Guide · Identify the Animal
Venomous 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.
Call us today615-357-7797Most Tennessee snakes are harmless, but four are venomous. Knowing the difference helps you stay calm and stay safe.
The four venomous snakes
Tennessee has four: the copperhead, the timber rattlesnake, the western pygmy rattlesnake and the cottonmouth. The copperhead is the most common around homes.
How to recognize them
Venomous snakes tend to have thick bodies, a triangular head and narrow pupils. Copperheads have hourglass bands, and rattlesnakes have a rattle. But do not rely on a single sign.
What to do
Stay at least six feet away, keep pets and children inside and call a professional. If someone is bitten, call 911 right away. Do not cut the wound or try to suck out venom.
In This Guide
Animals Mentioned
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.
We Remove ItSnakes
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.
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