The Most Snake-Infested Lakes in Tennessee

Written by Kathryn Koehler
Updated: July 12, 2023
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Did you know that in the entire state of Tennessee, there are no true aquatic snakes? So, if you’re worried about encountering a slithery surprise during your lake adventures, fear not! In Tennessee, the likelihood of encountering a snake in the middle of a lake is slim to non-existent. However, when it comes to determining a precise metric for snake infestation, well, it’s a bit trickier than you might expect, as the term is purely subjective. There are no magic numbers or percentages. Lakes that are known as snake-infested generally gain their reputation through word of mouth. So, with that in mind, come along as we discover what could be the most snake-infested lakes in Tennessee.

5 Most Snake-Infested Lakes in Tennessee
Tennessee is home to nine semi-aquatic snake species.

Water Snakes in Tennessee

Though there are no true aquatic snakes in the state, Tennessee is home to nine semi-aquatic species:

  • Northern cottonmouth
  • Common water snake
  • Garter snake
  • Plain-bellied water snake
  • Queen snake
  • Banded water snake
  • Diamond-backed water snake
  • Ribbon snake
  • Mississippi green water snake

The northern cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus), sometimes called a water moccasin, is the only venomous species of water snake found in Tennessee. Their distribution is limited to the western 1/3 of the state. However, as you will discover, it’s the shoreline that you need to be aware of!

Cottonmouth Juvenile Snake that is Poisonous and Aggressive

The water moccasin is the only venomous species of water snake found in Tennessee.

©Kyle J Little/Shutterstock.com

Habitat

While exploring the lakes of Tennessee, you may wonder where snakes typically hang out. Since they don’t spend all their time in the water, snakes can be found in various habitats around the lakes of Tennessee. Lakeshores, especially areas with dense vegetation and rocky outcrops, provide ideal hunting grounds for snakes. They might bask in the sun near the water’s edge or slither through grassy areas seeking prey. Fallen logs, brush piles, and even tree branches overhanging the water serve as cozy resting spots for these elusive creatures. So, while you enjoy your lakeside adventures, keep an eye out for these masterful of camouflage and appreciate the role they play in maintaining the delicate balance of nature around the lake. Remember, snakes are fascinating creatures that deserve our respect.

Metrics

Determining the likelihood of a snake infestation in or around a lake is not a precise science, but there are several factors that can help gauge the probability. Lakes with diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife tend to attract a variety of snake species. If a lake supports a wide range of flora and fauna, including prey species like small mammals, amphibians, and fish, it increases the likelihood of snakes being present.
Snakes require specific habitats to thrive. Lakes with suitable snake habitats such as marshes, wetlands, rocky areas, and shoreline vegetation offer favorable conditions for these reptiles. Assessing the presence of such habitats can indicate the potential for snake populations.
Lakes located near forests, meadows, or other snake-friendly environments can serve as corridors for snakes to move between while finding suitable habitats. Consulting local experts, park rangers, or naturalists with experience with the lake’s ecosystem can provide valuable insights. They may have information about common snake species in the area or recent observations of snake activity around the lake. Historical records of snake sightings or reports can also provide some indication of snake activity in the lake over time. However, remember that snakes prefer to avoid human interaction when possible.

1. Reelfoot Lake

Snow geese, reelfoot lake

Reelfoot Lake is located in the Mississippi Flyway, a major migratory bird route.

©Christopher Anglin/Shutterstock.com

Reelfoot Lake in Tennessee is a good candidate for snake presence due to its sprawling wetland ecosystem and diverse habitats. A series of earthquakes in the early 19th century formed Reelfoot Lake. The lake has extensive wetland areas, including cypress swamps, marshes, and flooded forests. These wetland habitats offer ideal conditions for snakes that thrive in aquatic and semi-aquatic environments. The diverse range of flora and fauna found in and around Reelfoot Lake provides ample food sources for snakes. Fish, amphibians, small mammals, and birds are common prey for many snake species. The lake’s rich ecosystem supports a healthy prey base, making it an attractive habitat.

Cypress trees, water lilies, and other aquatic plants line the shoreline of Reelfoot Lake. Snakes often utilize these areas for shelter, nesting, and hunting. Fallen logs, brush piles, and vegetation provide hiding spots and basking opportunities for snakes. Reelfoot offers a consistent water source, which is crucial for snakes requiring water access for drinking and hunting aquatic prey. The lake’s interconnected waterways and wetland areas provide a variety of aquatic habitats that snakes can utilize.

Additionally, Reelfoot Lake is located in the Mississippi Flyway, a major migratory bird route. This means the area attracts a diverse range of bird species, which in turn can support snake populations that feed on bird eggs, nestlings, or injured birds.

While snakes are present, including several reports of cottonmouths hanging from trees, an infestation is not typically the case at Reelfoot Lake.

2. Norris Lake

Norris Lake Tennessee

Norris Lake has a variety of shoreline habitats, including rocky outcrops, coves, and areas with vegetation.

©iStock.com/epantha

Norris Lake, located in Northeastern Tennessee, is a popular destination known for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. When it comes to snakes, Norris Lake provides a range of habitats that could potentially support snake populations. Norris Lake has a variety of shoreline habitats, including rocky outcrops, coves, and areas with vegetation. These diverse habitats offer different niches for snakes, attracting a variety of species. Rocky areas, in particular, can provide shelter and basking spots for snakes. Norris Lake’s ecosystem supports a range of prey species, including fish, amphibians, small mammals, and birds. This availability of food sources can attract snakes that specialize in hunting such prey. Snakes play a vital role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem by controlling rodent populations.

