Animal Cyclopedia

10 Unique Water Snakes in Tennessee: Identification & Images

Are You Interested to Know About the Water Snakes Commonly Seen in Tennessee? Then This Article Is  Worthy to You. In My Last Trip, I Found 10 Unique Water Snakes in Tennessee.in This article, I Introduce you to them with Proper Introduction, Identity & Real Picture. Read this Article to Learn about the Water snakes in Detail. 

Though Tennessee is Know For Its Diverse Geography, such as many mountains, Plain Lands & forests, it has Huge rivers & Lakes. As an Animal Lover Where I visit, always, I look for Animals & try to Know about them. On my Last Trip, I was in Tennessee & I discovered some Unique Snakes swimming in the Water of Kentucky Lake. I Wonder! I have never seen Snakes Like them in my Life. 

After I saw them, I immediately Start Researching them; based on my research, I Found 10 Unique Water Snakes in Tennessee State. Each of The species is different & Unique From Others. Tennessee is the Home of These Species, and They are Living for the Century in the Water Kindom of Tennessee state. These Water snakes are Most of the Non-Vonsouse. Though They are Non-Vonsouse, The King Snakes eat them poorly. 

The List of 10 Unique Water Snakes in Tennessee:

  • Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon)
  • Red-bellied Water Snake (Nerodia erythrogaster)
  • Midland Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon pleuralis)
  • Queen Snake (Regina septemvittata)
  • Brown Water Snake (Nerodia taxispilota)
  • Diamondback Water Snake (Nerodia rhombifer)
  • Gulf Saltmarsh Snake (Nerodia clarkii)
  • Rough Green Snake (Opheodrys aestivus)
  • Rainbow Snake (Farancia erytrogramma)
  • Blotched Water Snake (Nerodia erythrogaster transversa)


Water Snakes in Tennessee: Detail Information

As I mentioned In my Recent Research, I found 10 Unique Species of Water Snakes in Tennessee; I researched & Found every Detail about them that I’m now sharing with You through this article.

I”m Covering the Name, Species, origin, Dimension, Behavior, Identification, Food & Breeding season of those Water snakes.

Northern Water Snake

Northern Water Snake  , Water Snakes in Tennessee

The Northern Water Snake is a Medium Size snake that is usually Found Near Water Sources or in the Water of North America.

These Nerodia Sipedon Species Snakes are Commonly seen hunting their Food during the day in Tennessee State. These water snakes have a dark colour pattern with scaly, light bands and reddish-brown stripes on their sides.

Usually, They Feed fish, frogs, small mammals & Sometimes Other snakes. Northern Water Snakes are Very Good Swimmers & They are Non-venomous. 

  • Name: Northern Water Snake
  • Species: Nerodia sipedon
  • Origin: North America
  • Dimension:  24-55 inches in length
  • Behaviour: Semi-aquatic, active during the day, good swimmers.
  • Identification: Identity by dark colour pattern with scaly, light bands and reddish-brown stripes on their sides
  • Food: Fish, frogs, small mammals, and Snakes.
  • Famous for: Being non-venomous and aquatic habitats.
  • Lifespan: 10-12 years in the wild.
  • Breeding season: Spring to late Summer.
  • Dangerous or Not: Not dangerous to humans 


Red-bellied Water Snake

Red-bellied Water Snake-min

I have discovered that the red-bellied Water Snake is the Only Snake with orange Color in Belly. This Medium Size snake is Often seen Near Water in Tennessee. This Semi-aquatic Hunter’s Primary Food is Fish.

They Usually Hunting Food by swimming under the water of the Lakes or rivers. This Non-Venmouse has A reddish-brown or orange belly, dark spots on the back and a slender body. However, This Species is Not Harmful To Humans, and You don’t need to be afraid of them.

  • Name: Red-bellied Water Snake
  • Species: Nerodia erythrogaster
  • Origin: North America
  • Dimension: 24-42 inches in length.
  • Behaviour: Semi-aquatic, found in near water, non-venomous.
  • Identification: A reddish-brown or orange belly, dark spots on the back and a slender body.
  • Food: Fish, amphibians, and small aquatic animals.
  • Famous for: Its reddish-brown or orange belly.
  • Lifespan: 6-8 years in the wild.
  • Breeding season: Spring.
  • Dangerous or Not: Not dangerous to humans.


Midland Water Snake

Midland Water Snake

Midland Water Snake is the 2nd Most Biggest Water Snakes in Tennesee after Northern Water Snakes. This Big Size Water Snake is Non-venomous & The species is Nerodia sipedon pleuralis.

This snake can often be seen During the day in Water for Hunting Fish & frogs. You Can Easily Identify this wanted Snake by its Dark-colored pattern with lighter side bands and a reddish-brown stripe.

