With warm weather here to stay, snakes are making an appearance, often in places where they’re not wanted. TWRA emphasized that snakes are important to the environment and help to keep nature in balance. While fear of snakes is common, many people understand the value they play in keeping small rodents in check. For those in the know, having non-venomous snakes around the property is a good thing.

In Tennessee it is illegal to harm, kill, remove from the wild, or possess native snakes taken from the wild without the proper permits. On the other hand, according to State Parks Manager Bridget Lofgren, it is highly unlikely that charges would be placed against someone who kills a venomous snake that could pose a threat on private property.

TWRA asks citizens to help protect our native snakes. Snakes should not be removed from the wild and snakes that have been captive should not be released into the wild. Once-captive snakes often don't survive in the wild and can introduce harmful diseases and parasites into the wild.

Here are some tips to help you avoid becoming a snakebite victim:

Do not try to catch, handle, or kill snakes. Stay at least a body length away from a snake unless you are certain it is non-venomous. In Tennessee, all of our native venomous snakes are pit vipers and the anti-venon is the same for the copperhead, pygmy rattlesnake, cottonmouth and timber rattlesnake so it is not necessary to bring the snake with you to the ER unless you know it is a non-native venomous species.

Keep your landscape well manicured.  Snakes like to hide in thick brush and underneath old boards and debris.

Wear shoes when outside and gloves when weeding.

Wear loose fitting clothes and leather boots when exploring outdoors.  Leather boots provide protection for the feet and ankles.  Low cut shoes or sandals should never  be worn in snake country, especially at night.  Rattlesnake fangs can penetrate clothing, and loose fitting clothes are better than tight styles.

Do not jump or step over logs, rocks, or shrubs.  Walk around them instead.  Be very careful when turning over logs, rocks or other large objects as a snake may be underneath.  When hiking, watch where you step, stay on paths or in clearings and avoid tall, grassy areas with heavy underbrush. 

Keep hands and feet out of areas you can't see.  Don't pick up rocks or firewood without looking for snakes first. Develop the habit of watching where you place your feet and hands.

If you see a snake, back away from it slowly and do not touch it.

In the event of a snakebite, the Center for Disease Control makes these recommendations:

Keep the bitten person still and calm. This can slow down the spread of venom if the snake is poisonous. Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Apply first aid if you cannot get the person to the hospital right away: Lay or sit the person down with the bite below the level of the heart and cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing.