News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Hotter weather and loose bird seed can attract snakes out of their hiding spaces and into your backyard.
That according to TWRA Wildlife Information Specialist Mime Barnes. She said brush piles and bird feeders can create a perfect environment for snakes to live during the summer heat.
“You can deter snakes from around your home by thinking about removing brush piles or, if you do feed birds, making sure your bird feeders are kept clean,” Barnes said, “so that there’s not a lot of seed on the ground during the night. That will attract rodents and therefore that will attract snakes.”
Barnes said warm evenings can bring the cold-blooded animals out into the open in search of food or heat sources, especially after rain showers.
According to the TWRA, only four snakes found in Tennesse are considered venomous. Barnes said only two can be found in the Upper Cumberland.
“The only two venomous snakes in the area are the timber rattlesnake and the copperhead,” Barnes said, “and there are a lot of other brightly-colored snakes out there. The hog-nosed snake, for example, or the cornsnake are brightly colored but they’re not venomous. Unless someone can properly ID a snake, they shouldn’t assume it’s just a venomous snake.”
Barnes said killing a snake of any species is against Tennessee state law, regardless of protection status.
“Unless there’s an immediate danger… no one should just kill a snake just because they see it,” Barnes said. “There has to be an immediate danger, and then you are allowed to take that snake’s life.”
Barnes advises citizens to simply walk away from a snake if they encounter one and let the snake move on its own. Citizens can visit the TWRA’s website to learn more about Tennessee’s various snake species.
