Agkistrodon contortrix pictigaster from Brewster Co., TX 2. The Copperhead is a colorful snake that is frequently seen throughout much of the eastern half of Texas. The contrasting pattern of reddish or brown saddle-shaped crossbands on a light tan background make the copperhead readily identifiable.
Copperheads are venomous, and are therefore highly dangerous if approached or handled.
But they are not generally aggressive and will most likely flee any confrontation if given a chance. The Hognose's upturned snout, blotches that do not reach the ventral surface, round pupils, and divided anal plate distinguish it from A. contortrix , which lacks an upturned snout, has crossbands, elliptical pupils and an undivided anal plate. Adult A. contortrix are usually not confused with the Cottonmouth, yet the juveniles of both species are very similar. Young A. contortrix lack the chocolate cheek stripe seen in A. piscivorus , instead having the a light tan area below the eye to the corner of the mouth. Living in leaf piles beneath trees, or alongside logs and stones in wooded forests, the Copperhead is able to elude predators because of its camouflage.