Copperheads in Tennessee: Where They Live and How Often They Bite

Everyone will likely encounter a snake at least once in their lives if they spend enough time outdoors. Snake sightings are common throughout Tennessee, with about 32 species of snakes living in the state. However, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, only four of these snake species are venomous. All four species belong to the group called the pit vipers. Copperheads are the most frequently encountered venomous snakes in Tennessee. They are also responsible for most snake bites recorded in the state and are considered one of the most venomous snakes in the United States.

This article explores copperheads in Tennessee, where they live, how often they bite, and how to identify these reptiles so you can try your best to avoid them.

Types of Copperheads in Tennessee: Identification 

Two types of copperhead snakes are found in Tennessee. They are the Southern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix), and the Northern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen). These two subspecies are generally similar in appearance. However, southern copperheads which occur in extreme West Tennessee are paler than the Northern subspecies, which occurs across the rest of the state. It’s important to note that these two subspecies interbreed along a wide zone where the ranges meet.

Typically, copperhead species are heavy-bodied and medium-sized. Adult copperheads grow up to 24-48 inches in length, and some can be longer. You can identify a copperhead by its triangular-shaped reddish-brown (or copper-red) head that is larger in proportion to its narrow neck. These snakes have vertical, elliptical pupils and distinctive dark brown “hourglass” crossbands that are wide on the sides and narrow at the center of the back. The brown color pattern of their body can make them incredibly hard to spot as they blend right into the surrounding leaves. Baby copperheads have a bright yellow tail, which they often flick as they lay motionless on the ground, to attract unsuspecting lizards or frogs –a behavior called “caudal luring.” 

What Parts of Tennessee Have the Most Copperheads?

Copperheads are pit viper species found in all parts of the state of Tennessee. The best places to see copperheads in Tennessee are rocky, forested hillsides of the western Highland Rim or mountains in eastern Tennessee. Copperheads are also one of the most common venomous snakes in Middle Tennessee.

Where Do Copperheads Live in Tennessee?

Copperheads can be found in almost all habitats in Tennessee, but they often prefer forested areas within or near urban and suburban developments. They avoid open areas such as pastures and agricultural fields because they rely on camouflage for safety. This is why it is not unusual to find them on rocky, wooded hillsides and lowlands with plenty of logs, leaf litter, or rocks that serve as cover. Copperheads can also be found near wetlands, stream edges, and other waterways. On cool fall or spring days, they’re sometimes seen ‘sunning’ themselves on pavement and other warm surfaces such as parking lots, walkways, and roads. People have reported spotting these snakes lying on warm, wet road pavements at night after a summer rain shower. 

What Time of the Year are Copperheads Most Active?

Copperheads in Tennessee tend to be most active at dawn and dusk during the warmer seasons – between April and October. Mating occurs between February and May and again in late fall from August to October. Live births of between one and 21 baby snakes occur during late summer through the early fall season. Therefore, if you are hiking or walking during these months, be sure to look carefully where you place your hands and feet.

Because cicadas are one of the top treats in Tennessee that copperheads like to eat, you can be certain that copperheads are lurking around whenever you hear those wild cicadas chirping up at night.

How Often Are People Bitten by Copperheads in Tennessee?

Copperhead is the most responsible for snakebites in Tennessee. Approximately 2,920 people are bitten by copperhead snakes in the United States each year. Only about 0.01% of these cases are fatal. In fact, in the past 40 years, there have been only seven recorded deaths from snakebites in Tennessee. The venom of the copperhead is not very potent, so fatalities from bites are extremely rare, though they still have the potential to cause severe tissue damage. Tennessee health officials have reported that bites from the copperhead species can cause intense burning pain at the site of the bite, rapid swelling, discoloration, or blood-filled blisters after 6 to 10 hours. In severe cases, sweating, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and trouble breathing are possible. If you get bitten by any venomous snake, seek medical attention immediately.

Reports state that most snake bites in Tennessee occur between April and October when the weather is warm and people are outdoors. While wildlife officials confirm that copperhead snakes usually aren’t aggressive, messing with them can get you bitten. Trying to pick them up, move them, or kill them can get these snakes triggered to attack. Just leaving any snake you encounter alone is the best way to avoid getting bitten by a venomous species.

Are Copperhead Snakes Protected in Tennessee?

Copperhead snakes are locally abundant in Tennessee except for central and western parts of the state. However, their populations are vulnerable to being killed indiscriminately by humans and road mortality. For this reason, it is considered illegal to harm, capture, or remove copperheads from the wild in Tennessee.

What Nonvenomous Snakes Look Like a Copperhead in Tennessee?

Many non-venomous snakes found slithering around in Tennessee may be mistaken for copperheads: 

• The eastern milk snake has a similar color pattern with copperheads. However, this species has wide dark blotches at the center of its back rather than the sides. 
• Another similar-looking species, the juvenile cottonmouth, can be identified by its dark brown color pattern and a broad, dark band through its eye. 
• The eastern hognose snake can be distinguished from the copperhead snake by its upturned snout, and its odd behavior of hissing and flattening its head when approached. This snake even plays dead if the cobra-fakeout doesn’t work.
• The northern water snake, though it appears similar to the copperhead, has markings that are widest on the back instead of on the sides. 

Other Venomous Snakes in Tennessee 

If you’re looking to spend time in the warm outdoors of Tennessee, just make sure you watch where you step! In case you’re wondering why, it’s because there are a few slithery creatures in Tennessee that don’t do well with disturbances. Asides from northern and southern copperheads, other venomous snakes that occur naturally in Tennessee include the western cottonmouth (water moccasin), timber rattlesnake, and western pygmy rattlesnake. Out of all these, only the copperheads and timber rattlesnakes are found throughout Tennessee. The cottonmouth and western pygmy rattlesnake are found only in west Tennessee.

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