Tennessee, with its diversified geography and abundant animals, is home to several types of venomous snakes.
Even though interactions with snakes are not common, it is nevertheless important to understand the risks and adopt the appropriate safety measures.
This post will discuss the poisonous snakes that can be found in Tennessee, dispel popular beliefs, and offer helpful advice on how to handle situations and avoid getting bitten by a snake.
Northern Copperhead
The Northern Copperhead dwells on the other side of Tennessee from the Southern Copperhead, which is found in western Tennessee.
This pit viper, also called Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen, resembles the Southern subspecies in terms of markings, coloring (with slightly darker, chestnut-brown crossbands), diet, and behavior. It is also a big snake, growing up to 4 feet in length.
Copperheads will coil up tightly, elevate their heads, and vibrate their tails when they feel frightened, agitated, or disturbed. Remain composed if you encounter a copperhead and observe this kind of activity.
With a cautious, deliberate gait away from the snake, avoid making any abrupt noises or movements. Though deaths from bites are extremely rare due to the mild venom of copperheads, it’s nevertheless vital to seek medical assistance if bitten.
Southern Copperhead
The Southern Copperhead, or Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix, receives its name from its striking rust-colored markings on the top of its huge, triangular-shaped head.
This subspecies is usually larger than other members of the Copperhead family and can reach a length of 4 feet. Their lighter, tan bodies are easily recognized by the dark brown, hourglass-shaped bands that run down them.
The tips of the tails of young Southern Copperheads are bright yellow in color and have a greyer appearance. The majority of Southern Copperheads can be found in western Tennessee, despite their name.
They prefer the cover of the forest over open spaces, and they are frequently seen on steep, forested hillsides where they can establish a stronghold beneath logs, boulders, or leaves.
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Western Pygmy Rattlesnake
With a maximum length of just 2 feet, it is the tiniest poisonous snake in Tennessee.
This snake, which is also referred to as the ground rattler, has tan, grey, or reddish coloring, a reddish-brown stripe running down its back, and black or brown splotches down its spine. It frequently has two stripes on top of its head that extend down to its neck.
In addition to being small in stature, Western pygmy rattlesnakes also have a smaller rattle that emits a quiet, easily overlooked buzzing sound.
Tennessee’s western Highland Rim, extending from Stewart County to the southern boundary of the state, is home to these rattlers.
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Timber Rattlesnake
With a maximum length of six feet, the timber rattlesnake, or Crotalus horridus, is the biggest poisonous snake in Tennessee. They might be difficult to recognize because of their wide range of coloration variations. They can be found across Tennessee.
They are usually gray or yellowish-brown, but they can also be black, tan, brown, or pink. They have a rust-colored stripe down their back and chevron-shaped bands all over their body.
Forested areas and mountains with rocky slopes that face south to capture sunlight are the preferred habitats for timber rattlesnakes.
They are found on cliffs and bluffs, in thickets, marshes, wooded streams, logs, and rocks. They consume small mammals like squirrels, birds, lizards, and rodents.
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Western Cottonmouth
These poisonous vipers have different colors and can be found in west Tennessee on the northern Highland Rim. While some are more olive in color, others are dark brown.
Although they do have dark bands all over their bodies, it’s not always easy to spot them because they tend to blend in with the skin. Western cottonmouths have a white upper lip and brown heads. Younger snakes have a yellow-green tip to their tail and are lighter in color overall.
This subspecies, which is around three feet long on average, prefers to hang out in marshes, wetlands, drainage ditches, rivers, and lakes. They could be swimming in the water, lounging on the bank, or even on the beach.
Final Thoughts
Numerous poisonous snake species, such as the Western Pygmy Rattlesnake, Timber Rattlesnake, Southern Copperhead, Northern Copperhead, and Western Cottonmouth, can be found in Tennessee.
Even though it’s uncommon to come into contact with a snake, it’s still important to understand the risks and take the appropriate safety measures to prevent getting bitten. By
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