10 Common Striped Snakes in Tennessee: Easy ID Guide With Photos

Tennessee residents encounter an unexpected variety of snakes with stripes in tennessee – over 30% of the state’s 34 snake species display some form of striping pattern.

Whether you’ve spotted movement in your backyard garden or encountered a snake during a hiking adventure, proper identification can transform fear into fascination while ensuring your safety.

This comprehensive guide focuses specifically on Tennessee’s most commonly observed striped snake species, providing clear visual markers and behavioral insights that enable confident field identification.

You’ll discover how to distinguish harmless species from potentially dangerous ones, understand seasonal activity patterns, and develop the knowledge needed for peaceful coexistence with these beneficial wildlife neighbors.

Understanding Snake Stripe Patterns in Tennessee

Primary Stripe Types

Longitudinal Stripes: Run lengthwise along the snake’s body

• Usually 1-3 distinct lines
• Most common in garter and ribbon snakes
• Colors range from yellow to white to cream

Lateral Stripes: Positioned along the sides of the body

• Often paired with central dorsal stripes
• Help distinguish species within families
• May fade or become more prominent with age

Expert Tip: Snake patterns can vary significantly within the same species. Focus on multiple identifying characteristics rather than relying solely on stripe patterns.

Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)

The Eastern garter snake ranks as Tennessee’s most widespread striped snake species. These adaptable serpents thrive in diverse habitats from suburban backyards to mountain meadows.

Key Identification Features:

• Length: 18-26 inches (occasionally up to 3 feet)
• Three distinct yellow or cream-colored stripes
• Central dorsal stripe often brighter than side stripes
• Background color ranges from brown to olive-green
• Distinctive checkerboard pattern between stripes

Habitat Preferences: Eastern garter snakes frequent areas near water sources, including:

• Gardens and landscaped areas
• Woodland edges
• Stream banks and pond margins
• Suburban neighborhoods

Behavior Notes: Active during daylight hours, these snakes often bask in sunny spots during cooler weather. They’re non-venomous but may release a musky odor when handled.

Eastern Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis sauritus)

Often confused with garter snakes, Eastern ribbon snakes display more pronounced striping and different proportions. Their slender build and distinctive tail markings provide reliable identification markers.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

• Length: 16-28 inches
• Very slender body compared to garter snakes
• Three bright yellow stripes with clean edges
• Dark background color (usually black or dark brown)
• White or pale yellow belly
• Tail comprises roughly 1/3 of total body length

Habitat Requirements: Eastern ribbon snakes show stronger preferences for aquatic environments compared to their garter snake cousins, typically inhabiting:

• Wetland margins
• Stream corridors
• Pond and lake edges
• Marshy areas

Plains Garter Snake (Thamnophis radix)

The Plains garter snake represents a western species that extends into parts of Tennessee, particularly in areas with prairie-like habitats or disturbed landscapes.

Identification Features:

• Length: 20-30 inches
• Orange or yellow central stripe
• Side stripes positioned on scale rows 3 and 4
• Often displays a distinctive orange or red coloration between stripes
• Head typically narrower than Eastern garter snake

Geographic Distribution: Primary populations occur in:

• Western Tennessee counties
• Agricultural areas
• Grassland habitats
• Disturbed landscapes

Conservation Note: Plains garter snakes face habitat pressure from agricultural conversion. Supporting native prairie restoration helps maintain stable populations.

Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula)

While not always striped, many Common kingsnakes in Tennessee display distinctive light-colored chain patterns or longitudinal stripes that create striking identification markers.

Pattern Variations:

• Chain Pattern: Light-colored rings or chains on dark background
• Striped Form: Single light stripe down the center
• Speckled Pattern: Light flecking throughout dark scales

Physical Characteristics:

• Length: 3-4 feet (can reach 6 feet)
• Shiny, smooth scales
• Black or dark brown base color
• White, yellow, or cream markings
• Robust, muscular build

Ecological Role: Kingsnakes provide valuable ecosystem services by:

• Controlling rodent populations
• Preying on venomous snakes (including copperheads)
• Maintaining ecological balance in diverse habitats

Behavioral Traits: These powerful constrictors are primarily active at dawn and dusk. They’re known for their docile temperament when encountered, rarely biting unless directly threatened.

Queen Snake (Regina septemvittata)

The Queen snake’s distinctive lateral striping pattern makes it one of Tennessee’s most recognizable aquatic species. These semi-aquatic specialists demonstrate remarkable habitat fidelity.

Identifying Features:

• Length: 15-24 inches
• Two prominent white or cream stripes along lower sides
• Gray to brown background coloration
• Keeled (ridged) scales
• Distinctive belly pattern with two rows of dark spots

Specialized Habitat Requirements: Queen snakes maintain strict habitat preferences:

• Rocky streams with crayfish populations
• Clear, flowing water
• Areas with limestone substrates
• Riparian zones with adequate cover

Diet and Ecology: These snakes feed almost exclusively on soft-shelled crayfish, making them excellent indicators of stream health and water quality.

Rough Earth Snake (Haldea striatula)

Tennessee’s smallest striped snake species, the Rough earth snake often goes unnoticed due to its secretive nature and diminutive size.

