Is It Legal to Kill a Snake?

If you encounter a snake in Tennessee, what you do subsequent, might land you in sizzling water.

Snakes Serve a Purpose within the Tennessee Ecosystem

I would be the first person to confess that snakes are considered one of my least favourite animals. However, I do perceive that like every thing else within the wild, they serve a operate inside our ecosystem. Snakes assist to take care of the populations of many nuisance animals, notably rodents.

Snakes Seek to Meet Their Basic Needs

Much like different wildlife, snakes even have basic wants like meals, water, and shelter, and they’re going to actively hunt down these must survive. This means that you could be encounter them infrequently, particularly for those who spend plenty of time open air. There are 32 recognized species of snakes that inhabit Tennessee. Only 4 of these species are venomous.

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

You needn’t go climbing to come across a snake in Tennessee. Your property could also be have an open invitation signal on it when you’ve got issues like woodpiles, brushy areas, dense vegetation, and even one thing seemingly innocent like a birdfeeder. These are all glorious sources of meals, water, and shelter for a snake in want.

Tennessee Law About Killing Snakes

For many individuals their first inclination when encountering a snake will probably be to kill it. However, since there isn’t a searching season established for snakes, it’s unlawful to kill them, beneath Tennessee state legislation.

The taking, killing and/or unlawful possession of hawks, owls, songbirds, endangered species or every other species (i.e. snakes) for which a season is just not set is prohibited. There is proof cougars and alligators are increasing their territories into Tennessee. Species increasing their ranges into Tennessee are protected and is probably not taken till a searching season is proclaimed. Alligators and cougars are protected by state legal guidelines in Tennessee.

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

Avoiding Snakebites in Tennessee

To keep away from snakebites, the Tennessee Snakes web site presents some useful ideas.

• When climbing, it’s suggested that you simply keep on the paths and keep watch over the place you step.
• Where garments that match loosely, and boots made from leather-based. Sandals and low-cut or non-leather footwear needs to be averted.
• Stay a minimum of 6 toes away from a snake except you’re positive that it’s not one of many 4 venomous species discovered within the state, and by no means attempt to catch, deal with, or kill a snake.
• When you encounter an impediment like a bush, log, or rock, it is best to walk round it, being aware of the place you’re stepping.
• Where gloves to guard your fingers whereas working in your yard, notably round 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, particularly whether it is in your property? First and foremost, give it some room and do not get to shut. Second, you possibly can name a wildlife elimination service in your space. They will be capable to safely take away the creature and relocate it someplace protected, away out of your property.

When Is It Ok to Kill a Snake in Tennessee

The solely time that killing a snake is allowed in Tennessee is that if it poses a direct menace to your well being, in line with the University of Tennessee.

Unless posing a direct well being menace, all snakes in Tennessee are protected and indiscriminate killing is prohibited. – University of Tennessee

If you’ve gotten the unlucky expertise of affected by a snakebite, it is best to search medical remedy instantly.

[Source: TennSnakes.org]