Are you wondering “What snakes are in Tennessee?” If so, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore the most common snake species found in the state of Tennessee and how to identify them. We’ll also discuss their habitats and behaviors, as well as what to do if you find one in your backyard. So, read on to discover the snakes of Tennessee and learn more about the fascinating creatures that call this state home.
Types of Snakes in Tennessee
Tennessee is home to a variety of snake species, including both venomous and non-venomous varieties. The state has six venomous snake species, namely the Copperhead, Cottonmouth, Eastern Coral Snake, Timber Rattlesnake, Pigmy Rattlesnake, and Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake. Copperheads are the most commonly encountered venomous snake in Tennessee, found in wooded and rocky areas throughout the state. Cottonmouths are also found in wet, marshy areas throughout Tennessee. Eastern Coral Snakes are rarely encountered, but can be found in the eastern part of the state. Timber Rattlesnakes are found in the western part of Tennessee, while Pigmy Rattlesnakes can be found in the central and eastern parts of the state. The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is the most venomous of the six venomous species and is only found in the western part of the state.
Tennessee is also home to 14 species of non-venomous snake. These include the Northern Black Racer, Fox Snake, Corn Snake, DeKay’s Brownsnake, Eastern Garter Snake, Eastern Hog-nosed Snake, Eastern Hognose Snake, Eastern Worm Snake, Redbelly Snake, Rough Green Snake, Scarlet Snake, Smooth Green Snake, Northern Water Snake, and Eastern Ratsnake. Northern Black Racers are found in wooded areas throughout the state, while Fox Snakes can be found in the western part of Tennessee. Corn Snakes are found in the central part of the state, and DeKay’s Brownsnakes can be found in the eastern part. Eastern Garter Snakes and Eastern Hog-nosed Snakes can be found in the eastern and western parts of the state, respectively. Eastern Worm Snakes, Redbelly Snakes, Rough Green Snakes, Scarlet Snakes, Smooth Green Snakes, Northern Water Snakes, and Eastern Ratsnakes can all be found throughout the state.
Habitats of Snakes in Tennessee
Tennessee is home to a variety of snake species, many of which can be found in a range of habitats. Here are some of the most common habitats for Tennessee snakes:
- Forests: Tennessee’s forests offer a range of habitats for snakes, from lush hardwood forests to more sparse pine forests. Snakes like the black rat snake, eastern garter snake, and northern water snake can be found in these areas.
- Swamps: Swamps are home to a variety of snake species, including the cottonmouth, mud snake, and speckled kingsnake.
- Grasslands: Grasslands are a great habitat for snakes like the eastern hognose snake, eastern coachwhip, and eastern hog-nosed snake.
- Rocky Areas: Rocky areas like bluffs, cliffs, and caves provide a home for a variety of snakes, such as the timber rattlesnake, copperhead, and black rat snake.
- Rivers and Streams: Snakes like the eastern water snake and northern water snake can often be found near rivers and streams.
Tennessee is home to many other snake species, including the eastern indigo snake, black kingsnake, and corn snake. With so many different species of snakes living in Tennessee, it is important to be aware of the habitats they inhabit and take the necessary precautions when exploring their natural habitats.
Common Species of Snakes in Tennessee
Tennessee is home to several species of snakes, both venomous and non-venomous. Some of the most commonly seen snakes in Tennessee include Eastern Garter Snake, Northern Copperhead, Timber Rattlesnake, Eastern Hog-nosed Snake, Eastern Kingsnake, and Eastern Ribbon Snake.
| Species | Description |
|---|---|
| Eastern Garter Snake | This snake is typically small to medium in size and has black, yellow and green stripes. It is non-venomous and can be found in all parts of the state. |
| Northern Copperhead | This venomous snake has a copper-colored head and a dark brown or black body. It is usually found in wooded areas and is most active during the day. |
| Timber Rattlesnake | This venomous snake is usually dark brown or black in color and has a rattle at the end of its tail. It can be found in wooded areas and is usually active during the day. |
| Eastern Hog-nosed Snake | This non-venomous snake has a large flat head and a black and white checkered pattern on its back. It can be found in grassy and wooded areas and is usually active during the day. |
| Eastern Kingsnake | This non-venomous snake is usually black in color and has white or yellow bands around its body. It can be found in wooded areas and is usually active during the day. |
| Eastern Ribbon Snake | This small non-venomous snake is usually black in color and has yellow stripes along its body. It can be found in wooded areas and is usually active during the day. |
The snakes listed above are some of the most commonly seen snakes in Tennessee. It is important to remember that all snakes should be respected and left alone, as they play an important role in the ecosystem. If you come across a snake, the best thing to do is to give it space and watch from a safe distance.
