When Do Snakes Come Out In Tennessee?

Cottonmouth swimming in water. The snake has a long, thick, muscular body measuring up to 6 feet in size.
Seth LaGrange/Shutterstock.com

Written by Jennifer Gaeng

Updated: April 3, 2023

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The Tennessee River is a famous recreational setting.

Those who reside in or visit Tennessee should be mindful of the wildlife that inhabits the state. Snakes thrive in Tennessee because of the state’s varied climate and abundance of wooded hillside forests. If you want to avoid an encounter with a snake, read on to learn when they are most active in Tennessee, which ones are poisonous, and how to avoid getting bitten.

Snake Brumation Period In Tennessee

To conserve energy, snakes and other reptiles go into a state termed “brumation.” Unlike hibernation, brumation requires less sleep. They will forage for food and water but may survive extended periods without feeding. A snake may go weeks without eating, drinking, defecating, or moving.

Depending on the conditions, a snake’s brumation period might last from September to December. The first thing snakes notice when they leave their den is the temperature change. Snakes hide in caves to stay warm in the wild. Snakes will even share their dens during the winter months to stay warm.

Most Active Periods For Snakes In Tennessee

snake hatchlings breaking through shells

Snake eggs hatch in late summer and early fall.

Peak Seasons

Snakes are most active during the early spring and early summer when they are feeding and breeding. As scorching summer temperatures begin to decrease in late summer and early fall, snake activity increases in Tennessee. Due to the cooler temperatures, numerous snake species become more active throughout the day during the autumn months. Late summer and early fall are baby snake seasons when certain snake clutches (snake eggs) start to hatch.

Time Of The Day

Snakes are active both day and night. The season influences when they are most active. For example, snakes typically sleep around sundown during the cooler months and do not reawaken until the morning. During the summer, it might be the opposite.

Snakes To Be On The Lookout For In Tennessee

Snakes are abundant across Tennessee. There are 32 different types of snakes in the state; however only 4 of them are venomous: Northern and Southern Copperheads, Timber Rattlesnakes, Western Cottonmouths, and Western Pygmy Rattlesnakes.

Southern Copperhead

Snakes in Mississippi - Southern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)

Copperhead snakes are venomous snakes in Tennessee.

Copperheads are possibly the most prevalent venomous snake in Tennessee and the surrounding states. They have a triangular skull with elliptical pupils and a pit in their faces. The body is pinkish, with deep brown to reddish crossbands. It is pale yellowish to coppery on top and yellowish to coppery on the bottom. Adult tails range in color from black to dark brown. Copperheads average 2–3 feet in length but can reach 4 feet in length.

Timber Rattlesnake

Timber rattlesnaake coiled in a loop

Timber rattlesnakes are the most dangerous snakes in Tennessee.

There are timber rattlesnakes all over the state; they are the state’s largest and most dangerous venomous snake. With vertical pupils and a distinctive rattle at the tail’s end, this enormous, triangular-headed snake can grow to be 3 to 6 feet in length and has vertical eyes and a unique rattle.

Western Cottonmouth

Cottonmouth Snake

The Cottonmouth snake is a venomous snake in Tennessee.

Cottonmouth snakes, sometimes known as “water moccasins,” are distributed throughout the western part of Tennessee, including counties on the northern edge of the Highland Rim. This snake prefers to be near water, as its name implies. Its skull is triangular, its face is pitted, its pupils are elliptical, and its eyes are smaller. Its body is dark green or deep brown in color and is coated with broad, blackish crossbands. The back of the eye and the tail’s tip are both black. It can range in length from 2.5 to 6 feet.

Western Pygmy Rattlesnake

The Pygmy rattlesnake is Tennessee’s least-known venomous snake.

The Pygmy rattlesnake (affectionately referred to as Pigmy) is Tennessee’s smallest and least-known venomous snake. The Pigmy rattlesnake can be identified by its distinctive midline stripe, which is either orange or rusty in color. Rows of smoky flecks or black crossbars go down the body. Face pits and elliptical pupils embellish the skull. It can reach a maximum length of 31 inches, with an average length of 15 to 22 inches.

Wrapping Up Venomous Snake Bites In Tennessee:

Will Cicadas Cause More Snakes

A copperhead snake will readily attack if provoked.

Even though Tennessee is home to four venomous snakes, snakebite fatalities are uncommon. As with other snakes in the Viperidae family, the timber rattlesnake’s venom is the most toxic to humans. The copperhead is the most common venomous snake.

Despite their unpleasant look, snakes are critical to the ecology of Tennessee. Snake venom is used in medicine, and snakes reduce rodent populations. Additionally, it is critical to keep in mind that a snake, dangerous or not, is not out to harm you. Even venomous snakes pose no danger if you leave them alone and keep an eye on your pets. When trapped or startled, snakes strike.

Snake encounters do not have to result in the snake’s death or injury. If you spot a snake and are unsure of it, return and leave it alone. If it is in your yard or house, vacate the area and contact a specialist.

Other Dangerous Animals In Tennessee

An animal that may not seem like it’s that dangerous is the parasitic arachnid known as the tick. This tiny but mighty bug is an external parasite that lives by feeding off of the blood of mammals, birds, and even occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Approximately 3mm to 5mm in length, a tick bite isn’t always a cause for alarm, however, they are responsible for carrying diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease.

Female black widow spider on branch

The black widow female is well known for her black and red coloring.

One of the most dangerous spiders in Tennessee is the black widow spider. One of only three venomous spiders found in the United States, this arachnid’s bite can not only cause severe pain but will cause a variety of other symptoms as well, some of which include nausea, cramping, and sweating. As the most venomous spider in North America, its venom is 15 times stronger than rattlesnake venom but since they are so small, not much venom is released at once so its bite is only a high risk for very young children and the elderly, however, all who are bitten should seek medical attention immediately.

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About the Author

Jennifer Gaeng is a writer at A-Z-Animals focused on animals, lakes, and fishing. With over 15 years of collective experience in writing and researching, Jennifer has honed her skills in various niches, including nature, animals, family care, and self-care. Hailing from Missouri, Jennifer finds inspiration in spending quality time with her loved ones. Her creative spirit extends beyond her writing endeavors, as she finds joy in the art of drawing and immersing herself in the beauty of nature.

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