Snakes
Snakes are unique reptiles, easily recognized by their long, legless bodies and smooth, scaled skin. With over 3,000 species around the world, snakes have adapted to live in deserts, forests, swamps, and even water. Though often misunderstood, snakes are an important part of nature.
They play a big role in keeping ecosystems balanced, especially by controlling rodent and insect populations. While fear of snakes is common, most species aren’t dangerous and prefer to avoid humans altogether. When they do show up in yards, parks, or neighborhoods, knowing what you’re looking at can make all the difference between fear and understanding.
Common Snakes in Tennessee and South Carolina
Both Tennessee and South Carolina are home to a mix of non-venomous and venomous snakes. You might come across the following species:
Non-Venomous Snakes
Eastern Garter Snake – Small, striped, and often found in grassy areas. Not dangerous and helps control bugs and small rodents.
Black Rat Snake – Long and black with a calm nature. Common in barns, wooded areas, and sometimes attics. Great for rodent control.
Venomous Snakes
Copperhead – Tan with hourglass-shaped markings. Found in wooded or rocky areas. Venomous, but bites are rarely life-threatening.
Eastern Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin) – Usually near water. Thick-bodied, dark-colored, and known for opening its white mouth in defense.
Timber Rattlesnake – Found in forests and hills. Has a rattle on its tail as a warning signal before striking.
Even venomous snakes prefer not to bite unless they feel threatened. Most bites happen when people accidentally step on or disturb them.
What Snakes Eat
Snakes are carnivores, meaning they eat other animals. Their diet depends on the size and species of the snake, but common food includes:
Mice and rats
Frogs and toads
Birds and bird eggs
Lizards
Insects
Sometimes other snakes
Larger snakes can eat bigger prey whole. Venomous snakes use their venom to kill or immobilize food before swallowing. Knowing what snakes eat can help explain why they show up—if you’ve got a rodent problem, snakes may not be far behind.
Snakes Droppings (Scat)
ou probably won’t see snake droppings often because snakes don’t go as frequently as mammals and usually hide when they do. But if you do come across snake scat, here’s what to look for:
Usually dark and thick
May have fur, feathers, or bones inside (leftovers from prey)
Often topped with a white, chalky cap of uric acid
Finding snake droppings can be a sign they’ve been nearby, especially in areas where rodents are also active.
Tracks
Unlike animals with feet, snakes don’t leave prints—but they do leave tracks in the right conditions. If a snake slithers across loose soil, mud, or sand, you might notice:
Wavy, side-to-side patterns
A straight line if the snake moved directly without curves
More chaotic marks if the snake was pushing off sticks or debris
These tracks don’t tell you exactly what kind of snake was there, but they do let you know one has passed through recently.
