Tennessee's 5 Snake-Infested Lakes and Rivers Ranked by World Atlas

In the peak of summer, when the heat is oppressive in Tennessee, a day at the lake often seems like the perfect remedy.

The Volunteer State boasts a gorgeous natural landscape of picturesque lakes and streams, which are the perfect way to cool down on days when the heat index nears or exceeds 100 degrees.

As you swim, beware of the species that inhabit the natural waterscapes. Particularly, watch out for snakes.

Tennessee is home to 32 species of snakes, four of which are venomous. Snakes are often drawn to riverbeds and waterways because they offer an abundance of small prey and camouflage in the surrounding grasses and vegetation, according to World Atlas.

Just because waterways have snakes doesn't mean you should avoid them; swimmers should just be cautious. "The bottom line is, unless they are antagonized, snakes keep their fangs to themselves," World Atlas said in the recent review. "Sure, be mindful if walking barefoot in overgrown areas, but otherwise, enjoy your riverside hike or your time at the lake."

Snakes can be present anywhere, but especially in these Tennessee swimming spots, which were recently dubbed the most snake-infested waters in the state by World Atlas.

Reelfoot Lake

Reelfoot Lake is nestled in the northwestern corner of the Volunteer State in the small town of Tiptonville.

Tiptonville is known for its natural landscape and proximity to Reelfoot Lake State Park, Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge and the Mississippi River.

The natural beauty of the lake is contrasted by the number of snakes living near its water's edge. Realfoot Lake has nonvenomous snakes, like the copperbelly water snake, Broad-banded watersnake and the Eastern ribbon snake.

However, the main threat to watch for here is the cottonmouth, also known as a water moccasin. This venomous species is best defined by its diamond-shaped head and the white interior of its mouth, according to World Atlas.

Dale Hollow Lake

Near the Tennessee and Kentucky state line, you'll find Dale Hollow Lake.

Guests can enjoy the beauty of Dale Hollow Lake and the small-town charm of nearby Byrdstown. Fish, ski, kayak, and more. But as you enjoy the water, be on the lookout for these species of snakes.

Tennessee's most common aquatic serpent, the northern watersnake, lives at the lake. It's a non-venomous species, but can look intimidating due to its length and dark green appearance, according to World Atlas.

Venomous snakes like the timber rattlesnake and the northern copperhead are also swimming in the Dale Hollow Lake. The timber rattlesnake is the most dangerous of the Tennessee snakes, according to Smoky Mountains Tourism. The northern copperhead is less dangerous, but still a creature you may want to avoid. It has a triangular head and hourglass-shaped crossbands.

Cumberland River

The Cumberland River is expansive and houses many species, including snakes.

Streching across Kentucky and Tennessee, the 688-mile river houses all four of Tennessee venomous snakes: The cottonmouth, copperhead, timber rattlesnake and pygmy rattlesnake.

Watauga Lake

In East Tennessee, Watauga Lake is a hot spot for recreation in the summer. Watauga Lake is a man-made reservoir built by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Today, it stretches 6.2 miles and covers 6,430 acres, according to Watauga Lake, Tennessee Insiders' Vacation Guide.

The lake near Elizabethton has several species of snakes to watch out for.

Specifically, copperheads and timber rattlesnakes live in the region. The eastern rat snake can also be found in East Tennessee. It is commonly known as the black rat snake, and is a non-venomous constrictor snake.

Chickamauga Lake

Chickamauga Lake, located near Chattanooga in Hamilton County, is a popular fishing spot in Tennessee. The 36,240-acre reservoir is also a good spot to go camping, boating, bird watching and more.

If you visit, keep an eye out for the aforementioned venomous snakes as well as the worm snake and the black racer. Both are non-venomous, but should be avoided. The worm snake earns its name by looking like a scarlet worm and spending the majority of its time underground, according to World Atlas.

The black racer is generally harmless; it's dark, skinny and swift.

What to do if you see a snake

If you see a snake on a hiking trail, the easiest thing you can do is ignore it. Stay calm and walk away.

What to do if you get bitten by a snake

If you're visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the likelihood of seeing a venomous snake, or being bitten by one, is low, according to the Park Service.

However, if a snake does bite you, it's important to call 911, especially if the bitten area changes color, swells or is painful, according to the Mayo Clinic.

While you're waiting for emergency services to arrive, Mayo Clinic recommends taking the following steps to stay as safe as possible.

• Move far away from the snake.
• Stay still and calm.
• Remove any jewelry, watches or tight clothing before swelling starts.
• Sit or lie down so that the bite is in a neutral, comfortable position.
• Clean the bite with soap and water. Cover or wrap it loosely with a clean, dry bandage.

Reporter Berkley Shannon contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: These 5 Tennessee lakes and rivers were ranked as most snake-filled by World Atlas