There are four species of venomous snakes in Tennessee. The list includes two rattlesnake species plus the Eastern Copperhead and the Northern Cottonmouth. Each of these snakes is potentially dangerous. In fact, there are around 79 snakebite victims in Tennessee in an average year.
It’s important for anyone spending time outdoors in Tennessee to know where these dangerous snakes live, how to recognize them, and how to avoid conflicts with them.
In this guide, we’ll provide detailed profiles of each of Tennessee’s venomous snakes. We’ll give detailed information on how to recognize them, how dangerous they are, and what environments they live in within Tennessee.
Pit Vipers: The Venomous Masters of Infrared Detection
Rattlesnakes, Copperheads, and Cottonmouths are among the most well-known members of the venomous Crotalinae subfamily, also referred to as pit vipers. These snakes are equipped with unique adaptations that make them exceptional hunters.
What Makes Pit Vipers Unique?
- Infrared-Sensing Pits:
A defining feature of pit vipers is the deep facial pit between their nostril and the eye on each side of their head. These specialized infrared-detecting organs allow pit vipers to sense heat emitted by prey. This adaptation enables them to:- Detect body heat from up to 1 meter away.
- Strike prey with pinpoint accuracy, even in complete darkness.
- Triangular Heads and Vertical Pupils:
- Head Shape: Pit vipers are recognized by their distinct triangular-shaped heads, which house their venom glands.
- Eyes: They have vertical elliptical-shaped pupils.
- Venomous Fangs:
Pit vipers have hollow fangs connected to venom glands. These fangs fold back against the roof of their mouth when not in use. All pit vipers are born with multiple fangs and replace them every couple of months. Old fangs are shed one at a time. Consequently, a pit viper bite may only involve one fang. - Pit Viper Bites: Interestingly, these snakes have a sphincter on each venom gland. This allows them to control the flow of venom through the fangs. A snake may elect not to inject any venom with a bite. Scientists surmise that this is because it takes time for it to rebuild its venom store. Twenty to twenty-five percent of pit viper-to-human bites are dry bites.
Ecological Importance
Pit vipers play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance by controlling rodent populations. Despite their fearsome reputation, these snakes are vital to the health of many habitats.
Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)
The Eastern Copperhead is a pit viper native to the eastern United States.
| Size | *Adults range from 20 to 37 inches (50 to 95 cm) in length. |
| Coloration | *Reddish-tan to grayish-tan bodies. *Overlaid with dark brown, hourglass-shaped markings. *Heads are dark coppery brown, giving them the name “Copperhead.” |
| Body Shape | *Stout and heavy-bodied snakes. *As with all pitvipers, their heads are triangular and appear oversized in relation to their necks. |
| Conservation Status: | *Abundant within their range except central and western Tennessee. |
Taxonomy of Tennessee’s Eastern Copperhead Snakes
Copperhead snakes are found across Tennessee and are now recognized as a single species: the Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix).
In the past, copperheads were classified into different subspecies, including the Northern Copperhead, Southern Copperhead, and Osage Copperhead. However, recent DNA studies revealed minimal genetic differences between them. As a result, these subspecies were combined into a single taxonomic group under the Eastern Copperhead name.
Where Do Eastern Copperheads Live in Tennessee?
You will find Eastern Copperheads throughout Tennessee. They are found in rock piles, rocky woodlands, and river bottoms. They prefer areas where the leaf and plant debris provide hiding places.
Eastern Copperhead Behavior
Copperheads are dangerous because they use camouflage as their number one defense mechanism. In other words, these snakes choose to lie perfectly still rather than flee most of the time. Their camouflage helps them blend in with leaf litter and old abandoned debris piles.
When they feel threatened, they occasionally mimic the tail vibration of a rattlesnake. But, in most cases, they choose to lie perfectly still.
Most copperhead bites on humans occur when the person steps on or near the snake.
What Do Copperheads Eat?
