsides but can also be found in swampy regions and near human habitation.
The Cottonmouth, also known as the water moccasin, primarily inhabits the western third of Tennessee. These heavy-bodied snakes range from 30 to 42 inches in length. Their coloration can be dark olive-brown to nearly black, with dark crossbands. A noticeable white upper lip and thick body are features. Cottonmouths are semi-aquatic, favoring swamps, wetlands, and slow-moving streams, and are seen swimming with their heads elevated above the water.
Timber Rattlesnakes are the largest venomous snake in Tennessee, found statewide. They are heavy-bodied, ranging from 36 to 60 inches long. Their body coloration is gray with distinct black chevron-shaped crossbands and a black tail. They possess a characteristic rattle at the end of their tail. Timber Rattlesnakes prefer remote wooded areas, rocky hillsides, and can be found coiled near fallen logs or sunning on rocks.
The Pygmy Rattlesnake is the smallest of Tennessee’s venomous snakes, not exceeding 20 inches in length. They have a gray or tan body with dark blotches and an orangish-brown stripe down the middle of their back. Their rattle is tiny and produces a faint, insect-like buzz, audible only from a short distance. Pygmy Rattlesnakes are found in floodplains, wetlands, and moist fields.
Recognizing Venomous Snakes
Identifying venomous snakes in Tennessee involves observing several general characteristics. These include a triangular-shaped head, vertical pupils, and heat-sensing pits.
Venomous pit vipers have a distinct triangular or arrowhead-shaped head, noticeably wider than their neck. This shape is due to venom glands located in the jaw area. However, some non-venomous snakes can flatten their heads when threatened, mimicking this appearance, so head shape alone is not a definitive identifier.
Pit vipers have elliptical or cat-like pupils in vertical orientation. Non-venomous snakes in Tennessee have round pupils. Pit vipers also possess a heat-sensing pit located between their eye and nostril on each side of the head, which helps them detect warm-blooded prey. This feature can be difficult to discern without a close and unsafe inspection.
Encountering Snakes and Staying Safe
Preventing snake encounters is a primary safety measure for anyone exploring Tennessee’s outdoors. Snakes inhabit areas with cover, such as rocky outcroppings, tall grass, dense brush, fallen logs, and areas near water. Activities like hiking off-trail, reaching into unseen crevices, or turning over rocks and debris can increase the risk of an encounter.
When in snake habitats, wearing appropriate footwear, such as sturdy, high-top leather boots, offers protection for the feet and ankles. Watch where you step and place your hands, especially when moving through tall vegetation or climbing over obstacles. Avoid reaching into areas you cannot see, such as under logs or into rock crevices. Using a long stick to poke the ground ahead of you can startle hidden snakes, prompting them to move away.
If a snake is spotted, maintain a safe distance and avoid provoking it. Snakes prefer to avoid human interaction and will retreat if given the opportunity. Never attempt to catch, handle, or kill a snake, as most snakebites occur when people try to interfere with them.
Emergency Response to Snakebites
In the event of a snakebite, immediate and appropriate action influences the outcome. All suspected snakebites, even if the snake is thought to be non-venomous, should be treated as a medical emergency. The first step is to call 911 or local emergency services.
While waiting for medical help to arrive, remain calm, as panic can increase heart rate and accelerate venom spread. Move away from the snake to a safe location. Remove any jewelry, watches, or tight clothing from the bitten limb, as swelling will occur. Gently wash the bite area with soap and water, then cover it loosely with a clean, dry dressing. Keep the bitten area still and, if possible, position it at or below heart level to slow venom circulation.
Several actions should be avoided after a snakebite, as they can cause further harm. Do not attempt to cut the wound, apply ice, or use a tourniquet; these methods are ineffective and can lead to tissue damage or worsen the situation. Do not try to suck out the venom, as this can introduce infection, nor should you consume alcohol or caffeine. Antivenom is the only effective treatment for venomous snakebites and must be administered by medical professionals. While knowing the type of snake can assist medical personnel, do not risk further bites by attempting to capture or kill the snake.