American Copperhead - Snake Facts and Information American Copperhead American Copperhead – Agkistrodon contortrix Description The American Copperhead is one of the snakes in the world that creates venom. They are often called just the Copperhead for short. In some locations they are referred to as the Moccasin Snake or chunk head. No matter what name you hear it by you should be careful around them. This is a very dangerous type of snake and one that produces very dangerous venom. There are 5 subspecies that have been identified. When they are fully grown they may be as long as 3 feet. The males of this species of snake are longer than the females. It is typically the other way around so many people get them mixed up when it comes to the American Copperhead. They feature a head that is very large and a downward facing snout. The color of them is a tan and allows them to easily blend into their surrounding area. They feature cross bands that also match the coloring of the ground. This is why there are so many different colors of them out there. They often have darker coloring on the ends of the body than in the middle sections. On the belly area the color is dark (for northern subspecies).

Behavior Most of the time the American Copperhead is a nocturnal creature, coming out only at night. However, when it begins to get colder they will start to be noticed out during the day. They need the warmer temperatures as they are cold blooded. They like to hide in places that humans may be cleaning up too. This includes in leaves that are piled in the yard so you should take caution. This is one of the few types of snakes that may spend time with each other. They are found to hibernate with each other during the winter months. They are also known to stay around the Black Rat Snake in some locations as well. As the warmer temperatures come around again they will disperse. They typically will go back to their original environment again at that time. Habitat and Distribution There are many locations out there called home to the American Copperhead. They include all over North America. States including Texas, Georgia, Florida, and Kansas are among those locations. They are common in the Midwest states with large populations in Illinois and Iowa. They are also found in the far east such as around New Jersey and New York. Some of the sub species have been identified as living around Mexico and South Carolina.

They are able to live in swampy regions as well as wetland areas and forests. They like areas that are very warm which is why they do so well along the Gulf of Mexico. American Copperhead – Agkistrodon contortrix Diet and Feeding Habits Insects account for the majority of the food that these snakes will consume. They do eat frogs and lizards though as well. They are very patient when it comes to waiting for prey to come along. Rodents are very often consumed as well. They are typically found on the ground but when they have a hard time finding food they will climb into the trees. If the prey is small the snake will swallow it immediately. When they are dealing with larger prey though they will release venom to subdue it. If not, they will let it go and follow it. The venom can take some time to work but it will. Once the venom has immobilized it they will swallow it. They are very patient about such efforts. Reproduction This particular snake takes part in mating during the later part of the summer. They are known to mate annually but not always. They may wait several years if there is a lack of habitat or food for them.

They give birth to live young with a low amount of them. From 4 to 7. However, they don’t care for their young at all once they are born. These young have to instinctively be able to do so. This accounts for the reason why they have such a high rate of mortality. The young have a brightly color in their tail and it helps them to attract food. For example frogs often think that wiggling tail is a worm. Predators There are a few known predators of the American Copperhead in their natural environment. Various types of birds including Owls and Hawks will consume them. Raccoons often feed on them as well. The Possum can be a threat in some locations as well. All of these predators will consume them when they are small though. As the snakes become larger there is less and less of a risk that such predators will mess with them. The coyote has become one predator too in recent years. This is due to their natural habitat being eliminated. There are many habitats out there where the home of them and the American Copperhead overlap. As their habitats close in that seems to become more and more frequent that they will be fighting for the same space.

Humans are one of the main predators for the American Copperhead. When humans decide to clear out land for their own use they destroy the natural habitat of the snakes. Even though they are highly adaptable it can cause over crowding in certain locations. It can also make the fight for food one that is very difficult. The American Copperhead is often sold on the pet trade as an exotic animal. People love to have something so unique and even dangerous in their possession. Before you get one though you better think about the consequences. One bite and you will be wishing you had gone with something less aggressive to own. Some people just don’t like the risk of any types of snakes. Therefore they go out and hunt and kill them as often as they can. This is one species of snake that has a very bad reputation. Most people don’t really feel bad about destroying them or their environment. They feel it is an action they take that can help to protect humans. Venomous Bite or Danger to Humans The American Copperhead is known for being very aggressive and to bite humans but only when surprised. They bite as a natural defense when they feel that they are in danger. They do have a venom that will be released when they bite.

However, that venom isn’t very potent at all. They often don’t bite as hard as they are able to the first time. That is typically going to be a warning for danger to back off. They may not have any venom at all in it. However, the biggest side effect from it is that a person may feel nauseated and then start to vomit. The bite area will also be red, inflamed, and throbbing. Medical care is important to ensure that any infection won’t occur. Some people do have an allergic reaction to such venom. This can result in them suffering from internal damages including tissue loss if they don’t get adequate medical care for an American Copperhead. Categories Venomous copperheads inhabit Western Pennsylvania's woodlands, but experts say they pose no cause for panic | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Venomous copperheads inhabit Western Pennsylvania's woodlands, but experts say they pose no cause for panic June 5, 2011 4:00 AM Paul Selvaggio/Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium Cat-like pupils are a defining feature of the copperhead, as well as diamond-shaped head and distinctive brown bands. By Ben Moyer No other wild creature is the source of so much unjustified fear.

