LOL I live in Eastern Tennessee. We have Rattlers in my county and maybe some on my place as I have a deep ravine on the back side of my property. I've not ever seen one in my area of the county though. We have Copperheads a plenty also. But the winter temps and stream temps here are to cold for Cottonmouths as the streams are considered mountain streams. We have Water Moccasins {non poisonous type we call such} but not Cottonmouths. Now there may be on the west side of the Cumberland Plateau and there definitely are some west of Nashville 175 miles west of here.
BTW I used to frequent the Dismal Swamp area of North Carolina and Virginia while stationed in Norfolk. Different water environment there and someone usually warmer in the winter. I also spent a couple weeks in Ft Stewart, GA. More than glad to leave too :>}
Hey there,,,
I never knew they ranged that far myself,,,
Learn somethin’ new every day around here,,,
From what I’ve seen they have about the same range as
Copperheads,,,
Both seem to be found near wet areas,,,
That’s All of my state,,,LOL,,,
Ya’ll watch where ya’ step...;0)