Venomous Snakes in Tennessee
- Copperhead
- Cottonmouth
- Timber Rattlesnake
- Eastern Massasauga
- Western Pigmy Rattlesnake
Tennessee is home to five species of venomous snakes: copperhead, cottonmouth, timber rattlesnake, eastern massasauga, and western pigmy rattlesnake. The copperhead and cottonmouth can be found in the western and middle parts of the state. The timber rattlesnake and eastern massasauga are more common in the eastern and middle parts of Tennessee, while the western pigmy rattlesnake is found in the west. All five species have the potential to bite and should be treated with caution.
Non-Venomous Snakes in Tennessee
| Common Name | Scientific Name |
|---|---|
| Ringneck Snake | Diadophis punctatus |
| Black Rat Snake | Pantherophis obsoletus |
| Gray Ratsnake | Pantherophis spiloides |
| Rough Green Snake | Opheodrys aestivus |
| Scarlet Snake | Cemophora coccinea |
| Corn Snake | Pantherophis guttatus |
| Garter Snake | Thamnophis sirtalis |
| Red-bellied Snake | Storeria occipitomaculata |
| Smooth Earth Snake | Virginia valeriae valeriae |
| Brown Snake | Storeria dekayi |
| Mole Kingsnake | Lampropeltis calligaster |
| Eastern Hog-nosed Snake | Heterodon platirhinos |
Tennessee is home to numerous species of non-venomous snakes. Some of the most common non-venomous snakes in Tennessee include the Ringneck Snake, Black Rat Snake, Gray Ratsnake, Rough Green Snake, Scarlet Snake, Corn Snake, Garter Snake, Red-bellied Snake, Smooth Earth Snake, Brown Snake, Mole Kingsnake, and the Eastern Hog-nosed Snake.
Endangered Species of Snakes in Tennessee
- Timber Rattlesnake
- Eastern Massasauga
- Northern Black Racer
- Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
- Smooth Greensnake
- Northern Redbelly Snake
Tennessee is home to some of the most unique and endangered species of snakes in the United States. These species are protected by the state and federal government, making it illegal to hunt, collect, or harm them. The six species of endangered snakes in Tennessee are the Timber Rattlesnake, Eastern Massasauga, Northern Black Racer, Eastern Hog-nosed Snake, Smooth Greensnake, and Northern Redbelly Snake.
The Timber Rattlesnake is one of the most endangered species in Tennessee. This species is found in the central and eastern parts of the state and is distinguished by its yellowish-brown body, diamond-shaped patches, and a rattle at the end of its tail. The Eastern Massasauga is another species found in Tennessee, mostly in the western and central parts of the state. It is a small rattlesnake species, with a grey body and dark blotches.
The Northern Black Racer is a large, non-venomous species found in the eastern part of the state. It is characterized by its black or dark-brown color, slender body, and long tail. The Eastern Hog-nosed Snake is a small species found in the western and central parts of the state. It is distinguished by its upturned nose and a checkered pattern on its back.
The Smooth Greensnake is a slender, non-venomous species found in the eastern part of the state. It is characterized by its green color, light underside, and pointed head. The Northern Redbelly Snake is a small, non-venomous species found in the western and central portions of the state. It is characterized by its copper-red underside and black back.
These six species of endangered snakes in Tennessee are protected by state and federal laws, and it is illegal to hunt, collect, or harm them. It is important to be mindful of their habitats and to be respectful of their space when in the outdoors.
Conservation Efforts for Snakes in Tennessee
Tennessee is home to over 40 species of snakes, including several threatened or endangered species. In order to protect these species, conservation efforts must be taken to ensure the continued survival of these animals. Tennessee has taken a number of important steps to protect its snakes, including the creation of a state-wide Wildlife Action Plan, which outlines strategies for conserving threatened and endangered species and their habitats.
The state also encourages private landowners to take part in conservation efforts. The Bureau of Land Management has created a program called the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program, which provides financial and technical assistance to landowners who wish to restore and maintain habitats important to species of wildlife, including snakes. Participants in the program receive assistance in the form of cost-share payments, technical assistance, and other forms of support.
Tennessee has also established several wildlife management areas, which are areas set aside for the conservation of wildlife species, including snakes. These areas provide important habitat for snakes, and are managed to ensure their continued existence.
