NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — As spring temperatures rise in Tennessee, rattlesnakes are emerging from their dens, and wildlife officials are urging hikers and pet owners to take precautions.
State wildlife agencies say the timber rattlesnake can be found across Tennessee. It is the largest and most dangerous of the four venomous snakes in the Volunteer State.
As spring temperatures rise in Tennessee, rattlesnakes are emerging from their dens, and wildlife officials are urging hikers and pet owners to take precautions. State wildlife agencies say the timber rattlesnake can be found across Tennessee. It is the largest and most dangerous of the four venomous snakes in the Volunteer State. (Courtesy TWRA / Matt Niemiller)
With more people heading outdoors with their dogs as the weather gets warmer, experts recommend staying on marked trails and keeping dogs on a leash. If a person or a dog is bitten by a snake, medical attention should be sought immediately.
Mitchell Craig of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area said taking a photo of the snake can help medical providers identify the type of snake and treat the bite.
“If they do get bit, making sure you take the picture of the snake, and this goes for humans as well, but take a picture of the snake,” Craig said. “If you do have to go to the hospital, doctors can identify that picture by the type of snake and know the venom.”
As spring temperatures rise in Tennessee, rattlesnakes are emerging from their dens, and wildlife officials are urging hikers and pet owners to take precautions. State wildlife agencies say the timber rattlesnake can be found across Tennessee. It is the largest and most dangerous of the four venomous snakes in the Volunteer State. (Courtesy TWRA / Scott Somershoe)
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency says the best places to see timber rattlesnakes are in heavy forests. People may spot them coiled near fallen logs or sunning on rocks.
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