There are 34 different snakes in Tennessee. Out of these, there are 4 species of venomous snakes. In this article, we will list the types of venomous snakes. We will also describe each snake and where you will likely find them in the state of Tennessee.
- Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)
- Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus)
- Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)
- Western Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius streckeri)
Pit Vipers
Rattlesnakes, Copperheads, and Cottonmouths belong to the venomous Crotalinae or pit viper family. Pit vipers have a facial pit between their nostril and eyes on each side of their face. These pits are actually specialized organs that detect body heat from warm-blooded prey. Pit organs enable pit vipers to strike their prey precisely, even in the dark. They are also able to detect body heat from about 1 meter away.
These snakes also have a triangular-shaped head attached to a slender neck. Furthermore, the pupils of their eyes are vertical slits.
Pit vipers have hollow fangs connected to venom glands on each side of the roofs of their mouths. They use their fangs to inject venom into their prey. This venom immobilizes the prey, making it easier for the snake to consume. 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.
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. In other words, they are venomless. Source
Pit vipers primarily consume small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, small birds, and large insects. These snakes play an interesting role in maintaining balance in rodent populations.
Eastern Copperhead
| Scientific Name: | Agkistrodon contortrix |
| Description: | Adult copperheads are 20 to 37 inches (50 to 95 cm) long. Their bodies are coppery brown overlayed with dark brown hourglass blotches. |
| Habitat: | Deciduous forests, river bottoms, and rocky wooded slopes. |
| Conservation Status: | Abundant within their range except central and western Tennessee. |
Tennessee was formerly the home of the Northern Copperhead snake (A.c.mokasen). However, DNA analysis reveals minimal difference among former subspecies of copperheads. Today the former Northern Copperhead, Southern Copperhead, and Osage Copperhead are taxonomically combined. The common name for these snakes is Eastern Copperhead. Their scientific name is Agkistrodon contortrix. Source
The Eastern Copperhead is a pit viper native to the eastern United States.
Eastern Copperhead snakes have reddish-tan to grayish-tan bodies. Their bodies are overlaid with hourglass-shaped dark brown markings. Their triangular heads are proportionately large. The color of their head is dark coppery brown. This is the reason they have the name “Copperhead.”
Copperheads are stout heavy-bodied snakes. Adult copperheads are 20 to 37 inches (50 to 95 cm) long.
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.
Wintertime Brumation
Snakes do not tolerate the cold weather in the winter months very well. They are ectotherms, which means they can not regulate their body temperature internally. Physiologically, ectotherms cannot hibernate. Yet, they go into a state of suspended animation called brumation for up to 6 months out of the year.
Copperheads winter underneath rocks, in hollow logs, and in fissures on rocky hillsides. An individual might brumate alone in some parts of their range. But copperheads tend to be social. In some areas, they congregate together in dens with other snakes through the winter.
In hilly terrain, south-facing slopes capture more radiant warmth from the sun. So, that is where these dens are generally located. The other snakes they den with are not necessarily just copperheads. Sometimes, they share their dens with other species of snakes. You may find a Timber Rattler or a Black Rat Snake sharing the same den with copperheads. These wintertime dens may hold up to 60 snakes.
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
| Scientific Name: | Agkistrodon piscivorus |
| Description: | These are stout, muscular snakes that grow up to 3 feet (.91m) long. The Northern Cottonmouth has a dark brown to black body with few markings. They have a white mouth. |
| Habitat: | They favor aquatic habitats such as swamps, drainage ditches, slow-moving rivers, and lakes. |
| Conservation Status: | Common within their range in Tennessee. |
The cottonmouth population in Tennessee was formerly called Western Cottonmouth. However, DNA analysis shows little genetic difference between Eastern Cottonmouths and Western Cottonmouths. Today, the former Eastern Cottonmouth and Western Cottonmouth are taxonomically combined. The common name for these snakes is Northern Cottonmouth. Their scientific name is Agkistrodon piscivorus. Source Source
Northern Cottonmouths are sometimes called water moccasins. These are stout, muscular snakes that grow up to 3 feet (.91m) long. 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.
