Wildlife of Tennessee · Snakes
Northern Water Snake in Tennessee
Non-venomous but bites when handled, and it is commonly mistaken for a cottonmouth. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.
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At a Glance
About the Northern Water Snake
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.
Identify First
Risk: Non-venomous but bites when handled, and it is commonly mistaken for a cottonmouth.
Signs You Have One
How to Tell
These are the clues that point to a northern water snake.
- Banded brown snake basking on rocks or docks
- Swims with the body low in the water
- Often mistaken for a cottonmouth
Usually Harmless
What We Do About the Northern Water Snake
This animal is usually harmless, and removal is often not needed. We can identify it, move it when it is in a bad spot and help prevent a repeat.
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
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Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix
Venomous: bites are painful and need medical care, so keep people and pets away.
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Timber Rattlesnake
Crotalus horridus
Venomous and a species of special concern, so keep your distance and call for help.
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Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin)
Agkistrodon piscivorus
Venomous, and it is often mistaken for harmless water snakes.
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Black Rat Snake
Pantherophis alleghaniensis
Harmless to people and good at rodent control, but it can startle people in attics.
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.
Related Guides
Read More Before You Call
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Read the guideIdentify the AnimalVenomous Snakes in Tennessee: How to Tell Them Apart
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Read the guideHow do I know if I have a northern water snake?
Common signs: banded brown snake basking on rocks or docks; swims with the body low in the water; often mistaken for a cottonmouth.
Is a northern water snake dangerous?
Non-venomous but bites when handled, and it is commonly mistaken for a cottonmouth. When in doubt, keep your distance and call us.
What does Music City Wildlife do about a northern water snake?
This animal is usually harmless, and removal is often not needed. We can identify it, move it when it is in a bad spot and help prevent a repeat. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.
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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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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
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