Copperhead snakes are opportunistic feeders. They eat insects, spiders, frogs, small animals, birds, and other reptiles.
How Dangerous Are Copperheads?
Young copperheads have the ability to bite and inject venom from the time they are newly born. Like most pit vipers, they have hemotoxic venom.
Most copperhead bites are not life-threatening. On the other hand, any bite from this snake is a medical emergency and should be treated as such. Prompt medical attention increases the chance of a good outcome.
Copperhead bites can cause severe pain, shock, and swelling. Their bites also have the potential to cause blood in urine, tissue damage, and kidney failure.
An interesting study has found that Copperhead venom contains a protein called contortrostatin. Contortrostatin has been found to stop the growth of cancer cells in mice.
Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus)
Another common name for the Northern Cottonmouth is water moccasin. They look a little bit like rattlesnakes without the rattle on the tail. People also sometimes mistake them for common water snakes. This could be a dangerous mistake.
| Size | *These snakes grow up to 3 feet (0.91 m) in length. |
| Coloration | *Adults: Dark brown to black body with minimal markings. *Inside of the mouth: White, giving them the name “cottonmouth.” *Juveniles: More defined patterns, resembling a copperhead with darker bands that widen toward the belly and narrow along the back. *Inside is pale pink to white, visible during their defensive open-mouthed pose (origin of the name “cottonmouth”). |
| Body Shape | *Stout, muscular snakes. |
| Behaviors | *Cottonmouths arc their heads upward and display an open-mouthed pose when agitated. This exposes the white interior of their mouth. This is a warning to back off or suffer the consequences. *Interestingly, they can hold their breath underwater for up to an hour while hunting for prey. |
| Distinctive Features | *Pupils are cat-like and elliptical, appearing as narrow slits during the day. At night, pupils appear round. |
| Conservation Status: | Common within their range in Tennessee. |
Taxonomy of Tennessee’s Northern Cottonmouths
Historically, Tennessee’s cottonmouth population included Eastern and Western Cottonmouths. However, DNA analysis revealed minimal genetic differences between these groups. As a result, they are now taxonomically classified as Northern Cottonmouths. Their scientific name is Agkistrodon piscivorus.
Where Do Northern Cottonmouths Live in Tennessee?
You will find these snakes in West Tennessee.
They are semi-aquatic snakes. They favor habitats with water sources. These include swamps, drainage ditches, slow-moving rivers, and lakes. Interestingly, they can hold their breath underwater for up to an hour while hunting for prey. They commonly sun themselves on rocks or logs at the water’s edge. Cottonmouths sometimes venture overland. It’s not unheard of to see one far from any aquatic environment.
What Do Northern Cottonmouths Eat?
These snakes prey on fish, freshwater crustaceans, amphibians, small mammals, and other reptiles. Cottonmouths sometimes congregate around drying wetland pools to feed on any trapped fish.
How Dangerous Are Northern Cottonmouths?
Cottonmouth snake venom is cytotoxic. This means it destroys body tissue. Northern Cottonmouth bites sometimes lead to the amputation of limbs. On rare occasions, death can occur.
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Rattlesnakes in Tennessee
What Tennessee’s rattlesnakes have in common with most other rattlesnake species is their rattle.
- Most rattlesnakes have a rattle at their tail’s end, comprised of hollow, loosely interlocked keratinous scales.
- Normally, a rattlesnake adds a new segment to its rattle each time it sheds its skin.
- An agitated rattlesnake rapidly vibrates its tail, causing the segments of its rattle to vibrate together, creating a buzzing or rattling sound.
- Not all of Tennessee’s rattlesnakes rattle before they strike. Sometimes, they lose their rattles due to injury, and sometimes, they choose not to rattle.
Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)
Timber Rattler and Canebrake Rattlesnake are both common names for the Timber Rattlesnake. Generally, in higher-elevation habitats, they are called Timber Rattlesnakes. On the coastal plain, though, they’re called Canebrake Rattlesnakes.
| Size | *Average length: 36 to 60 inches (0.91 to 1.52 m). *Rare cases reported: Up to 7 feet (2.13 m). |
| Coloration | *General base color: Yellowish-brown to grey-brown. *Chevron pattern: Dark brown to black chevrons on their back and sides against a lighter base color. *Back stripe: Rusty to reddish stripe running down their back. *Tail color: Dark brown or black. |
| Melanistic Variation | *Some timber rattlesnakes exhibit a dark, melanistic color morph. *These snakes can appear almost entirely black. *The tail is darker than the rest of the body in this morph. |
| Behaviors | *These snakes are excellent climbers. In fact, timber rattlers have been found in trees at heights of more than 80 feet. *The experts have proven that timber rattlesnakes help control Lyme disease. This is because as they consume rodents, they’re also consuming ticks. A timber rattler will consume 2,500 to 4,500 ticks per year, depending on the location. |
| Conservation Status: | Protected species in Tennessee |
Where Do Timber Rattlesnakes Live in Tennessee?
Timber Rattlesnakes live statewide in Tennessee.
The Timber rattlesnake lives in various habitats. These include mountainous forests, pine forests, swamps, farm fields, and river floodplains. In the winter, they are found hibernating in crevices in the ground. These snakes are marvelous climbers and have been found in trees at heights of more than 80 feet.
What Do Timber Rattlesnakes Eat?
Timber rattlers prey on small rodents such as mice, rats, squirrels, chipmunks, and bats. They also eat small birds, other reptiles, and amphibians.
How Dangerous Are Timber Rattlesnakes?
- Timber Rattlesnakes are among the most dangerous in the United States. This is due to their long fangs and high venom yield. 1% to 10% of untreated Timber Rattlesnake bites result in a fatality.
- Fortunately, 40% to 60% of the time, they produce dry bites. In other words, although their fangs penetrate the body, they do not inject any venom.
- These snakes produce hemotoxic venom. Timber Rattlesnake bites sometimes cause serious complications. These include shock, seizures, coma, internal bleeding, and deep tissue damage.
Western Pygmy Rattlesnake
Other common names for this snake are ground rattlesnake and pigmy rattlesnake.
| Size | *Small, slender-tailed snake with a tiny rattle. *Length: 16 to 25 inches (41 to 64 cm). *Average length: 21.1 inches (54 cm). |
| Coloration and Markings | *Body: Light grayish brown with dark-colored blotches that form crossbars along the top and sides. *Stripe: Rust-colored vertical stripe on the back (may be absent in some individuals). *Belly: Cream-colored, often mottled. *Face: Distinct dark stripe from the corner of the mouth to the eye. |
| Rattle and Sound | *A tiny rattle produces a faint, grasshopper-like buzz. *Sound can only be heard from a few feet away. |
| Conservation Status | *Listed as Threatened by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency |
Where Do Western Pygmy Rattlesnakes Live in Tennessee?
These snakes are found along the western Highland Rim. This is from Stewart County to the southern Tennessee border. They live in the sandhills, mixed forests, and floodplains. They are also located near swampy areas, marshes, and lakes.
How Dangerous Are Western Pygmy Rattlesnakes?
Western Pygmy rattlesnakes have cytotoxic venom. By definition, cytotoxic venom destroys the body’s cells. This venom disrupts blood flow and prevents clotting with its digestive enzymes. Luckily, these snakes produce a small venom yield. A bite from a pygmy rattlesnake is unlikely to be fatal. However, any bite victim should still receive prompt medical attention.
Tennessee’s Venomous Snakes in Winter: Insights into Brumation
During winter, like all reptiles, Tennessee’s snakes enter a dormant state called brumation—a hibernation-like period. Because snakes are ectothermic (cold-blooded) and cannot regulate their body temperature internally, they slow their metabolism and become inactive during the colder months.
Brumation Habits
- Solo vs. Communal Brumation: Some snakes brumate alone, while others gather in communal dens. For example, Eastern Copperheads and Timber Rattlesnakes often share dens, which may house up to 60 snakes.