The lake’s riparian zones, which are the transitional areas between land and water, often contain vegetation and provide critical habitat for snakes. These areas offer cover, nesting sites, and access to both land and water, making them attractive to snakes. While snakes are undoubtedly present around Norris Lake, encounters with humans are typically rare. The common water snake (Nerodia sipedon) has been spotted at Norris Lake. Snakes are generally shy and prefer to avoid human contact. However, it’s always advisable to be cautious and respect their space when exploring natural areas.

3. Dale Hollow

At Dale Hollow Lake, snakes often utilize rocky outcrops, fallen logs, and brush piles for shelter.

©Kimberly Boyles/Shutterstock.com

Dale Hollow Lake, situated in Northern Tennessee, is renowned for its clear waters and natural beauty. The shoreline of Dale Hollow Lake features a mix of rocky areas, forested sections, and vegetation. Snakes often utilize rocky outcrops, fallen logs, and brush piles for shelter, basking, and hunting opportunities. Like many lakes, Dale Hollow Lake has riparian zones that border the water’s edge. These transitional areas between land and water can provide essential habitats for snakes. Riparian zones offer diverse foraging grounds, nesting sites, and access to both land and water.

The lake’s ecosystem supports a range of prey species, including fish, amphibians, small mammals, and birds. The availability of such food sources can attract snakes that specialize in hunting these prey items.
Snake populations, like other wildlife, tend to exist in balance with their environment. Factors such as food availability, habitat suitability, and interactions with other species help maintain this balance.

The two most common species of snakes reported at Dale Hollow Lake are the common water snake (Nerodia sipedon) and the venomous timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus). it is important to remember that an infestation implies an overwhelming or problematic number of snakes, which is typically not the case here. While it’s possible to encounter snakes at Dale Hollow Lake, actual encounters are infrequent.

4. Tims Ford

Mirror-like reflection of brambles from a fallen tree in the still water on a foggy morning at Tims Ford State Park in Winchester Tennessee.

Riparian zones along the edge of Tims Ford Lake offer suitable conditions for snakes to forage and hide.

©samray/Shutterstock.com

Located in Southern Tennessee, Tims Ford Lake offers diverse habitats that can support snake populations. Tims Ford Lake features a mix of rocky shorelines, wooded areas, and vegetation along its banks. These habitats provide snakes with a variety of shelter options, such as rocky crevices, fallen logs, and dense vegetation. Riparian zones along the lake’s edge offer suitable conditions for snakes to forage, reproduce, and find refuge. The lake’s ecosystem supports a range of prey species, including fish, frogs, small mammals, and birds. Snakes, being predators, rely on such prey for their survival. The availability of diverse food sources around Tims Ford Lake makes it an attractive habitat for snakes.

Tims Ford offers a consistent water source, which is crucial for snakes. Snakes stay in close proximity to the water’s edge or even partially submerged in the lake while hunting. Vegetation along the shoreline and surrounding areas can provide snakes with hiding places, basking spots, and opportunities for ambush predation. Snakes may utilize the vegetation for cover and thermoregulation, especially during cooler periods or when seeking protection from predators.

Snakes play an essential role in maintaining ecological balance within their habitats. They help control populations of rodents and other small animals, contributing to the overall health and functioning of their ecosystems. Snakes that have been recorded at Tims Ford include the smooth earth snake (Virginia valeriae), common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), red-bellied snake (Storeria occipitomaculata) ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus) black king snake (Lampropeltis nigra), and gray rat snake (Pantherophis spiloides).

5. Chickamauga

Chickamauga Lake Tennessee

Along Chickamauga Lake’s shoreline are marshes, wetlands, and swampy areas.

©bearsbrother99/Shutterstock.com

Chickamauga Lake, located along the Tennessee River in Southeastern Tennessee, boasts a diverse ecosystem and a picturesque shoreline. As a reservoir formed by the Chickamauga Dam, the lake provides a variety of aquatic habitats. These include open water areas, submerged vegetation, and shallow coves. Such habitats support a range of fish species, which in turn can attract snakes that prey on fish. Along the lake’s shoreline are marshes, wetlands, and swampy areas. These habitats are characterized by emergent vegetation like cattails, reeds, and water-loving plants. Such marshy zones provide shelter, foraging opportunities, and breeding sites for snakes.

The shoreline of Chickamauga Lake is flanked by trees, shrubs, and other vegetation. This vegetation can offer hiding places, basking spots, and nesting sites for snakes. Fallen logs, brush piles, and rocky areas also create additional habitats for snakes. Chickamauga Lake’s riparian zones, where land and water meet, are important transition areas supporting diverse flora and fauna. These zones may feature a mix of terrestrial vegetation and submerged or partially submerged vegetation, providing favorable conditions for snakes that inhabit both land and water. The lake’s ecosystem supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles

Summary of The Most Snake-Infested Lakes in Tennessee

LakeWhere Snakes Hide
1Reelfoot LakeAmong cypress trees, water lilies, and other aquatic plants along the shoreline
2Norris LakeShoreline habitats, including rocky outcrops, coves, and areas with vegetation
3Dale HollowRocky areas, forested sections, and vegetation along the shoreline
4Tims FordRocky crevices, fallen logs, and dense vegetation along the shoreline
5ChickamaugaWater areas, submerged vegetation, and shallow coves along the shoreline

The photo featured at the top of this post is © anthony heflin/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Kathryn Koehler is a writer at A-Z-Animals where her focus is on unusual animals, places, and events. Kat has over 20 years of experience as a professional writer and educator. She holds a master's degree from Vanderbilt University. When she is not writing for A-Z-Animals, Kat enjoys puttering in her garden, baking deliciously healthful treats for her family, and playing with her two rescue mutts, Popcorn and Scooter. She resides in Tennessee.

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