In East Tennessee, venomous snakes serve purpose

Rattlesnake.

East Tennessee is home to several venomous snakes. And while chances are most Chattanooga-area residents won't come across one, wildlife experts say it's important to know the role they play in the ecosystem.

"Many species of wildlife aren't given proper credit for their contributions to the environment," said Scott Dykes, biologist for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. "Just as bats eat millions of mosquitoes and crop-damaging insects, snakes help keep our rodent populations in check."

The timber rattlesnake and copperhead, both venomous snakes, serve a critical role within the environment. Those snakes consume a variety of small rodents, especially rats and mice. They can even eat other snakes, as well as lizards and birds.

According to state records, human interaction is hurting the reptile's population. That is particularly true for rattlesnakes, whose population is declining statewide thanks to road kills, habitat fragmentation and what Dykes terms "human harassment."

But there are steps the public can take to avoid confrontations with both rattlesnakes and copperheads. That starts, according to Dykes, with knowing where the animals typically live.

Copperhead

Copperheads usually reside in forested habitats and often avoid open areas, such as pastures and fields. Copperheads are most likely to be spotted on a rocky, wooded hillside that has logs and leaves that provide cover. It is possible to see a copperhead in neighborhoods and subdivisions, especially if those areas that are near creeks and streams.

Think you've identified a copperhead? If the snake had a large, triangular-shaped coppery-red head, you might be right.

Rattlesnakes, on the other hand, prefer heavily wooded forests with rocky, south-facing hillsides. Hikers report most rattlesnake encounters on rocky, south-facing hillsides near bluffs or ledges. Rattlesnakes, with the characteristic rattle at the end of the tail, commonly coil near fallen logs or sun on rocks.

"To avoid any species of snake, be mindful of where you put your hands and feet. Snakes are often encountered when picking up debris in overgrown areas, berry picking or cleaning out barns and buildings where snakes have access," Dykes said. "Like any other wild animal, snakes will typically flee when approached by a human. However, snakes are often unintentionally cornered and will defend themselves as a last resort."

Calmly and quickly walk away if you encounter a venomous snake, Dykes advises.

Snake bites aren't common in East Tennessee, but it occasionally happens. In 2018, the Tennessee Poison Center assisted with the care of 226 snakebites.

A Kingsport woman who suffered a bite from a copperhead in 2017 was rushed to a hospital, where she received a dose of anti-venom, according to the Associated Press.

Should you be bitten by either a copperhead or rattlesnake, you will see puncture wounds. If bitten, get to an emergency room as quickly as possible. Let the hospital know you are coming since it takes time to prepare anti-venom.

"Not all facilities carry anti-venom, so this is not a case where one should go to a clinic or family friend," he said. "If the drive is longer than 25 to 30 minutes, and the person has been bitten by a timber rattlesnake, an airlift is recommended."