Snakebite Advice in Nashville, Tennessee

In Home
In Attic
Under The Home
Skins Found In Basement
In Insulation
Climbing Walls
In Yard
In Pool
In Pond
In Grill
In Car
In Ceiling
In Toilet
In Dryer Vent

Non-Venomous Snakes Of Tennessee
Common Gartersnake
Common Kingsnake
Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
Gray Ratsnake
North American Racer
Red Cornsnake
Scarlet Kingsnake

Venomous Snakes in Tennessee
Timber Rattlesnake
Copperhead
Water Moccasin
Pigmy Rattlesnake

Snake Identification
Found a snake, is it venomous or not?
Found a snake, is it venomous or not?
Need help identifying a snake.
Snake is rattling its tail like a rattlesnake.

Snakebite Advice in Nashville, TN

As warm weather approaches in spring and summer, snakes will begin to emerge around Nashville and Middle Tennessee. If you enjoy the outdoors by hiking, Kayaking, biking, fishing, and hunting, chances are you will encounter a snake. All snakes are beneficial to the environment in Tennessee, by keeping rodent populations in check, but if you are bitten by a snake, here are some steps to take for the appropriate help. Snakes, do not attack people, and most bites can be attributed to mishandling or trying to kill a snake. Snakes will bite if threatened, as Tennessee receives around 50 snake bites a year. Tennessee is home to four venomous species of snakes, including:

Timber Rattlesnake

Timber Rattlesnake - Venomous - Found Statewide - envenomations can be quite severe.

bite copperhead
Copperhead - Venomous - Found Statewide - Most common envenomation, but often limited to tissue envenomation, requiring no antivenin in some cases.

water_mocccasin
Water Moccasin - Venomous - Western Tennessee - Envenomations can be severe.

bite pygmy rattlesnake
Pigmy Rattlesnake - Venomous - Western to Middle Tennessee - Envenomations are rare.

Contact Departments if Bitten by a Snake Include:

Tennessee Poison Center (TPC) – (800) 222-1222

Greater Nashville Hotline – (615) 936-2034

Snakebites are considered a medical emergency. Although bites can occur from non-venomous snakes, poisonous snake bites occur each year in Tennessee. If you have been bitten by a venomous snake or suspected venomous snake, should seek medical attention as soon as possible. It is crucial to understand, that symptoms arising from venomous snake bites can differ from one person to another. Snakebite envenomations can range according to:

Species of the snake.
Size of the snake.
Health of the snake.
Condition of the fangs.
Amount of venom injected.
Fang punctures, one, two, or if multiple bites occurred.
Age of the bite victim.
Size of the bite victim.
Location of the bite.
Previous health of the victim.

Do’s and Do Not’s of Snakebite Care

Altough 50% of snake bites that occur will be “dry” envenomations, where no venom is injected, medical treatment is crucial. The first 6-8 hours are the most important for snakebite victims, and treatment for life-threatening symptoms. The Do’s and Do Not’s of snakebites include:

Do remove the victim from the area of the snake.
Do secure pets if present.
Do Not try to kill the snake.
Do keep calm and still, as this will stop venom from quickly spreading.
Do Not try to bring the snake with you to the hospital or poison center. All venomous snakes in Tennessee are Pit Vipers, and antivenin is the same.
Do remove jewelry, watches, rings, and bracelets.
Do identify the snake, if caan be done safely.
If the snake has been killed, Do Not touch the snake, as even a dead snake can strike through retaining reflexes.
Do Not give the victim anything to drink or eat, especially alcohol.
Do Not attempt to suck out the venom from the bite area.
Do Not attempt to cut the wound open to squeeze venom out.
Do administer first-aid by washing the bite area throughly, avoiding suction, tourniquets, and incisions.
Do Not apply ice or immerse in water.
Do transport the victim to the nearest hospital and call the nearest poison center.
Do Not administer antivenin without being a physician familiar with antivenin.
Do avoid caffeinated beverages.
Do Not wait for symptoms to appear.

Each yeat in the United States there are 7,000 – 8,000 venomous snake bites annually. Of those, only 12 are fatal from snakebite poisoning, reported annually. Most snake bites occur between April – October, when outdoor activities are occurring.

Snakebite Symptoms

All venomous snakes in Tennessee, belong to the Pit Viper family. Pit Viper snake venom is classified as hemotoxic, attacking the tissues and the blood. The venom can be fatal depending on how much is injected, and if injected directly into a vein. The venom consists of proteins, polypeptides, and enzymes that cause necrosis and hemolysis. Pit Viper strikes often appear as two fanged punctures. Reactions from the bites can range from mild to life-threatening symptoms. Most Pit viper bites will be painful within 5 minutes and will soon display local swelling.

Hemotoxic Venom Symptoms:

Intense Pain

Weakness

Trouble Breathing

Bruising of the Skin

Numbness or Tingling

Rapid Pulse

Vomiting

Sweating

Confusion

Bleeding Disorder

Unusual Metal Taste

Salivation

Paresthesia or Burning Sensation.

Edema or Swelling

Ecchymoses or Discoloration of the Skin.

Who is at the Greatest Risk of a Snake Bite?

Although snakebites can occur, it is usually in a snakes nature, to avoid the presence of people. All snakes will bite, as most bites will occur out of reaction, defense, or a last resort. Snakes are everywhere, and are a part of nature. For all the nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, expect to see a snake, as they are around. Snakes are fascinating to view from a distance, but are due respect and space. Most venomous snake bites occur, while trying to handle or kill a venomous snake. People who enjoy the outdoors will likely encounter a snake at some point if you participate in these activities.

Hunting
Fishing
Kayaking
Boating
Hiking
Off-Roading
Gardening
Biking

Always be aware of your surroundings, and avoid areas where snakes maybe hiding. Avoid putting hands under logs and under rocks. Wear boots and long pants for added protection if you are going where snakes are located. Avoid contact with a snake, and do not try to kill it. Contact a professional for immediate assistance in snake removal.

Nashville Snake Removal and Control

Snakebite Advice in Nashville, TN

Contact Departments if Bitten by a Snake Include:

Do’s and Do Not’s of Snakebite Care

Snakebite Symptoms

Who is at the Greatest Risk of a Snake Bite?