TWRA experts refuting a report this week of snakes overunning Dale Hollow Lake.
Region 3 Communications and Outreach Coordinator Mime Barnes said there is no biological evidence to support the idea that the lake is among one of the five most snake-infested bodies of water in the state. Barnes said the presence of snakes is a reflection of the well-preserved natural shoreline.
“There is no biological evidence for an infestation of snakes there,” Barnes said. “It is a very natural area, so I’m sure that there are venomous and non-venomous snakes present.”
Barnes said residents and visitors often see more snakes during the spring and fall months. Barnes said this is because snakes must bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature when night temperatures are cooler.
“People see more snakes spring and fall when night temperatures are cooler and days start warming up,” Barnes said.
Barnes said only two venomous species, the timber rattlesnake and the copperhead, are native to the Dale Hollow area. Barnes said non-venomous species like the northern water snake, corn snake and gray rat snake are frequently mistaken for dangerous ones due to their bright patterns or defensive behaviors.
“It is illegal to kill a snake in Tennessee unless there’s an immediate threat to humans, livestock, or, or pets,” Barnes said. “So if someone encounters a snake in that natural area, the best thing to do is just to make noise, go around it on a hiking trail or just avoid that area.”
Barnes said snakes play a vital role in the local ecosystem by controlling rodent and insect populations. Barnes said some studies even suggest snakes help reduce the spread of Lyme disease by managing the mice that carry infected ticks.
“They do play an ecological role,” Barnes said. “I mean, they’re part of the ecology and a healthy ecology has all of those animals including snakes.”
World Atlas released the rankings this week that showed Dale Hollow in the top five.