Can You Legally Kill a Snake in Tennessee? Here’s What the Law Says

If you encounter a snake in Tennessee, what you do next, could land you in hot water.

Snakes Serve a Purpose in the Tennessee Ecosystem

I will be the first person to admit that snakes are one of my least favorite animals. However, I do understand that like everything else in the wild, they serve a function within our ecosystem. Snakes help to maintain the populations of many nuisance animals, particularly rodents.

Snakes Seek to Meet Their Basic Needs

Much like other wildlife, snakes also have basic needs like food, water, and shelter, and they will actively seek out those needs to survive. This means that you may encounter them from time to time, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. There are 32 known species of snakes that inhabit Tennessee. Only four of those species are venomous.

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Your Property May Be the Perfect Place for a Snake to Call Home

You don't need to go hiking to encounter a snake in Tennessee. Your property may be have an open invitation sign on it if you have things like woodpiles, brushy areas, dense vegetation, or even something seemingly harmless like a birdfeeder. These are all excellent sources of food, water, and shelter for a snake in need.

Tennessee Law About Killing Snakes

For many people their first inclination when encountering a snake will be to kill it. However, since there is no hunting season established for snakes, it is illegal to kill them, under Tennessee state law.

READ MORE: Is It Legal to Ride in the Bed of a Pickup in Tennessee?

Avoiding Snakebites in Tennessee

To avoid snakebites, the Tennessee Snakes website offers some helpful tips.

• When hiking, it is advised that you stay on the trails and keep an eye on where you step.
• Where clothes that fit loosely, and boots made of leather. Sandals and low-cut or non-leather shoes should be avoided.
• Stay at least 6 feet away from a snake unless you are sure that it is not one of the four venomous species found in the state, and never try to catch, handle, or kill a snake.
• When you encounter an obstacle like a bush, log, or rock, you should walk around it, being mindful of where you are stepping.
• Where gloves to protect your hands while working in your yard, particularly around brush piles and shrubs

READ MORE: Learn More About the 32 Species of Snakes in Tennessee

What To Do If You Find a Snake Near Your Home in Tennessee

So what do you do if  you encounter a snake, especially if it is on your property? First and foremost, give it some room and don't get to close. Second, you can call a wildlife removal service in your area. They will be able to safely remove the creature and relocate it somewhere safe, away from your property.

When Is It Ok to Kill a Snake in Tennessee

The only time that killing a snake is allowed in Tennessee is if it poses an immediate threat to your health, according to the University of Tennessee.

If you have the unfortunate experience of suffering from a snakebite, you should seek medical treatment immediately.

[Source: TennSnakes.org]