John Baker | Dreamstime.com
If you have a hike planned at Percy Warner Park this week, you might want to watch your step a little more carefully.
A local hiker recently caught something on video that made a lot of Nashvillians pause before their next trail day. According to WSMV4, entrepreneur Renuka Christoph was getting ready to hike the park's popular 5.8 mile loop when she spotted a large timber rattlesnake sliding across the path right in front of her. The snake eventually disappeared into the brush, but not before she got it on film.
WSMV4 reports that the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officially recognizes the timber rattlesnake as the state's largest and most dangerous venomous snake. That is not exactly the kind of trail companion most visitors are hoping to run into.
So should this keep you off the trails at Percy Warner Park? Not necessarily. But it is worth knowing what you are dealing with before you go.
Why Rattlesnakes Are Extra Active Right Now
Late summer and early fall are peak season for timber rattlesnakes. Local wildlife footage and reporting point to August through October as mating season, which means these snakes are on the move more than usual.
Rattlesnakes are not fans of extreme heat and humidity either. That means you are most likely to encounter one during the cooler parts of the day, early mornings and evenings, when they come out to warm up or hunt.
If you tend to hike Percy Warner Park at sunrise or right before sunset, this is the season to pay a little extra attention to the trail ahead of you.
What a Timber Rattlesnake Actually Looks Like
Knowing what you are looking for can make a huge difference. Timber rattlesnakes can grow up to 5 feet long, with heavy, thick bodies. Their skin has a distinct diamond pattern along with dark zigzag chevron markings, and of course, there is that telltale rattle at the end of the tail.
If you hear a buzzing or clicking sound while you are out on a trail, that is your cue. Stop moving, figure out where the sound is coming from, and calmly head the other way.
How Dangerous Are They, Really
Here is the part that tends to freak people out. Timber rattlesnake venom is potent enough to kill a person. That sounds terrifying, and it is worth taking seriously.
But here is the other side of it. These snakes are shy by nature. They generally want nothing to do with people or dogs. According to reporting on the sighting, they typically will not strike unless they are stepped on, cornered, or feel directly threatened.
In other words, a timber rattlesnake is not out there hunting hikers. It would much rather slip away into the brush unnoticed, which is exactly what the snake in the video did.
They're a Protected Species, So Leave Them Alone
Even if you are not a snake fan, this is an important one to know. Timber rattlesnakes are protected in Tennessee. That means it is illegal to harm, capture, or kill one, and doing so can lead to steep fines and even criminal charges.
So if you spot one on your hike, the plan is simple. Do not touch it, do not try to move it, and definitely do not try to get a closer photo for the gram. Admire it from a distance and let it do its thing.
What To Do If You See One On The Trail
A few simple steps can keep your hike safe if you do cross paths with a rattlesnake.
Freeze or slowly back away. Give the snake plenty of room. They can strike a distance of up to one third to one half of their own body length, so more space is always better.
Listen for the rattle. If you hear that buzzing sound, stop, spot the snake, and move away from it.
Stick to the trail itself. Snakes love to rest in heavy underbrush, tall grass, and rocky ledges, especially during the hotter parts of the day. Straying off the marked path increases your odds of a surprise encounter.
What To Do If You Get Bitten
This is worth knowing even if you never plan on needing it. Stay calm, keep the affected limb as still as possible, and get to an emergency room right away.
The good news is that with prompt antivenom treatment, fewer than 1 percent of timber rattlesnake bites are fatal. That is a reassuring number, but it also shows why getting to a hospital quickly matters so much.
Planning a Hike at Percy Warner Park
Percy Warner Park sits about 20 minutes from downtown Nashville in the Belle Meade area, and it is one of the most popular spots in the city for hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers. The 5.8 mile loop where this sighting happened is a favorite for locals looking to get some elevation and tree cover without leaving the city.
If you are visiting Nashville and want to add a hike to your trip, this time of year just means being a little more alert. Stick to established trails, keep dogs on a leash, wear closed toe shoes instead of sandals, and try to avoid reaching into brush or over logs without looking first.
None of this means you should skip the park. It just means hiking here in August and September calls for the same kind of awareness you would use on any trail in a wooded area.
Other Snakes You Might Run Into in Middle Tennessee
The timber rattlesnake is not the only snake calling Middle Tennessee home. Copperheads are also common in the area and are responsible for more bites statewide than any other venomous species, mostly because they blend in so well with fallen leaves. Cottonmouths tend to stick closer to water, so they are less likely at a park like Percy Warner but worth knowing about if your trip includes lakes or rivers.
The vast majority of snakes you will actually see on a Nashville hike are completely harmless, like garter snakes and rat snakes. But it never hurts to know the difference before you head out.
Are you planning a trip to Percy Warner Park soon, or would you like a full rundown of the other venomous snakes found around Middle Tennessee?
