Tennessee is home to a diverse array of snake species, contributing to the state’s rich biodiversity. These reptiles play an important role in the natural ecosystem, helping to maintain balance. The snakes found across Tennessee include both venomous and non-venomous varieties, each adapted to different environments.
Venomous Snakes of Tennessee
Tennessee is home to four species of venomous snakes, all pit vipers: the Copperhead, Cottonmouth, Timber Rattlesnake, and Pygmy Rattlesnake. Pit vipers possess heat-sensing pits between their eyes and nostrils, and their pupils are vertical.
The Copperhead is often encountered and responsible for most snake bites in Tennessee. It measures 24 to 36 inches long, with a triangular, coppery-red head and distinctive dark brown “hourglass” crossbands. Juvenile Copperheads have a yellow-tipped tail used to attract prey. Copperheads prefer forested habitats, especially rocky, wooded hillsides, but can be found statewide.
The Cottonmouth, also known as the Water Moccasin, is a heavy-bodied pit viper, 30 to 42 inches in length. Its coloration ranges from dark olive-brown to almost black, sometimes with dark crossbands. A wide, dark band often extends from the snout through the eye to the neck, and a white upper lip may be noticeable. When threatened, they may display the “cottony” white interior of their mouth. Cottonmouths are found primarily in western Tennessee, particularly in swamps, sloughs, wetlands, and drainage ditches, rarely straying far from water.
The Timber Rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in Tennessee, often reaching 36 to 60 inches. It has a characteristic rattle at the end of its tail. Body coloration varies but is often gray with black chevron-shaped crossbands and a rust-colored stripe down the back. These rattlesnakes prefer mature, heavily wooded forests, especially rocky, south-facing hillsides, and are found across the state.
The Pygmy Rattlesnake is Tennessee’s smallest rattlesnake, 15 to 20 inches long, with a thin tail and a tiny rattle that sounds like a faint insect buzz audible only within a few feet. Its body is gray or tan with dark, bar-shaped blotches along the back and one or two rows of dark spots on each side. A wide, black stripe runs from the eye to the corner of the mouth. These snakes are found near water in floodplains, wetlands, and moist fields, and are listed as threatened in Tennessee.
Common Non-Venomous Snakes
Tennessee hosts numerous non-venomous snake species. These snakes lack the heat-sensing pits and vertical pupils characteristic of pit vipers, generally having round pupils and a more slender head not distinctly wider than their neck.
The Common Garter Snake is widespread across Tennessee, measuring 18 to 28 inches long. Its coloration is variable, often featuring yellow stripes on a black, brown, or green background, with one stripe down the back and two on the sides. They inhabit a variety of environments, including pond margins, wetlands, meadows, woodlands, and residential yards. Garter snakes consume amphibians, rodents, and insects, and are known to excrete a foul-smelling fluid as a defense mechanism.
The Black Rat Snake, also known as the Gray Rat Snake, is a common non-venomous snake that can exceed six feet. These slender snakes are skilled climbers, often found around barns and sheds. They feed on rodents and eggs, helping to control pest populations.
Eastern Kingsnakes are large, shiny black constrictors that can reach up to four feet. They exhibit varying yellow or white bands or speckles. These snakes are found in diverse habitats, including forests, fields, urban areas, and wetlands. They are known to prey on other snakes, including venomous ones, due to their immunity to venom, and also consume rodents, rabbits, and amphibians.
The Ring-necked Snake is a small, slender snake, 10 to 15 inches long. It is identifiable by its black or dark gray body with a distinct yellow or orange band around the neck. These snakes have a bright yellow belly, which they may coil to expose as a defense behavior. Ring-necked snakes are secretive and prefer moist woodlands, found hidden under logs, rocks, or leaf litter. Their diet includes earthworms, insect larvae, and salamanders.
Coexisting with Tennessee Snakes
Encountering a snake in Tennessee is a possibility given the state’s natural habitats. It is generally advisable to observe snakes from a distance and avoid any attempt to handle or provoke them. Snakes typically try to escape human interaction and will only bite if they feel threatened or cornered. Maintaining a respectful distance allows safety for both humans and snakes.
Homeowners can minimize snake encounters by making their property less attractive. Regular yard maintenance, such as trimming tall grass and clearing woodpiles, rock piles, and other debris, removes potential hiding spots. Storing firewood at least 12 inches off the ground and away from the house also helps. Sealing gaps and cracks in foundations and ensuring doors and windows have weather stripping can prevent snakes from entering homes.
Controlling rodent populations is another effective strategy, as snakes are attracted to areas with abundant prey. Securing trash bins, avoiding leaving pet food outdoors, and promptly addressing any rodent activity can reduce food sources that draw snakes. Leaving snakes undisturbed contributes to their conservation and public safety.