Are There Copperheads in Tennessee?
Yes, copperheads are found throughout Tennessee in many different habitats and regions across the state. They are one of the state's venomous snakes that residents should know about. Copperhead bites are uncommon and rarely serious when medical care is sought promptly. Awareness and caution help prevent encounters while exploring [Tennessee wildlife](/wildlife/tennessee).
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
Eastern Copperhead · Court Harding CC BY
Eastern Copperhead · Mila C. CC BY
Eastern Copperhead · Alan Rockefeller CC BY
- 1
- species recorded
- 1,310
- GBIF records
- July, June, May
- peak months
Yes, copperheads are in Tennessee. Next you'll want:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
1,501 verified observations on iNaturalist of copperhead have been recorded in Tennessee, most often in July, June, May.
When copperhead are recorded in Tennessee
Yes, copperheads are found throughout Tennessee in many different habitats and regions across the state. They are one of the state's venomous snakes that residents should know about. Copperhead bites are uncommon and rarely serious when medical care is sought promptly. Awareness and caution help prevent encounters while exploringTennessee wildlife.
Are They in Tennessee?
Copperheads are found throughout Tennessee in a variety of habitats. They occur in the mountains, valleys, and lowlands throughout the state. Tennessee is well within the core copperhead range, and the snakes are established here. Copperheads live in forests, river bottoms, near streams and wetlands, and sometimes in suburban yards and gardens. They are particularly common in rocky areas and heavily wooded regions throughout the state. Copperheads have lived in Tennessee for thousands of years and are well-established in native populations. However, seeing one is still uncommon because the snakes are shy and actively avoid humans. Most Tennessee residents live their entire lives without encountering a copperhead in the wild during their outdoor activities.Learn more about Tennessee wildlifeto understand the snakes that actually live in your area and region.
How Dangerous Is It?
Copperheads are venomous snakes, but bites are uncommon and rarely serious with prompt medical care. A copperhead bite causes pain and localized swelling in the tissue around the bite site. Some bites may result in temporary damage or loss of function in the bitten area. Most healthy adults recover fully after receiving appropriate medical treatment from professionals. Deaths from copperhead bites are very rare in the United States, even among untreated bites from past eras. Copperheads are not aggressive and do not attack humans for food or territorial reasons. Bites occur almost exclusively when someone accidentally steps on the snake or reaches into a place where it is hiding. The snake prefers to remain motionless and camouflaged in its surroundings. The risk of a serious copperhead bite in Tennessee is low when people are aware and exercise caution.
How to Recognize One
Copperheads are stocky, medium-sized snakes typically 24 to 36 inches long, though some individuals grow longer. They have distinctive hourglass-shaped bands along the body. The bands are dark brown or black on the edges with lighter centers, creating a pinched or constricted appearance. The head is copper-colored, which gives the snake its name. The body is tan, reddish-brown, peachy pink, or gray with darker markings. The pupils are vertical, like a cat's eyes. Copperheads have heat-sensing pits along their lower jawline for detecting prey. They are perfectly camouflaged in leaf litter, woodpiles, and rocky hillsides. Even people experienced with snakes sometimes have difficulty spotting copperheads in their natural habitat.
What to Do If Bitten or Stung
If bitten by a copperhead in Tennessee, stay calm and seek medical care immediately without delay. Remove rings, bracelets, or tight clothing from the bitten area before swelling occurs and restricts circulation. Keep the bite site still and below heart level if possible. Do not apply ice, heat, or tourniquets. Do not attempt to catch or kill the snake. Do not use home remedies of any kind. Call 911 or have someone drive you to an emergency room immediately. Stay as calm and still as possible, as movement increases venom circulation throughout your body. This is general information, not medical advice; if you are bitten, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 if symptoms are severe. Tennessee hospitals have antivenom available and experienced doctors trained in treating copperhead bites.