  • Name: Midland Water Snake
  • Species: Nerodia sipedon pleuralis
  • Origin: North America
  • Dimension: 24-55 inches long.
  • Behaviour: Active During the day, non-venomous.
  • Identification: Dark-colored pattern with lighter side bands and a reddish-brown stripe.
  • Food: Fish, frogs, and small mammals.
  • Famous for: Subspecies of the Northern Water Snake.
  • Lifespan: 6-8 years in the wild.
  • Breeding season: Spring  
  • Dangerous or Not: Not dangerous to humans 


Queen Snake

Queen Snake

The Queen Snake is the of the Water in Tennessee. This Medium Size Regina, septemvittata species Snake, is the only species with the Oliver colour appearance of our water snakes in the Tennesse List. This Semi-Aquatic Snake is Like to feed insects & Crayfish.

The Origin of the Queen Snake is in Eastern North America, but they are ringing the Water in Tennessee Now.

  • Name: Queen Snake
  • Species: Regina septemvittata
  • Origin: Eastern North America
  • Dimension: 18-32 inches in length.
  • Behaviour: Semi-aquatic, Found water, non-venomous.
  • Identification: Olive or brown with three yellow stripes down the back and orange-red belly.
  • Food: Insects, crayfish, and small fish.
  • Famous for: Its preference for crayfish as a primary food source.
  • Lifespan:5-8 years in the wild.
  • Breeding season: Early summer.
  • Dangerous or Not: Not dangerous to humans 


Brown Water Snake

Brown Water Snake

Brown Water Snake is the King of the Slow Moving Water in Tennessee. This Nerodia taxispilota species Water Snakes Origin from the Southeastern United States.

This Non-venomous species is active during the day & most of the time can be seen in the water. This Brown with the dark colour snake has Irregular Black spots on the back.

Fish & Frogs are the Primary Food of these water snakes; They Hunt on the day their Food is in Swamps & Marshes.

  • Name: Brown Water Snake
  • Species: Nerodia taxispilota
  • Origin: Southeastern United States
  • Dimension: 24-42 inches in length.
  • Behaviour: Semi-aquatic, active during the day, non-venomous.
  • Identification: Brown or reddish-brown with dark, irregular spots on the back.
  • Food: Fish, frogs.
  • Famous for: It prefers slow-moving water such as swamps and marshes.
  • Lifespan:6-10 years in the wild.
  • Breeding season: Spring.
  • Dangerous or Not: Not hazardous to humans 


Diamondback Water Snake

Diamondback Water Snake

Diamondback Water Snake is an exceptional water snake in Tennessee for its Body appearance. These Nerodia rhombifer Species Snakes look Dark Colored Routine with a Faint diamond shape, Which makes them unique from other water snakes in Tennesse State.

This non-venomous species origin from South Central United States but Now reigns in the Water in Tennessee.This Harmless Water snakes live his Life up to 12 Years & Breeding in Spring.

  • Name: Diamondback Water Snake
  • Species: Nerodia rhombifer
  • Origin: South Central United States
  • Dimension: 30-48 inches in length.
  • Behaviour: Semi-aquatic, non-venomous.
  • Identification: Dark-colored routine with faint diamond-shaped markings on the back.
  • Food: Fish and amphibians.
  • Famous for: Its diamond-shaped designs along the back.
  • Lifespan: 8-12 years in the wild.
  • Breeding season: Spring.
  • Dangerous or Not: Not hazardous to humans


Gulf Saltmarsh Snake

Gulf Saltmarsh Snake

Gulf Saltmarsh Snake is one of the most attractive water snakes in Tennesse state. This Medium size Nerodia clarkia species Water Snakes are Commonly seen in the water source in Tennessee.

They usually Like the Salty Water source that is available in this state. The Gulf Saltmarsh Snake has Gray or brown with swarthy bars along the body appearance with Semi-Aquatic Characteristics.

  • Name: Gulf Saltmarsh Snake
  • Species: Nerodia clarkii
  • Origin: Gulf Coast of the United States
  • Dimension: 16-30 inches in length.
  • Behaviour: Semi-aquatic, non-venomous.
  • Identification: Gray or brown with swarthy bars along the body.
  • Food: Fish, amphibians, and crustaceans found in marshy habitats.
  • Famous for: Its habitat is chosen in salt marshlands and salty waters.
  • Lifespan: 5-8 years in the wild.
  • Breeding season: Spring and early summer.
  • Dangerous or Not: Not dangerous to humans


Rough Green Snake

Rough Green Snake

You May already see the Image of a Rough Green Snake; I’m Pretty sure You got amazed by its appearance. It will look so Satisfying when It gets mixed with the Green leaf. Rough Green Snake is the Opheodrys aestivus species snake usually seen in the Water & Trees in Tennesse State.

This Canadian & Easter US origin is now very famous in Tennesee for its impressive Green appearance & excellent swimming skills. Though this is Non-Poisonous, so it’s Harmless for Humans.

