They inhabit a variety of habitats in the watershed, including coastal areas, marshes, forests, fields, and wooded slopes and ravines. They particularly favor hiding places in abandoned rural structures, sawdust piles, or under boards. When disturbed, they tend to lie still or move away slowly, but occasionally will vibrate their tails. The copperhead's diet ranges from insects to small mammals . The snake also consumes birds , amphibians and other reptiles.
Copperheads mate in spring and sometimes autumn.
Newborn snakes are between 8 and 10 inches in length and have bright yellow-tipped tails. Young snakes grow rapidly and shed their skin as they grow, often four or more times a year, before they are three years old. Adults shed once or twice a year. In preparation for shedding, the snake's eyes secrete lymphatic fluid, which gives them a murky blue appearance.