Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-101: Handling snakes so as to endanger life prohibited

(a) It is an offense for a person to display, exhibit, handle, or use a venomous or dangerous snake or reptile in a manner that endangers the life or health of any person. As used in this subsection (a), "venomous" means any toxic substance that is actively injected by an animal through a bite or sting and that causes injury or death.

(b) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.