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Wildlife of Tennessee · Snakes

Timber Rattlesnake in Tennessee

Venomous and a species of special concern, so keep your distance and call for help. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.

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A timber rattlesnake coiled on a rocky Tennessee hillside with yellow-brown banding, sharp wildlife photo.

At a Glance

About the Timber Rattlesnake

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.

Call TWRA First

Risk: Venomous and a species of special concern, so keep your distance and call for help.

Call 615-357-7797

Scientific nameCrotalus horridus
Size3 to 5 feet
Where it shows upRocky hillsides, wooded lots and old farms
When it is activeDaytime and evening in warm months

Signs You Have One

How to Tell

These are the clues that point to a timber rattlesnake.

  • A heavy-bodied snake with a rattle and dark chevron bands
  • Basking on rocky ledges in warm weather
  • A buzzing rattle warning

Call TWRA First

What We Do About the Timber Rattlesnake

This animal is managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. If it is a danger or is injured, call TWRA. We help you protect your property, pets and garden with fencing, deterrents and securing food.

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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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 Timber Rattlesnake

Still have a question?

Call 615-357-7797

How do I know if I have a timber rattlesnake?

Common signs: a heavy-bodied snake with a rattle and dark chevron bands; basking on rocky ledges in warm weather; a buzzing rattle warning.

Is a timber rattlesnake dangerous?

Venomous and a species of special concern, so keep your distance and call for help. When in doubt, keep your distance and call us.

What does Music City Wildlife do about a timber rattlesnake?

This animal is managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. If it is a danger or is injured, call TWRA. We help you protect your property, pets and garden with fencing, deterrents and securing food. 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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