Considering, even after our cowardice acts, the number of snakes we see every year on our four wheeler trails, on the sides of the roads, camping areas, etc.... I don't think we're just severely hurting the population, or even affecting it at all. And while snakes are not a direct threat to our lives at all times, what's to stop them from biting one of us, or one of the kids, when we walk upon one without noticing it before it's too late? This has been going on for years, and I am surpised that it hasn't been stopped completely because killing snakes in the state of TN is illegal no matter the circumstances.