  • Name: Rough Green Snake 
  • Species: Opheodrys aestivus
  • Origin: Eastern United States and Canada
  • Dimension: 20-32 inches in length.
  • Behaviour: Arboreal, non-poisonous, living primarily in trees and shrubs.
  • Identification: Bright green colour and slim body.
  • Food: insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
  • Famous for: Its vibrant green colour and slender appearance.
  • Lifespan: 6-8 years in the wild.
  • Breeding season: Spring and early summer.
  • Dangerous or Not: Not hazardous to humans


Rainbow Snake

Rainbow Snake

Rainbow Snake is the Most Beautiful creation of this Nature by its Colouration, This Francia erytrogramma species Snakes are Often Found in the Near water source of Tennessee state. These Midsize Snakes are Famous for their Multicolour Variation Bodies.

This Non-Venosouse Snake primarily Feed els & Diffrenet Salt Water creatures in its 10 Years Lifespan.
I Found Rainbow Snake is the Most Unique Water Snakes in Tennessee.

  • Name: Rainbow Snake
  • Species: Farancia erytrogramma
  • Origin: Southeastern United States
  • Dimension: 24-36 inches in length.
  • Behaviour: Semi-aquatic, non-venomous.
  • Identification: Striking varicoloured glow with dynamic colours along the body.
  • Food: Targets on eels and different saltwater creatures.
  • Famous for: Its attractive colourings, usually named the “Rainbow Snake.”
  • Lifespan:8-10 years in the wild.
  • Breeding season: Spring and early summer.
  • Dangerous or Not: Not dangerous to humans 


Blotched Water Snake

Blotched Water Snake

Blotched Water Snake is the 10th & Last Water Snake I have discovered in Tennessee. This Medium Size Nerodia erythrogaster transverse Snake is usually seen in the Water or near the water source in Tennessee State.

The origin of this Snake is the Southern U.S.; Later, it moves to the Southeastern. Anyone Can Identify this Water Snake by its Unique Dark spots & Light Color appearance. Tough It’s Not Harmful for Humans, so You don’t need to fear it.

  • Name: Blotched Water Snake 
  • Species: Nerodia erythrogaster transversa
  • Origin: Southern United States
  • Dimension:24-42 inches in length.
  • Behaviour: Semi-aquatic, non-venomous.
  • Identification: Dark spots on light background colours.
  • Food: Fish, frogs, and other small marine creatures.
  • Famous for: Its striking marked colouring routine.
  • Lifespan: 6-8 years in the wild.
  • Breeding season: Spring.
  • Dangerous or Not: Not hazardous to humans 

Did You Notice The 10 Water Snakes I cover in this article? Each of the snakes has its Unique characteristics & style. The Noticeable Thing is that they have 2 Common characteristics: They are Not Harmful to Humans or Nature & the Other is Active only in the Day. The rest of the characteristics are Unique from each other.

I found the Water Snakes in Tennessee are amazing Creations of this Nature. What I present in this article, Just Imagine How Amazing they are Looking in Real Time on Nature. I Obviously Visit there to Oversee the Water Snakes in Tennessee again. You Can Also Know Your Opinion in the Comment Box about these 10 Unique Water Snakes.

FAQ on the Topic: 10 Unique Water Snakes in Tennessee

In that Part of The article, I’m covering some Public Questions that will clarify more of this topic.

Does Tennessee have water snakes?

Yes, Tennessee has 10 Species of Water snakes. Here is the List of 10 Species of Water Snakes in Tennessee

  • Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon)
  • Red-bellied Water Snake (Nerodia erythrogaster)
  • Midland Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon pleuralis)
  • Queen Snake (Regina septemvittata)
  • Brown Water Snake (Nerodia taxispilota)
  • Diamondback Water Snake (Nerodia rhombifer)
  • Gulf Saltmarsh Snake (Nerodia clarkii)
  • Rough Green Snake (Opheodrys aestivus)
  • Rainbow Snake (Farancia erytrogramma)
  • Blotched Water Snake (Nerodia erythrogaster transversa)

Are snakes a problem in Tennessee?

No Snakes are Not the Problem of Tennessee. Snakes are a valuable asset to the Environment because they help control rodent and insect populations, maintain ecological balance, and are essential to food chains.

How common are water moccasins in Tennessee?

Water moccasins, also known as Cottonmouths, are not native to Tennessee. Instead, non-venomous water snakes like Northern and Brown Water are commonly found there.

What is deadliest snakes in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, the deadliest snake is the Eastern Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus). It is a venomous pit viper found in some regions of the state.

Are Tennessee rivers safe to swim in?

Swimming in Tennessee rivers can be safe with caution. Check water quality, watch for hazards, and follow local advisories. Choose designated areas with lifeguards for added safety.

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