
Wildlife of Tennessee · Snakes
Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin) in Tennessee
Venomous, and it is often mistaken for harmless water snakes. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.
Call us today615-357-7797
At a Glance
About the Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin)
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, and it is often mistaken for harmless water snakes.
Signs You Have One
How to Tell
These are the clues that point to a cottonmouth (water moccasin).
- Thick dark snake near ponds and sloughs
- White mouth displayed when threatened
- Floats high on the water with the head up
How We Handle It
What We Do About the Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin)
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
We Remove ItSnakes
Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix
Venomous: bites are painful and need medical care, so keep people and pets away.
Call TWRA FirstSnakes
Timber Rattlesnake
Crotalus horridus
Venomous and a species of special concern, so keep your distance and call for help.
Identify FirstSnakes
Black Rat Snake
Pantherophis alleghaniensis
Harmless to people and good at rodent control, but it can startle people in attics.
Identify FirstFree 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.
Related Guides
Read More Before You Call
Identify the AnimalVenomous Snakes in Tennessee: How to Tell Them Apart
Most Tennessee snakes are harmless, but four are venomous. Knowing the difference helps you stay calm and stay safe.
Read the guide
Health and SafetyProtect Your Pets From Coyotes, Raccoons and Snakes
Wildlife and pets share more space than ever. A few small habits can prevent most injuries.
Read the guide
PreventionTrash, Pet Food and Bird Seed: Stop Feeding Wildlife by Accident
Many wildlife problems start with an easy meal. Take the meal away and the animals move on.
Read the guideHow do I know if I have a cottonmouth (water moccasin)?
Common signs: thick dark snake near ponds and sloughs; white mouth displayed when threatened; floats high on the water with the head up.
Is a cottonmouth (water moccasin) dangerous?
Venomous, and it is often mistaken for harmless water snakes. When in doubt, keep your distance and call us.
What does Music City Wildlife do about a cottonmouth (water moccasin)?
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.
Get Your Free Estimate

Music City Wildlife removes and prevents wildlife problems in homes and businesses across Nashville and Middle Tennessee, from squirrels in the attic to bats in the walls, with humane methods, careful sealing and cleanup.
- 615-357-7797
- Open 24 hours for emergencies
- Nashville, Tennessee · Servicing Middle Tennessee
Follow Us
