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Wildlife of Tennessee · Snakes

Copperhead in Tennessee

Venomous: bites are painful and need medical care, so keep people and pets away. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.

Call us today615-357-7797
A copperhead snake with hourglass banding resting on brown leaf litter at the edge of a Tennessee lawn, sharp detail.

At a Glance

About the Copperhead

Most Tennessee snakes are harmless, but four are venomous. Snakes come after mice, shelter and cool places, so reducing rodents and clutter helps keep them away.

We Remove It

Risk: Venomous: bites are painful and need medical care, so keep people and pets away.

Call 615-357-7797

Scientific nameAgkistrodon contortrix
Size2 to 3 feet
Where it shows upMulch beds, wood piles, rock gardens and leaf litter
When it is activeEvening and night in summer, daytime in spring and fall

Signs You Have One

How to Tell

These are the clues that point to a copperhead.

  • Hourglass-patterned copper-brown snake on mulch or leaves
  • Shed skins near foundations and woodpiles
  • Snakes drawn to rodent activity

How We Handle It

What We Do About the Copperhead

We inspect to confirm the species, remove the animals humanely, close every way in and clean up. We check for young before any work.

Prevention

Keep Them Away

Simple steps that help for this kind of animal.

  • Keep grass short and remove brush piles
  • Raise woodpiles off the ground
  • Seal gaps and control rodents
  • Never try to catch or kill a snake

Similar Animals

More Snakes

Free Tool

What Animal Is It? Identifier

Pick where it is, when you notice it and the signs you see, and get a ranked list of the likely Tennessee animals.

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Good to Know

Questions About Copperhead

Still have a question?

Call 615-357-7797

How do I know if I have a copperhead?

Common signs: hourglass-patterned copper-brown snake on mulch or leaves; shed skins near foundations and woodpiles; snakes drawn to rodent activity.

Is a copperhead dangerous?

Venomous: bites are painful and need medical care, so keep people and pets away. When in doubt, keep your distance and call us.

What does Music City Wildlife do about a copperhead?

We inspect to confirm the species, remove the animals humanely, close every way in and clean up. We check for young before any work. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.

Free Estimate

Tell Us What Is Going On

Describe what you see, hear or smell and we will get back to you quickly with a plan and a free estimate. For an animal in the house or any emergency, skip the form and call 615-357-7797 any hour.

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