Physical Description:

• Length: 7-10 inches
• Faint light stripe down the back
• Brown to gray background color
• Keeled scales giving rough texture
• Pointed snout adapted for burrowing

Microhabitat Preferences:

• Leaf litter in wooded areas
• Under logs, rocks, and debris
• Loose soil suitable for burrowing
• Areas with high moisture content

Ecological Significance: Despite their small size, Rough earth snakes play important roles in:

• Controlling invertebrate populations
• Serving as prey for larger predators
• Indicating healthy forest floor ecosystems

Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon)

Juvenile Northern water snakes often display pronounced banding or striping that becomes less distinct with age. Understanding this age-related pattern change prevents misidentification.

Juvenile Characteristics (with stripes):

• Length: 6-18 inches when juvenile
• Clear crossbands that may appear stripe-like
• Reddish-brown to gray background
• Pattern becomes darker and less distinct with age

Adult Transformation:

• Length: 2-4 feet when mature
• Patterns become muddy and indistinct
• Dark brown to nearly black coloration
• Robust body adapted for aquatic life

Habitat and Behavior: Northern water snakes occupy various aquatic environments:

• Rivers and streams
• Ponds and lakes
• Wetland areas
• Riparian corridors

Safety Reminder: Water snakes are often mistaken for venomous cottonmouths. Key differences include head shape, swimming behavior, and tail characteristics.

Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platirhinos)

While primarily known for dramatic defensive displays, some Eastern hognose snakes exhibit striped or banded patterns that can create identification challenges.

Variable Pattern Expression:

• Some individuals show longitudinal stripes
• Others display banded or blotched patterns
• Color phases range from yellow to brown to nearly black
• Upturned snout remains consistent identifying feature

Defensive Behaviors: Eastern hognose snakes employ theatrical defensive strategies:

1. Threat Display: Flattening neck and hissing loudly
2. Playing Dead: Rolling onto back with mouth agape
3. Musk Release: Producing foul-smelling secretions

Habitat Diversity: These adaptable snakes utilize:

• Sandy or loose soils for burrowing
• Woodland edges and clearings
• Agricultural areas
• Suburban landscapes

Southeastern Crowned Snake (Tantilla coronata)

Tennessee’s crowned snakes represent secretive species that occasionally display faint striping patterns along their small bodies.

Identification Challenges:

• Length: 8-10 inches
• Faint dorsal stripe in some individuals
• Black or dark brown “crown” on head
• Light-colored collar behind head
• Smooth scales with subtle patterns

Secretive Lifestyle:

• Fossorial (underground) habits
• Active primarily at night
• Found under rocks, logs, and debris
• Feeds on small invertebrates

Lined Snake (Tropidoclonion lineatum)

The Lined snake represents one of Tennessee’s rarest striped species, with limited distribution in specific habitat types.

Distinctive Features:

• Length: 8-12 inches
• Single light stripe down back
• Two additional side stripes
• Gray to brown background
• Double row of dark spots on belly

Habitat Specificity:

• Prairie remnants
• Woodland edges
• Areas with loose, workable soil
• Locations with adequate ground cover

Species Comparison Chart

Safety Guidelines and Best Practices

Identification Safety Tips

Visual Assessment Protocol:

• Observe from a safe distance (6+ feet)
• Note overall body proportions
• Count and describe stripe patterns
• Assess habitat context
• Never handle unfamiliar species

Photography Guidelines:

• Use camera zoom instead of approaching closely
• Capture multiple angles when possible
• Include habitat context in photos
• Avoid flash that might stress the animal

Emergency Contact: For venomous snake bites, immediately contact emergency services (911) and proceed to the nearest hospital. Tennessee has four venomous species: copperhead, cottonmouth, timber rattlesnake, and Texas coral snake.

Coexistence Strategies

Habitat Modification:

• Remove brush piles and debris near structures
• Maintain short grass around buildings
• Eliminate water sources that attract prey
• Install snake-proof fencing if necessary

Beneficial Aspects of Snakes:

• Rodent population control
• Insect management
• Ecosystem balance maintenance
• Agricultural pest reduction

Seasonal Activity Patterns

Spring Emergence (March-May)

• Increased snake activity as temperatures warm
• Mating behaviors become visible
• Higher likelihood of encounters near den sites

Summer Peak (June-August)

• Maximum activity levels
• Foraging behaviors most pronounced
• Thermal regulation drives daily patterns

Fall Preparation (September-November)

• Feeding intensity increases before hibernation
• Movement toward overwintering sites
• Reduced but consistent activity levels

Winter Dormancy (December-February)

• Minimal surface activity
• Occasional warm-day emergence
• Underground or protected shelter usage

When to Contact Wildlife Professionals

Situations Requiring Expert Assistance:

• Venomous species identification uncertainties
• Snakes inside residential structures
• Multiple individuals in problematic locations
• Injured or diseased specimens
• Educational program requests

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency: Provides species identification assistance and management guidance for residents encountering snake-related challenges.

Conservation and Legal Considerations

Tennessee’s striped snake species face various conservation pressures including habitat loss, road mortality, and climate change impacts. Supporting native habitat preservation and understanding legal protections helps ensure these beneficial species continue thriving in the state’s ecosystems.

Legal Protections:

• Most non-venomous species protected under state regulations
• Killing non-venomous snakes prohibited in many areas
• Habitat destruction regulations apply to sensitive species

Conservation Actions:

• Support native plant landscaping
• Participate in citizen science monitoring
• Report unusual sightings to wildlife agencies
• Educate others about snake benefits and identification

Understanding Tennessee’s diverse striped snake community transforms fear into appreciation while promoting coexistence between humans and these remarkable reptiles. Proper identification skills, combined with respect for wildlife and awareness of safety protocols, create positive outcomes for both people and snakes throughout the state.