In addition, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has established a program called the Non-Game Wildlife Program, which works to protect the state’s non-game wildlife species, including snakes. The program works to protect and restore habitats for these species, as well as to educate the public about the importance of snakes and other wildlife.
Tennessee also has several laws in place to protect snakes, including the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Regulations, which prohibits the persecution of any species of wildlife, including snakes. In addition, the state has a law prohibiting the collection of native venomous snakes.
By taking these important steps, Tennessee is helping to ensure the survival of its snake species. Through conservation efforts, these animals can continue to be an important part of the state’s natural heritage.
Identifying Snakes in Tennessee
Tennessee has over 28 species of snakes, and it is important to be able to identify them in order to stay safe. The most common species of snakes in Tennessee are the Eastern Garter Snake, the Eastern Ratsnake, the Copperhead, and the Timber Rattlesnake.
The Eastern Garter Snake is the most widely distributed species in Tennessee, and is found throughout the state. It is a small snake, typically about two feet in length, and is usually olive or brown with yellow stripes.
The Eastern Ratsnake is a large snake, typically four to six feet in length, and is found throughout Tennessee. It is usually black or grey with white or yellow spots on the sides.
The Copperhead is the most common venomous species in Tennessee, and is usually between two and three feet in length. It is usually brown or copper in color, with darker brown or black hourglass-shaped markings on the body.
The Timber Rattlesnake is the most dangerous species of snake in Tennessee, and is usually between three and five feet in length. It is usually gray or brown in color, with dark brown or black diamond-shaped markings on the body. It also has a rattle at the end of its tail.
When in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of caution and assume that any snake encountered is venomous. If a snake is found, it is best to leave it alone and avoid contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What species of snakes are found in Tennessee?
Tennessee is home to 37 species of snakes, including the copperhead, timber rattlesnake, cottonmouth, and the Eastern coral snake. Other species found in the state include the black rat snake, brown water snake, corn snake, Eastern hognose snake, queen snake, redbelly snake, scarlet snake, and the rough green snake. All of these snakes are non-venomous, except for the copperhead, timber rattlesnake and cottonmouth.
Are there any poisonous snakes in Tennessee?
Yes, there are six species of venomous snakes in Tennessee – the Eastern Copperhead, the Timber Rattlesnake, the Pigmy Rattlesnake, the Cottonmouth, the Eastern Massasauga, and the Canebrake Rattlesnake. All of these snakes are considered potentially dangerous and should be avoided.
What is the most common species of snake found in Tennessee?
Tennessee is home to 34 species of snakes, with the most common species being the Eastern Garter Snake. This non-venomous snake is typically found in wet areas such as marshes, ponds, or streams. It is generally a light brown color with three yellow stripes running along its back. The Eastern Garter Snake prefers to feed on amphibians, fish, and worms.
How can I identify the snakes found in Tennessee?
Tennessee has a variety of snakes, including venomous and non-venomous species. To identify the snakes found in Tennessee, look for distinguishing features such as body shape, size, color, and pattern. Venomous snakes typically have wider heads and narrower bodies, while non-venomous snakes usually have tapered heads and thicker bodies. Additionally, venomous snakes can be identified by their distinct patterns, such as the diamondback rattlesnake’s diamond-shaped pattern, the copperhead’s hourglass-shaped pattern, and the cottonmouth’s cross-banded pattern. Other non-venomous snakes in Tennessee can be identified by their solid colors such as gray, brown, or black.
Are there any Rare Species of Snake Found in Tennessee?
Tennessee is home to six species of venomous snakes and thirty-nine species of non-venomous snakes. The venomous snakes include the Eastern Cottonmouth, Copperhead, Pigmy Rattlesnake, Timber Rattlesnake, Massasauga, and the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake. The rarest of these species is the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, which is one of the largest and most venomous in the world. It is rarely seen, as it prefers more remote areas of the state, such as the Cumberland Plateau. The Eastern Cottonmouth is also found in more remote areas, but is still relatively common.
Conclusion
Tennessee is home to a variety of snakes, with some of the most common species being the Black Rat Snake, Copperhead, Corn Snake, Eastern Hog-nosed Snake, and Northern Water Snake. By identifying the physical characteristics and habitat of each species, it is possible to determine which snake is present in a given area. With its diverse population of snakes, Tennessee provides an ideal environment for reptile enthusiasts and wildlife watchers.
