A Guide to Water Snakes of Tennessee

Introduction

Tennessee is home to a wide variety of reptilian species, including a handful of water snakes. These snakes are fascinating creatures that are a part of the larger ecosystem of the state. In this article, we provide an overview of the water snakes of Tennessee and discuss their behavior, habitat, and conservation status.

Types of Water Snakes in Tennessee

There are several species of water snakes in Tennessee, including the Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon), Western Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma), Banded Water Snake (Nerodia fasciata), and the plainbelly water snake (Nerodia erythrogaster). All of these species are non-venomous and prefer wetland habitats such as swamps, marshes, and streams.

Northern Water Snake

The Northern Water Snake is the most common species of water snake in Tennessee. It has a dark body with light brownish crossbands, and can grow up to 4 feet in length. This species is found in the western and central parts of the state, near bodies of water such as streams, swamps and marshes. They feed primarily on fish, frogs, and crayfish.

Western Cottonmouth

The Western Cottonmouth is a venomous water snake found in the western and central parts of Tennessee. It has a dark body with a distinctive light brown or white crossband pattern, and can grow up to 4 feet in length. This species is found near bodies of water such as rivers, marshes, and swamps, and feeds primarily on fish, frogs, and small mammals.

Banded Water Snake

The Banded Water Snake is a non-venomous species found in the eastern and central parts of Tennessee. It has a dark body with light yellowish crossbands, and can grow up to 3 feet in length. This species is found near bodies of water such as streams, swamps and marshes, and feeds primarily on frogs, fish, and crayfish.

Plainbelly Water Snake

The Plainbelly Water Snake is a non-venomous species found in the eastern and central parts of Tennessee. It has a dark body with light yellowish crossbands, and can grow up to 3 feet in length. This species is found near bodies of water such as streams, swamps and marshes, and feeds primarily on frogs, fish, and crayfish.

Behavior and Habitat of Water Snakes

Water snakes are usually active during the day, and spend much of their time basking on rocks or logs near the water. They are excellent swimmers and can be seen hunting for food in the water. Water snakes are also excellent climbers and are often found in trees near bodies of water. Water snakes are solitary animals and do not form social groups.

Conservation Status of Water Snakes

The conservation status of water snakes in Tennessee is currently stable. All species are protected under state law, and their populations are monitored by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. There is no need for additional conservation measures at this time.

Conclusion

Water snakes are an important part of the Tennessee ecosystem, and play an important role in the health of local ecosystems. They are fascinating creatures to observe and study, and provide great opportunities for learning about the natural world. We hope this article has provided you with a better understanding of the water snakes of Tennessee.