Snake sites in the United States vary widely by region, and the farther south you go, the more likely you are to encounter a venomous species. While rattlesnakes are found in the north, the south is home to cottonmouth, copperhead, and eastern coral snakes. While Arizona, Georgia, Florida, Texas, and Alabama have the most snake bites, Tennessee should not be overlooked, especially given that the timber rattlesnake is the most venomous.
What Snake Species Are Found in Tennessee, and How Many Are There?
Tennessee is no stranger to venomous snakes, and it may surprise you to find that the state has four in total. While snakebites from these snakes are uncommon, they occur most frequently outdoors, where there is a greater chance of human-snake interaction. The venomous snakes native to Tennessee include:
- Copperhead (Highland moccasin)
- Cottonmouth (water moccasins)
- Pygmy rattlesnakes
- Timber rattlesnake or Canebreak rattlesnake
The state’s varied geography has a significant impact on the species that live it, as not every place will be home to the same snake. Timber rattlesnakes are primarily found in Tennessee’s hilly regions. This is why hikers and campers in the Great Smoky Mountains are more likely to encounter them. Meanwhile, cottonmouths are more likely to be found on the opposite side of the state, where they favour flat territory with plenty of watersheds.
Timber Rattlesnake
The timber rattlesnake is a bit of a contradiction in that it is the most dangerous snake in Tennessee but also the most evasive. Timber rattlers are wary around humans and may try to hide, most commonly beneath rocks or in wood heaps. Hikers frequently come into contact with them unknowingly while on the trail. They can be discovered along a hiking trail beside a creek, beneath fallen logs, or even between crevices in boulders.
Fortunately, timber rattlers, like all other rattlesnakes, will provide plenty of notice before striking. The rattles in their tails are suggestive that you’re too close, and unless you’re right on top of one, this warning generally allows enough time to step away.
The timber rattlesnake’s most hazardous feature is its long fangs and strong poison. They have a high venom production, making this snake bite significantly more dangerous than Tennessee’s other pit vipers.
Pygmy Rattlesnake
The pygmy rattlesnake, unlike the timber rattlesnake, can only be found in western Tennessee. The pygmy rattlesnake loves lakes and low-lying marshlands, whereas its neighbouring rattler prefers woody, hilly territory.
However, that is not the only difference between these Tennessee rattlesnakes. As the name implies, the pygmy rattlesnake is substantially tiny, measuring little more than two feet long. In contrast, the timber rattlesnake can reach a length of five feet. The sound of its rattle also differs, sounding more like a buzz rather than the sharp rattling of the timber, which can only be heard within three feet of the snake.
While extremely rare, they can be identified by their size and colour. The pygmy rattler is more colourful than the timber, with grey or brown stripes intersecting with orange banding. Most pygmy rattlesnakes have a black line from their eyes to their mouth, as well as a cream-coloured underbelly. They are rapid swimmers, so a flash of bright colours may be all you see while wandering in marshlands!
The pygmy rattlesnake poses little hazard to humans and is a vulnerable species in Tennessee. It’s quite uncommon that a human would encounter one, and much less probable that you’d get bitten.
Copperhead
The copperhead is the only venomous snake that lives throughout Tennessee rather than just one location. Having said that, there are northern and southern copperheads, distinguished by minor changes in colouration. Also known as the highland moccasin, this adaptable species may be found in both rocky terrain and low-lying watersheds. They do not have a preference for urban or rural areas. However, because they avoid open places, these snakes are often seen closer to home.
The copperhead is not always easy to identify and is frequently misidentified as other non-venomous species, such as milk snakes. A copperhead’s distinguishing feature is its triangular-shaped head, which is usually copper-colored and marked by dimples right behind its eyes. These snakes will have copper-tan and dark brown hourglass-shaped banding, as well as a grey or pink underbelly.
Biggest Threat: Despite its reputation, the copperhead’s venom is not as strong as Tennessee’s other pit vipers. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency notes that these snakes are threatened by road traffic and humans, who frequently kill them on sight in residential areas. Copperheads are quite shy, and their main disadvantage is that they frequently locate up in urban settings, which leads to more snake bites.
Cottonmouth
The cottonmouth snake, sometimes known as the water moccasin, may be found throughout the western part of Tennessee. While not as massive as the timber rattler, it is nonetheless a behemoth of a snake, reaching lengths of up to four feet and having a thick body that enables for forceful movements. The cottonmouth’s reputation precedes it, however there are numerous misconceptions about this pit viper.
Identifying it is quite simple, yet it can be confused with watersnakes due to their dual existence on land and in water. However, the cottonmouth snake has sensory pits on its face and vertical, cat-like pupils, but the watersnake does not. Cottonmouths also have dark brown and black banding that can vary in distinctiveness. Its most distinguishing feature, however, is its white, “cotton-like” mouth, after which it was appropriately named.
The cottonmouth, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, is not as aggressive as its reputation suggests. Rather, a cornered snake will try to flee in the simplest way feasible. Because of this lack of direction, many people feel the snake is aggressively approaching them. In truth, it’s most likely attempting to discover an escape route. Cottonmouth snake attacks are rare, but they do occur, and their venom is quite strong.
Which counties experience the most snake bites?
To determine which counties see the most snake bites in Tennessee, first look at which counties have the most snakes. The copperhead, one of the state’s four venomous pit vipers, is the snake that has caused the most bites. This is unsurprising given that this snake does not avoid residential areas. It is frequently encountered in metropolitan areas where human-snake interactions are more prevalent. This well-known snake is responsible for around 30% of all snake bites in the United States, making it one of Tennessee’s most notorious poisonous snakes.
Having said that, these are the counties with the most regularly reported snake bites:
Shelby
Knox
Davidson
All of these counties are home to Tennessee’s three largest cities: Memphis, Knoxville, and Nashville. This demonstrates how prevalent the copperhead is, while snake attacks in general are less common than many people believe.