How to Identify a Copperhead Snake in Tennessee Before It Bites

Copperhead snakes take the prize for being one of the most encountered venomous snakes in the United States. Those who live in the eastern portion of the U.S. know the species well, likely coming across the snake while out hiking or even cleaning up the yard. The snakes do not care where they live, just as long as there is access to food, water, and good hiding places.

The fact that there are copperhead snakes in Tennessee speaks volumes to the animal diversity there is in the Volunteer State. Instead of wondering where copperhead snakes can be found in Tennessee, the better question would be where they are not found, as there is not one part of Tennessee that copperheads do not inhabit. This is why it is necessary to be aware of surroundings when hiking or in the outdoors in general, so that a fun day out does not turn into a medical emergency.

Copperhead Snakes Are Pit Vipers

Copperhead snakes are pit viper snakes found in multiple states across the United States. Their presence in Tennessee is higher in more rural areas, such as the Smoky Mountains. However, copperhead snakes are found throughout all of Tennessee.

When identifying copperhead snakes, there are certain characteristics to look out for. Those characteristics include:

Copperhead snakes are very striking snakes. However, they are also venomous, which means that when appreciating the snake, it is best to do so from a distance.

Copperhead Snakes Are Venomous Snakes

Copperhead snakes are venomous snakes. They are also the snakes in Tennessee that are responsible for most snake bites in the state.

Those who a copperhead snake bites will know immediately. The bites are painful, which is attributed to the snake’s long fangs and the depth of their bite. The long fangs allow the venom to become distributed in the victim’s body rather quickly, leading to a whole host of symptoms that require medical care.

Despite being the culprit behind the bulk of snake bites in Tennessee, copperhead snake bites are not responsible for numerous deaths. In fact, it is pretty uncommon for those bitten by a copperhead not to recover fully. Those who are bitten generally feel better relatively quickly after receiving the antivenom for copperhead snakes, making it a venomous snake that does not have potent enough venom to cause fatalities in short periods.

Where Copperhead Snakes Are Found in Tennessee

Copperhead snakes are found in just about every part of Tennessee. From forests to mountains, rock piles, and wood piles, if the location is quiet, copperhead snakes are happy. Therefore, those looking to find a small space in the state where they could escape from the venomous snakes will be disappointed.

In Tennessee, there are two types of copperhead snakes. The first is the Southern copperhead, and the second is the Northern copperhead. The Southern copperhead is only found in West Tennessee, while the Northern is found just about everywhere else in the state. There are even portions of Tennessee where both species are found, which has led to interbreeding between the subspecies.

While the copperhead snake is abundant in Tennessee, it is less prevalent in central and western Tennessee compared to other parts of the state, due to the higher population density in these regions. Where there are more people, copperhead snakes tend to keep their distance, opting for quieter, less populated areas to dwell.

What To Do If A Copperhead Snake Is Encountered

Copperhead snakes are notorious for their ability to hide effectively. Therefore, there is a good possibility that they are in brush, leaves, or other areas that make good hiding places, either out on hiking trails or even in homeowners’ yards. If a copperhead is spotted, the best thing to do is to give the snake a “wide berth”. Copperhead snakes and other venomous snakes can strike out about half of their body length. This means the more space the copperhead can be given, the smaller the chances of getting bitten.

For those who spot a copperhead while walking a dog or with small children, it is necessary to ensure they stay away from the snake. Dogs are naturally curious, and if they get close enough to the snake, it will bite. Given that small pets can become very sick or worse from a copperhead snake bite, taking any temptation away from them and immediately leaving the area where the snake was discovered ensures the safety of both the pet and its owner.

What to Do If You’re Bitten By a Copperhead Snake

Copperheads possess the ability to camouflage themselves well in the great outdoors. This is especially true in long grass or piles of leaves, places where copperhead snakes are known to frequent due to a lack of foot traffic.

When copperhead snakes see people coming their way, they may give a warning by rattling their tails in leaves that surround them. However, in many cases, copperheads do not provide a warning before striking. Consequently, when people get too close, copperhead snakes will deliver a painful bite that requires medical attention. When copperhead snakes bite, the venom is injected immediately into the person. There are symptoms that will show up fairly quickly when a copperhead bites. Those symptoms include:

• Puncture marks at the bite site

• Swelling around the puncture wound

• Redness around the puncture wound

• Bleeding around the puncture wound

• Pain at the bite site

• Nausea and/or vomiting

• Shortness of breath

• Rapid heart rate

• Low blood pressure

• Weak pulse

• Problems with vision

• Sweating

• Numbness

• Odd taste in the mouth

After being bitten, there are some steps recommended to take while either waiting for emergency help to arrive or on the way to the hospital. Those steps include:

• Do not drive to the hospital in case of dizziness setting in

• Take a photo of the snake if not in harm’s way to positively be able to identify it

• Remove any jewelry that is near the bite site, as swelling is likely to occur

• Wash the bite with soap and water

• Do not take any medication

• Do not try to suck venom out of the bite

• Do not apply a tourniquet

While it can be scary to be on the receiving end of a copperhead snake bite, it is essential to remember that the likelihood of dying from being bitten is very slim. By receiving medical attention and, if necessary, an antivenom, victims generally begin to feel better within a short time, with no lasting effects from their copperhead bite experience.

The post How to Identify a Copperhead Snake in Tennessee Before It Bites appeared first on A-Z Animals.