Snakes always draw interest from the park visitors here at Big Ridge State Park. Questions about snakes are common for park rangers.
I am not an expert on the subject, but I can share some answers to some common questions.
Snakes may draw a lot of interest, and that interest is not always from a loving viewpoint.
A common saying I have heard from older folks is “There is no such thing as a good snake except a dead snake.”
While snakes create some fear and hate among some people, they play an important role in nature.
I would like to first mention that all snakes are protected by law. Killing or catching snakes is illegal. I believe education is more effective than laws protecting snake populations.
I find that when people are taught the importance of snakes and the rare hazard they may present, people have more respect for snakes and are less likely to kill one, especially if the snake is not a danger to you or your family.
It can be very difficult to identify individual species of snakes. Biologist use the scales location, number and layout to identify species, since color and size can vary so much.
One of the most common questions is whether a snake is venomous. Seeing that snakes can be difficult to identify, knowing if a snake is a hazard snake is a valid concern for folks.
There are only two venomous species that present any danger to people in East Tennessee. My advice to people is to learn what the two venomous species look like and avoid all snakes to be on the safe side.
It may take some practice looking at photos of our venomous species, but once familiar with the vipers, you can spot characteristics that set them apart from non-venomous snakes.
The two species that are venomous in our area are the timber rattlesnake and the copperhead. Both are in a category of pit vipers due to the pits in the face of the snake that helps them to see warmth expelled from warm blooded critters.
The venom and the heat-seeking pits are used to catch and eat small prey. Most people have a fear of these snakes because the venom that is used for prey can also be used for defense against humans.
The venom in a copperhead can be as mild as a bee sting but can also cause serious swelling and damage to internal organs. The venom from a timber rattlesnake can be much worse and has a potential to be deadly.
Many people get what is called a dry bite which is what happens during defensive strikes from these snakes. A dry bite may produce little or no venom. This is probably due to the fact that a snake has to use the venom to capture prey. It takes every organ in the snakes’ body to participate in creating the venom and can take a while to produce more when the snake depletes its venom reserves.
In East Tennessee we have over 20 different non-venomous species. The different species vary a lot in things like what they like to eat and where they like to live.
One of the most common species that people run across is the black rat snake, also known as the chicken snake. Chicken snakes are very beneficial to us for pest control. I have never heard of a chicken snake ever causing anyone any problems other than the near heart attack from spotting one unexpectedly.
Rodents, on the other hand, have been the vector for many diseases. I know from my own experiences I would much rather have a black snake living in my attic than a mouse eating and pooping in my cereal.
All snakes are relatively harmless, and knowing which snakes pose a risk is the best way to stay safe from all snakes.
All of our snake species are struggling for survival from a fungal disease that has recently put a huge dent in snake populations. Hopefully snakes can persevere because they play a huge part in nature; and as much as some of us can’t stand the sight of them, we still need them as part of the ecosystem.
I hope reading this helps to instill a little respect and appreciation for such unique creatures. If you have any questions about snakes I would be glad to answer them to the best of my knowledge.
ꟷ Ranger Derek Wilson of Big Ridge 865-206-9459.