Eastern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortix
Conservation Status:
State Status: Vulnerable
Global Assessment: Least Concern
A huge threat to this species is humans, with many people killing them due to fear of their venom. If you encounter one, it is best to stay away and leave it alone. DO NOT kill eastern copperheads. If you wish to remove a venomous snake from your property, contact wildlife control services
Photographed by David Reik
Description
Eastern copperheads are two to three feet long. They may be tan, orange, red, or brown in color with darker bands resembling an hourglass. Their head is brighter than the body, and is triangular in shape. They have very thick bodies.
Habitat
This species can be found on rock ledges, in deciduous forests, near water, and in swamps.
Behavior
These snakes are diurnal in autumn and spring, but nocturnal over the summer. They will hibernate over the winter in burrows or dens, commonly with other species such as ratsnakes or rattlesnakes. Copperheads primarily eat rodents, birds, other snakes, amphibians, arthropods, and insects. They wait for prey to come close to them, and then strike. This species relies on its camouflage, but they may also vibrate their tail when threatened. They
only strike if physical contact is made. However, because they generally freeze when threatened, many people accidentally step on them, resulting in a bite. Copperheads are venomous, but bites are rarely fatal. This being said, it is still important to seek medical attention immediately if a copperhead bites you. Symptoms of their venom may be throbbing, pain, and nausea. If left untreated, the venom can damage muscles and tissue in your body. This species gives birth to two to ten young in the late summer.
Range
Present
Eastern Copperhead
Photographed by Kristof Zyskowski
Often Confused with
Eastern Milksnake
Photographed by Rebecca Gerlenter
There are a few key differences in the body shapes of these two snakes. Copperheads have triangular shaped heads and very thick bodies, while milksnakes are more slender with a smaller, oval shaped head. The coloring and patterns also differ, with milksnakes having a saddle pattern outlined in black, a patterned head, and a white and black checkered belly. Copperheads have no pattern on their head, an unpatterned white belly, and hourglass shaped bands across the body. They also have prominent vertical pupil slits, unlike the milksnake.