It’s Copperhead season in Tennessee and state wildlife officials are urging the public to be aware what might be lurking in that pile of leaves, along the trail or in your flower pot.

Dustin Thames of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) says the surge in sightings this time of year is because adult copperheads usually give birth between August and October, making fall the most common season for spotting both adults and their young. A baby copperhead can be identified by its distinctive bright neon yellow or green tail tip and side patterns shaped like “Hershey’s Kisses” Thames has suggestions about how to protect yourself against a painful medical emergency. If your home sits near a wooded area, Thames suggests some ways to keep copperhead away.

The most important thing, he noted, is that copperheads love to eat rats. Where there are rats there could also be copperheads as they seek out food sources. This same is true with pet feed. It is suggested that pet feed be stored in a secure environment as leaving it outside could attract snakes.

Other suggestion include: Keeping your trash lid closed to avoid a surprise when you open your trash lid Do not leave piles of leaves around as snakes can take refuge inside causing a nasty surprise for those who like to jump in piles of leaves Secure stored fire wood as those are favor havens for snakes.

Always wear closed shoes when hiking and stay on the trails. The number- one defense copperheads have is camouflage with the fall foliage If you see a copperhead, keep your distance. Contrary to popular belief it is illegal to kill snakes in Tennessee.

According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), all native snake species—both venomous and non-venomous—are protected as nongame wildlife. Killing, harming, or capturing them without a permit is prohibited and is typically classified as a misdemeanor violation that can carry heavy fines or penalties.

There are exceptions to the law including: • Immediate Danger: You are only legally permitted to kill a snake if there is an immediate, direct threat to human life (such as someone being attacked or in immediate danger of a bite) or to protect livestock.

• Inside a Home: Finding a snake actively inside your living space where it poses an immediate safety hazard is generally recognized under self-defense/ property protection provisions.

Simply seeing a snake outside in your yard, garden, or out in nature does not give you the legal right to kill it.

Copperheads are one of four venomous snakes in the state, but according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, their venom is not very strong and deaths are “extremely rare.” If you are bitten by a copperhead, however, even if you do not feel symptoms, it is important to get medical attention right away.