Tennessee
Snakes in Rutherford County
16 species have been documented here, 2 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in Rutherford County
Full guide & what to do if bitten →
Timber RattlesnakeCrotalus horridusVenomousHeavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Eastern CopperheadAgkistrodon contortrixVenomousHeavy body, triangular head, vertical pupils, and a heat-sensing pit between each eye and nostril.
Every snake recorded in Rutherford County
Common Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon
Harmless
Gray Ratsnake
Pantherophis spiloides
Harmless
Black Kingsnake
Lampropeltis nigra
Harmless
Rough Greensnake
Opheodrys aestivus
Harmless
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Harmless
Smooth Earthsnake
Virginia valeriae
Harmless
Eastern Milksnake
Lampropeltis triangulum
Harmless
North American Racer
Coluber constrictor
Harmless
Southeastern Crowned Snake
Tantilla coronata
Harmless
Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus
Harmless
Common Wormsnake
Carphophis amoenus
Harmless
Queensnake
Regina septemvittata
Harmless
Timber Rattlesnake
Crotalus horridus
Venomous
Eastern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix
Venomous
DeKay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi
Harmless
Diamondback Watersnake
Nerodia rhombifer
Harmless
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in Rutherford County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in Rutherford County, Tennessee?
- Yes. 2 venomous snake species have verified records in Rutherford County, Tennessee, including Timber Rattlesnake, Eastern Copperhead. Most snakes in Rutherford County, Tennessee, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in Rutherford County, Tennessee?
- 10+ snake species have verified records in Rutherford County, Tennessee, of which 2 are venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in Rutherford County, Tennessee?
- The Common Watersnake is the most frequently reported snake in Rutherford County, Tennessee, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Rutherford County, Tennessee?
- Keep your distance and do not try to catch or kill it. Most bites happen when people handle or corner a snake. If someone is bitten, contact local emergency services or poison control immediately.