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Grey Ratsnake

Black Kingsnake

Northern Watersnake

• There are 33 species of snakes in Tennessee; four of them are venomous.
• More than 15 species of snakes can be found at Radnor Lake, and two of them are venomous: the Timber Rattlesnake (identify by rattles on end of tail) and Copperhead (identify by hour-glass shaped markings on back). Rattlers and Copperheads are mostly reclusive and seldom encountered.
• Most frequently seen at Radnor are the Northern Watersnake (looks like Copperhead to many visitors), Grey Ratsnake, Cornsnake, Gartersnake, Ring-necked Snake, Rough Greensnake, and Common Kingsnake. Many non-venomous snakes will imitate venomous snakes when disturbed by flattening their head, rattling their tail, hissing loudly, and mimicking a venomous snake’s color patterns.
• Snakes are one of the most misunderstood animal families and are often threatened by people who think they are scary, dangerous, ugly, or evil.
• Snakes smell by collecting scent particles from the air with their tongues. Those particles are deposited in an organ in the roof of the mouth which transmits the smelly message to the brain.

What if I get bitten?

• Stay calm to keep your heart rate down and slow the spread of any possible venom.
• Do not suck the venom from the wound. That will worsen the situation.
• Do not risk further bites by trying to capture or kill the animal. The anti-venom is now the same for all of Tennessee’s pit vipers. A doctor will be able to tell if it was venomous or not. Snakebite kits are no longer an accepted treatment.
• Go to an emergency room as soon as possible.
• Keep the affected bite area below the heart. Remove jewelry or clothing that could constrict if the bite area swells.
• If you see a snake while hiking the trails, leave them alone! This will ensure that both you and the snake population in the natural area stay healthy.
• Snakes can climb trees. Imagine climbing with no arms and legs!
• Remember it is illegal to harm, kill, remove, or possess native snakes.

Venomous snakes: Timber Rattlesnake (left) and Copperhead (right)

How can I avoid a bite?

• Leave them alone!
• Stay on the trail and watch where you step. Develop the habit of watching where you place your feet and hands.
• Do not try to catch, handle, or kill reptiles. It is illegal inside of Radnor Lake. Remember, it is difficult to distinguish a venomous from a nonvenomous reptile. Even non-venomous does not mean it is safe to approach or touch! Most snake bites occur by people trying to handle or kill a snake.
• Wear boots and loose fitting clothes. Boots provide protection for the feet and ankles. Low cut shoes or sandals should never be worn in a place where you may come in contact with reptiles.

• There are 9 species of lizards within Tennessee. The more common species at Radnor Lake include: Broad-headed Skink, Common Five-lined Skink, Little Brown Skink, Northern Fence Lizard, and Southeastern Five-lined Skink.
• Unlike snakes, most lizards have limbs and ears.
• All of Tennessee’s lizards are insectivores.
• Many lizards can detach their tails to escape from predators. Their tail will grow back over time.
• Lizards have complex social behaviors. They communicate by head bobbing, doing push-ups and arm waves.

• Turtles and tortoises are characterized by a bony or cartilage shell that acts as a shield. They are able to withdraw their head and limbs into this shell to protect themselves.
• Turtles spend much of their lives underwater, while tortoises are generally land animals.
• Four turtles are native to Radnor Lake: the Box Turtle, Red-eared Slider, Snapping Turtle, and the Soft-shelled Turtle. The most common is the Red-eared Slider and the least common is the Soft-shelled Turtle.
• Some turtles eat meat such as fish or bugs while others eat only plants.
• A turtle shell is made up of its ribs and backbone, which means it cannot crawl out of its shell. The Box Turtle actually has a hinged lower shell that can completely close, protecting it from predators.
• Little is known about turtle brumation (hibernation), but when the temperature begins to drop, turtles go into a state of suspended animation and may not eat, breathe, or even move for much of the winter.
• Radnor’s turtles can live up to 40 years or more in the wild.
• Aquatic turtles leave the water and travel great distances over land to lay eggs and find new habitat.
• Snapping Turtles have fierce dispositions when encountered. Be sure to keep your fingers and toes away from their powerful beaks.
• Remember, in Tennessee it is illegal to keep any turtle as a pet.