Snakes of East Tennessee

Introduction

East Tennessee is a beautiful place, with a diverse range of habitats, from the Appalachian Mountains to the flatlands of the Cumberland Plateau. It is no surprise that this variety of habitats also supports a wide variety of wildlife, including a number of species of snakes. This article will explore the snakes of East Tennessee and the unique characteristics of each species.

Timber Rattlesnake

The Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) is one of the most commonly seen snakes in the eastern portion of Tennessee. It is typically found in forested areas, where it preys on small mammals, birds, and other snakes. It is typically a gray or brown color, and can reach lengths of up to 4 feet. It is well-known for its defensive behavior and sound, which is produced by its namesake rattle at the end of its tail.

Copperhead

The Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) is another common snake of East Tennessee. It is typically found in areas with dense vegetation such as forests and swamps. It is a brownish-gray color with dark brown crossbands, and can reach lengths of up to 3 feet. Copperheads are considered to be relatively docile, and will typically only bite if provoked or threatened.

Cottonmouth

The Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus), also known as the Water Moccasin, is a venomous snake found in East Tennessee. It is typically found near bodies of water, such as streams and lakes, where it feeds on fish and amphibians. It is a brownish-black color with dark crossbands, and can reach lengths of up to 4 feet. It is well-known for its defensive behavior, which includes a defensive posture and the production of a foul-smelling musk.

Eastern Kingsnake

The Eastern Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) is a non-venomous snake found in East Tennessee. It is typically found in open areas such as fields and pastures, where it preys on small mammals, birds, and other snakes. It is typically a black color with white or yellow crossbands, and can reach lengths of up to 5 feet. It is well-known for its defensive behavior, which includes coiling into a tight ball and hissing loudly.

Racer

The Racer (Coluber constrictor) is a non-venomous snake found in East Tennessee. It is typically found in open areas such as fields and pastures, where it preys on small mammals, birds, and other snakes. It is typically a gray or brown color, and can reach lengths of up to 6 feet. It is well-known for its speed, which it uses to quickly escape danger.

Eastern Garter Snake

The Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) is a non-venomous snake found in East Tennessee. It is typically found in moist areas such as wetlands and marshes, where it preys on small fish, amphibians, and insects. It is typically a green or brown color, and can reach lengths of up to 3 feet. It is well-known for its defensive behavior, which includes a defensive posture and the production of a foul-smelling musk.

Eastern Worm Snake

The Eastern Worm Snake (Carphophis amoenus) is a non-venomous snake found in East Tennessee. It is typically found in moist areas such as wetlands and marshes, where it feeds on earthworms and other small invertebrates. It is typically a brownish-gray color, and can reach lengths of up to 8 inches. It is well-known for its defensive behavior, which includes coiling into a tight ball and hissing loudly.

Conclusion

East Tennessee is home to a wide variety of snakes, from the venomous Cottonmouth to the non-venomous Eastern Garter Snake. Each species has its own unique characteristics, from their habitat to their defensive behavior. It is important to be aware of these characteristics when encountering any of these snakes in the wild.