- Mixed-Species Dens: Interestingly, these dens can include non-venomous species. It’s not uncommon to find Black Rat Snakes sheltering alongside venomous snakes.
Regional Variations
- Snakes may only seek shelter in warmer areas on the coldest winter days. They might not enter full brumation due to milder conditions.
Where Snakes Spend Winter
Snakes seek out protected spots to brumate, such as:
- Rock crevices
- Hollow logs
- Fissures on rocky hillsides
They often choose south-facing slopes because these areas receive more sunlight, providing additional warmth during winter.
This natural adaptation allows Tennessee’s venomous snakes to survive the winter and re-emerge when temperatures rise.
Avoiding Snake Bite
Copperheads are responsible for the most venomous snake bites in Tennessee. These snakes are pretty well camouflaged. They often remain perfectly still to avoid detection. If you’re walking in the woods and unknowingly get too close, a copperhead might not move, hoping you’ll pass by. Many snake bites happen when someone accidentally steps on the snake. To stay safe in snake habitats, always watch where you step and where you place your hands.
Another common cause of snake bite is attempts to capture or kill a snake. Remember, venomous snakes can strike instantly, delivering a potentially life-threatening bite. The safest approach is to keep a safe distance and leave them alone.
Dressing for Snake Country
- High-top leather boots and long pants are both wise ideas.
- Also, wear loose-fitting denim. If there’s a gap before the snake’s fangs touch your skin, your chances of being envenomated are lower.
- In the absence of high-top leather boots, some people wear snake gaiters.
Symptoms of Venomous Snake Bites
Some of the symptoms you may experience when a venomous snake bites you include:
- Discoloration in the area of the bite.
- Swelling in the area of the bite.
- Loss of muscle coordination.
- Tingling sensation in the area of the bite.
- Feeling nauseous.
- Having a faster heartbeat or rapid pulse.
What Should You Do if You Are Bitten?
If you or someone you are with has suffered a venomous snakebite, time is of the essence. Because the sooner a victim receives antivenom, the less chance the venom in their body has to cause harm. In other words, it is important to seek immediate medical help.
Do not attempt to kill the snake for identification purposes. This gives the snake a chance to bite you again. Also, consider that severed snakeheads can still bite and envenomate and often do. If you have a phone, take a picture of the offending reptile. Otherwise, seek immediate medical attention.
First Aid for Snake Bite Victims
- Remain calm and limit your movements. Do not run. If you must hike back to a vehicle, do it calmly and deliberately. Put as little stress on your heart as possible.
- Keep the area of the snake bite below the heart level and never above the heart level. Keeping the bite below the heart level will reduce the venom’s flow. However, holding the bite above your heart level will increase the venom’s flow.
- Remove all constricting items such as bracelets, watches, or rings before swelling occurs.
- Remember that using a cold compress on a venomous snake bite is not advisable. The cold may cause the local blood vessels to constrict and spread the venom faster.
- You can wash the affected area like any other wound with soap and water.
- You may cover the bite area with a moist dressing to reduce the swelling.
- Get medical attention as soon as possible. Call the hospital to tell them a venomous snake has bitten you so, they can have antivenom ready to give you as soon as you arrive.
- A person whom a venomous snake has bitten may go into shock. If this happens, lay them flat and cover them with a blanket.
Conclusion
Tennessee’s venomous snakes are fascinating animals that are vital to the state’s ecosystem. They are also potentially dangerous. Anyone venturing into Tennessee’s outdoors should learn to identify these snakes, understand their behaviors, and recognize their habitats. This way, you can minimize the risks of a potentially dangerous snake encounter.
When you’re in snake country, stay vigilant. Pay particularly close attention to where you place your feet and hands. If you encounter a venomous snake, give it plenty of space. Finally, any venomous snake bite victim should seek prompt medical attention. This will maximize the chance of a positive outcome.
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