Flanked by the foothills of the Smoky Mountains or in coves of pine forests, Tennessee’s lakes are spectacular getaways for swimming or fishing for catfish. Catfish aren’t the only creatures that live in these lakes, though. There are quite a few snake species native to Tennessee that live in water habitats, albeit only one of these is dangerously venomous: cottonmouths, also known as water moccasins, readily identified by their white-lined mouths. Still, even nonvenomous snakes can bite.
You’re most likely to spot snakes in Tennessee during early spring or early summer, as these are the times when they come out of brumation for feeding and then enter breeding season. Typically, snakes won’t initiate any form of aggression towards you unless they’re disturbed, so the most surefire way to avoid getting bitten is to leave them alone. Still, if you’re in the water, you might not see a snake and end up disturbing it unwittingly. There’s a chance you could get bitten — most of the time, you can wash the wound and it will heal on its own, but bites from a venomous snake can be deadly, so you’ll need to head to the hospital as soon as possible.
If you’re particularly fearful of snakes, these lakes might be ones to avoid, but for many travelers, it’s less about steering clear entirely and more about knowing what to expect and where to be cautious. Different lakes attract different types of snakes — cottonmouths, for example, are mostly found in the slower-moving, lower-elevation waters of Western Tennessee, while harmless northern watersnakes can be found basking on the rocky shores around lakes of the Smoky Mountains. These reptiles are part of the state’s natural ecosystem, and with a healthy dose of awareness, you can safely share the water with them.
Reelfoot Lake
Located at the northwest tip of Tennessee, Reelfoot Lake is an interesting water body (recognized as a National Natural Landmark) dotted with cypress trees and visited by bald eagles. The lake is pretty new for one naturally formed, having been created by severe earthquakes in the early 1800s. It’s also considered one of the biggest snake hotspots in the state. Around 30 different species of snakes have been spotted here. Its marshy wetlands are an ideal habitat for snakes, plus the cypress tree knees and aquatic plants provide shelter and camouflage for them. While most of the native snakes here are nonvenomous, Reelfoot Lake is home to the infamous cottonmouth. For the most part, though, these cottonmouths live on the lakes’ islands. Reelfoot Lake is also one of the few places in the state where you can see diamond-backed watersnakes — named for the diamond-shaped pattern on their back — and darker-colored southern watersnakes…