Snakes are scary reptiles that are found in a range of habitats.Their skin lying on the ground is even a terrifying sight. But it’s not the skin that is dangerous; the venom of several snake species is deadly, even for humans.The venom of a snake is a cause of concern for residents of all states in the USA. Tennessee is no different. It has some of the most poisonous species in the form of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and water moccasins. But the state is home to some harmless snakes too. It is hard to figure out which is which when you are panicking at the sight of a snake though. What are some snakes that are dangerous in terms of their poison in Tennessee? Let’s find out.Afterward, also read about how to identify a baby copperhead snake and how to get rid of garter snakes.Venomous Snakes In TennesseeAre there poisonous snakes in Tennessee? If yes, which ones are they?Tennessee is home to many snakes. Some of them are venomous snakes and some are nonvenomous snakes. There are several kinds of venomous snakes found in Tennessee. The copperhead is a venomous snake found in Tennessee. The northern copperhead and southern copperhead are seen in Tennessee areas. Copperhead bites are not so fatal since their venom does not cause much harm to healthy humans.These copperheads are usually shy in nature and are found in habitats like wetlands and lakes. The timber rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in Tennessee. It is considered very dangerous too. Bites of this venomous snake have a high venom yield but these snakes don’t attack very easily. A timber rattlesnake will make rattling sounds before attacking as a means of warning. Even though this snake is shy, they are considered dangerous venomous snakes. Timber rattlesnakes occupy remote wooded areas in the wild.Cottonmouths are venomous snakes found in western Tennessee and central Tennessee. These snakes are often confused with water snakes due to their appearance. The western cottonmouth is found in the aquatic habitat. They are also called water moccasins. The venom of these snakes is potent and they are dangerous. However, a cottonmouth will not attack you unless it feels threatened. The bite of this venomous snake is dangerous so it is better to avoid these snakes. The western pygmy rattlesnake is found in western Tennessee. They are small snakes and are very colorful in appearance. In the wild, they are seen near water. These snakes feed on frogs, lizards, and other small snakes. They are aggressive when disturbed. The venom of a pigmy rattlesnake is not life-threatening but it is better to leave these snakes alone.Understanding Venomous SnakesWhat can we understand from venomous snakes in Tennessee? Are these snakes harmful to humans?Snakes rarely attack us first. When they are threatened, they bite. Most snake bites are a way for snakes to protect themselves. Venomous snakes in Tennessee are no different in this matter. These snakes do not occupy urban areas and prefer remote areas where they won’t be disturbed. Juvenile copperheads prey on small insects. Adult copperheads eat small birds, insects, amphibians, and other small snakes. Rattlesnakes are pit vipers.As pit vipers, they can sense prey. These snakes feed mostly on small rodents but they also eat other insects. Cottonmouths eat a variety of animals. These water moccasins feed on amphibians and small mammals. From their diet, it is clear that none of them prefer humans as food. All the bites that humans get are for disturbing these snakes.Are there a lot of snakes in Tennessee?How many snake species are there in Tennessee? Are they all venomous?There are a total of 32 snake species in Tennessee. We have talked about venomous snakes. The rest of them are non-venomous snakes.Getting a bite from these snake species won’t be a big problem. Rat snakes, garter snakes, race snakes, coral snakes, king snakes, and brown snakes are some of the common non-venomous snake species. Often the common water snake is mistaken for a water moccasin. Other than that, there is no danger from the other non-venomous snakes.What should you do if you get bitten?What if you get bitten by a snake in Tennessee? What should you do?Firstly, stay calm and contact the nearest hospital. Secondly, you need to identify which snake bit you. If it was a timber rattlesnake, a copperhead, or some other poisonous snake, then the treatment should be to get rid of the venom.Don’t move and scare the snake further once you are bitten. None of the venomous snakes in Tennessee are extremely fatal, but if you don’t take necessary precautions, the consequences can be deadly. If the snake is not venomous, then there is no need for extreme panic. Snake bites are common in Tennessee due to the high variety of snakes there, but you would only get bitten if snakes feel threatened.Co-existing With Snakes In TennesseeIs it impossible to live in an area of snakes? No, not really. Snakes and humans can co-exist very well. Just don’t get into each other’s personal spaces.We can’t ask these snakes to stay away from our personal space, but we can take necessary actions to stop a snake bite from happening. Most snakes in Tennessee are harmless, but if you are worried about a snake invading your space, then take necessary steps like sealing off any places where snakes can hide. Also, having natural predators of snakes like dogs and bobcats would be a great idea. Whatever the case, do not harm a snake if you don’t want a bite.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for poisonous snakes in Tennessee then why not take a look at what do snake eggs look like, or copperhead facts.
Snakes are scary reptiles that are found in a range of habitats.