The Northern Cottonmouth has a dark brown to black body with few markings. The inside of their mouth has a white interior, hence the name “cottonmouth.” When threatened, they will pose with their mouth open. They have cat-like pupils, which appear as narrow slits in the day, and at night, they have a round appearance.
The juvenile cottonmouth has a more clearly defined pattern than adults. Their patterning resembles that of a copperhead. They have darker bands, though, that widen toward the belly and narrow at the back.
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. See
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. See
Also see: Scorpions in Tennessee – Krebs Creek
Are There Elk in Tennessee? – Krebs Creek
Wild Cats in Tennessee – Krebs Creek
Timber Rattlesnake
| Scientific Name: | Crotalus horridus |
| Description: | Adult Timber Rattlesnakes grow between 36 and 60 inches (.91 to 1.52m) long. Their bodies are yellowish-brown with a dark chevron pattern. They also have a rusty stripe down their backs. Their tails are dark brown or black. |
| Habitat: | Timber Rattlesnakes prefer wooded areas and hillsides with rocky outcroppings. |
| Conservation Status: | Protected species in Tennessee |
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.
The average Timber Rattlesnake grows between 36 and 60 inches (.91 to 1.52m) long. However, there have been reports of them growing up to 7 feet (2.13m) long. See
These snakes vary in color. Their general base coloration is a yellowish-brown to grey-brown, though. They have a dark brown to black chevron pattern on their back and sides against a lighter base color. Moreover, they have a rusty to reddish stripe down their backs. They have a dark brown or black tail with a tan rattle on the end of the tail. There are also melanistic timber rattlers. These are dark and sometimes almost entirely black. In the dark color morph of these snakes, the tail is also darker than the rest of the snake’s body.
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. Source
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.
These snakes are excellent climbers. In fact, researchers have found timber rattlers in trees at heights of more than 80 feet. Source
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. See
Winter Dormancy
As we discussed in the section on copperheads, snakes brumate in the winter. Brumation is a reptile’s version of hibernation.
Timber Rattlesnakes make wintertime dens in sheltered spots. They den underneath rocks and logs, as well as in fissures in rocky hillsides. An individual Timber Rattler might brumate alone in some parts of their range. But in other areas, they congregate in dens with other snakes through the winter.
Dens are usually placed on slopes facing south because they get more warmth from the sun. They don’t always share their dens only with Timber Rattlers. Sometimes, they share their dens with other species of snakes. These might include Copperheads, Black Rat Snakes. These wintertime dens may hold up to 60 snakes.
How Dangerous Are Timber Rattlesnakes?
Timber Rattlesnakes are among the most dangerous snakes in North America. This is due to their long fangs and high venom yield. 1% to 10% of untreated Timber Rattlesnake bites result in a fatality.
The good news is that Timber Rattlesnakes are relatively docile. They will only choose to bite defensively as a last resort. Also, 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. Source
These snakes produce hemotoxic venom. Timber Rattlesnake bites sometimes cause serious complications. These include shock, seizures, coma, internal bleeding, and deep tissue damage. Source
Western Pygmy Rattlesnake
| Scientific Name: | Sistrurus miliarius streckeri |
| Description: | Adult Western pygmies are 16 to 25 inches (.41 to .64m) long. Their bodies are light gray overlayed with dark spots. A rust-colored stripe runs along the center of the back. |
| Habitat: | They inhabit sandhills, mixed forests, floodplains, and near marshes and lakes. |
| Conservation Status: | Listed as Threatened by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency |
The Western Pygmy Rattlesnake is a small, slender-tailed snake with a tiny rattle. It grows in length between 16 to 25 inches (.41 to .64m). The base color of their body is light gray. Furthermore, they have a rust-colored stripe along the middle of the back. (The stripe may be absent in some individuals.) They also have a series of dark blotches along their top and sides. Their cream-colored bellies are frequently mottled. They have a distinct, dark stripe that leads from the corner of their mouth to their eye. Their tiny rattle makes a faint grasshopper-like buzz that can only be heard about a yard away.
Other common names for this snake are ground rattlesnake and pigmy rattlesnake.
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.
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.
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.