How to Prevent Encounters
Wear closed-toe boots and long pants when hiking or working in areas where copperheads might live. Stay on marked trails and avoid walking through tall grass, brush, or heavy leaf litter. Watch carefully where you step and place your hands. Do not reach into places you cannot see clearly. Use a stick to move debris rather than your hands. Shake out clothing, shoes, and sleeping bags before using them. Do not work in yards, gardens, or woodpiles without first checking the area carefully. Keep woodpiles and brush away from your home. Clear leaf litter and thick brush from around your property. Remove rodent populations, as these attract snakes hunting for food. Seal cracks around foundations.Explore our wildlife guidesfor more prevention strategies and safety tips.
Where in Tennessee and When
Copperheads are found throughout Tennessee in forests, river bottoms, rocky hillsides, and cleared land. They occur in the mountains, the valley regions, and the lowland areas throughout the state. They are found in both east and west Tennessee throughout all regions. Copperheads are active from spring through fall, typically from April through November or December. They are most active during warm months when temperatures allow them to move and hunt for food. During hot summer months, they may be less active during peak heat hours of the day. In cooler weather, they seek shelter in dens called hibernacula underground. They are also active on warm winter days when temperatures rise significantly. Copperheads prefer rocky areas and wooded hillsides but can be found in many different habitats.Find more about wildlife in Tennessee.
Harmless Lookalikes
Harmless water snakes are the most common misidentification as copperheads in Tennessee. Water snakes are found near rivers, streams, and wetlands and may have patterns that vaguely resemble copperheads, but they are completely harmless. Rat snakes and hognose snakes are harmless despite their size or defensive behavior. Corn snakes are beautiful and completely harmless to humans. Garter snakes are common throughout Tennessee and harmless. Milk snakes are harmless and have hourglass-like markings. Black snakes are beneficial and harmless to people. Gopher snakes are harmless. Many non-venomous snakes are killed in Tennessee each year because people mistake them for copperheads. Learning to identify copperheads from similar-looking harmless snakes is valuable and reduces unnecessary snake deaths. For identification help, visitmore on Copperhead in Tennessee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are copperheads common in Tennessee? Copperheads are found throughout Tennessee, but encountering one is still uncommon because they are shy and actively avoid human contact. How dangerous are copperhead bites? Copperhead bites cause pain and swelling but are rarely serious with prompt medical care and appropriate treatment. Deaths are very rare in the United States. How do I avoid copperheads in Tennessee? Wear boots and long pants in appropriate habitats, stay on trails, and watch where you step and place your hands carefully. What should I do if I see a copperhead? Leave it alone and give it space to move away. Most copperheads will retreat quickly if given an escape route. Do not attempt to capture or kill it. For wildlife safety and identification, visitTennessee wildlife guide.
Plan your trip
Best time to see copperhead in Tennessee: July, June, May
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your copperhead sighting in Tennessee
1,310 verified copperhead records have been logged in Tennessee. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Tennessee
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Cumberland Gap National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Natchez Trace Parkway · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Obed Wild & Scenic River · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
Are They in Tennessee?+
Copperheads are found throughout Tennessee in a variety of habitats. They occur in the mountains, valleys, and lowlands throughout the state. Tennessee is well within the core copperhead range, and the snakes are established here. Copperheads live in forests, river bottoms, near streams and wetlands, and sometimes in suburban yards and gardens. They are particularly common in rocky areas and heavily wooded regions throughout the state. Copperheads have lived in Tennessee for thousands of years and are well-established in native populations. However, seeing one is still uncommon because the snakes are shy and actively avoid humans. Most Tennessee residents live their entire lives without encountering a copperhead in the wild during their outdoor activities.Learn more about Tennessee wildlifeto understand the snakes that actually live in your area and region.
How Dangerous Is It?+
Copperheads are venomous snakes, but bites are uncommon and rarely serious with prompt medical care. A copperhead bite causes pain and localized swelling in the tissue around the bite site. Some bites may result in temporary damage or loss of function in the bitten area. Most healthy adults recover fully after receiving appropriate medical treatment from professionals. Deaths from copperhead bites are very rare in the United States, even among untreated bites from past eras. Copperheads are not aggressive and do not attack humans for food or territorial reasons. Bites occur almost exclusively when someone accidentally steps on the snake or reaches into a place where it is hiding. The snake prefers to remain motionless and camouflaged in its surroundings. The risk of a serious copperhead bite in Tennessee is low when people are aware and exercise caution.
More wildlife in Tennessee