Just hearing the word "copperhead" has ruined countless hikes and discouraged camp outs. But naturalists contend that the dread of these snakes is out of proportion with the danger they pose. Irrational fear of these reptiles, conservationists contend, also results in needless destruction of other harmless snakes that superficially resemble copperheads. While the northern copperhead is most certainly venomous, its secretive nature and relative small size make a tragedy unlikely. According to U. S. Poison Control centers, the chance of fatality from a copperhead bite is about 1 in 5,000. Experts out looking for copperheads encounter them infrequently. "If copperheads were as common as people think, I'd be thick into them all the time," said Terry Laux of Freeport, a self-taught naturalist and volunteer educator at Cook Forest State Park. "We are out all the time, in good habitat for snakes, and we just don't see copperheads like you'd expect from all the paranoia." Laux helped compile field data for the Pennsylvania Herpetological Atlas Project, which tracks the conservation status of the state's snakes, lizards, turtles and amphibians.

On June 6 at 1:30 p.m., as part of "Herp Week" at Cook Forest State Park, Laux will present a seminar to teach outdoor enthusiasts to distinguish copperheads from water snakes and milk snakes, which are often mistaken for the feared viper. Copperheads are medium-size, heavy-bodied snakes. Adult males average about 30 inches in Pennsylvania; females 24 inches. Rich earth tones of tan, dark brown and copper cover the snake's entire body. Darker hourglass-shape bands cross the body from neck to tail. The head is broad, lance-shaped, copper in color and otherwise unmarked. Copperheads live across Pennsylvania's southern two-thirds. They are not known to occur in the state's northern tier of counties. They are closely related to the larger and more pugnacious cottonmouth of Southern swamps and streams. Copperhead color and pattern provide excellent camouflage among leaf litter and rocks. Naturalists consider them "ambush predators." The snakes lay coiled and concealed, waiting for a mouse, vole, frog or bird to stray near enough to strike. Like all North American pit vipers (rattlesnakes, copperheads and cottonmouth), copperheads bear live young.

In Pennsylvania, females bear two to nine 7-inch young in early fall. Young resemble adults except for a lighter, yellowish tip of the tail. Laux said the best way to positively identify a copperhead is by the pattern of coloration. "Use the bands on the back. It's foolproof," he said. "If the bands are narrow at the top, where they cross the spine, and broad at the bottom, near the ground, so that they look like an hourglass, that's a copperhead." Laux described the bands on similarly colored milk snakes and water snakes as "even in width across the body." Other characteristics, Laux maintains, are not reliable because they can be misinterpreted, especially in moments of panic or excitement outdoors. "Often, people are told to look for a triangular head," Laux observed. "But the trouble with that mark is that people will see what they want to see. If someone wants to see a copperhead, they will put that triangular head on it, and they'll kill a harmless milk snake as a result.

If you tell them it wasn't a copperhead, they'll get mad because they wanted to see one." In some types of habitats, Laux explained, the chances of seeing a true copperhead are greater. "Rocky hillsides in woods, with outcrops facing south, and for some reason, railroad tracks and old bridge abutments along streams. The best places are far away from people, where the snakes aren't disturbed," he said. Laux acknowledged that, though seldom fatal, copperhead bites require medical attention as soon as possible and can have serious consequences. But he said fear of the snakes should not keep western Pennsylvanians from enjoying the outdoors. "As long as you watch where you're stepping and placing your hands, there is very little danger," he said. "If you see one, consider yourself fortunate, because most people never do.

Just back away, leave the snake alone and admire it for what it is, a native part of the natural world of Western Pennsylvania." Copperhead Snakes in Maryland Color: Light to chestnut brown body with distinctive hourglass markings on back Size: Thick-bodied, 2-3 feet in length Diet: Mice, birds, frogs, insects Predators: Eagles, hawks, coyotes, raccoons Interesting Fact: There is another type of copperhead snake in Maryland, found primarily on the eastern and western shores. It is a cross between the northern copperhead and the southern copperhead. A Copperhead’s Bite Is Venomous, Painful And Rare in Maryland Although the copperhead snake is found in all parts of Maryland, not many people are bitten by this snake. That’s because the copperhead is a shy creature who will avoid confrontations with humans if possible. The Stats on This Snake The Northern Copperhead is the most prevalent in the state.

These snakes are 2 to 3 feet long as adults and have these distinguishing features: • An unmarked, tan to bright-copper head • A thick, chestnut-colored, copper or tan body with a series of dark hourglass markings on its back • A pinkish belly • Vertical slit iris Northern copperheads can live in forests, fields, wetlands, dry sandy ridges and agricultural fields throughout Maryland. Female copperheads carry their eggs in their bodies and give birth to 3 to 14 live young, which are 8 to 10 inches long. The young snakes are grayish in color and have a yellow tail that disappears as they age. Copperheads in the Cold Copperheads spend Maryland winters in a state similar to hibernation (although they do rouse themselves to drink occasionally). Like all snakes, copperheads can’t regulate their own body temperature so they adapt in many ways: • Coil themselves to stay warm • Bask in the sun • Go out at night during the worst of the summer heat to stay cool Camouflaged for Hunting Copperheads hide in leaf litter when hunting, with their patterned skin serving as excellent camouflage.

They strike suddenly when their prey—usually small rodents, birds, frogs or insects—runs by. The copperhead snake injects poison into its victims to kill them before swallowing them whole. The snakes sometimes track their larger prey while waiting for the poison to drop them. Don’t Panic at the Sight of This Snake If you come across a copperhead snake, it is most likely to move slowly away from you and may emit an odor that smells like cucumbers. If you do get bitten, seek medical help immediately; while bites are usually not fatal, they can be painful and cause nausea, weakness, shortness of breath and tissue damage. Copperhead Control from the Professionals If you think copperhead snakes have taken up residence in or around your house, call Brody Brothers Pest Control to investigate and remove any unwanted pests: 410-653-2121 If the snake if your yard looks different than the one pictured, it could be one of the following: Articles: The neo-copperheads The neo-copperheads By Matthew May In the face of unexpectedly bloody and costly engagements with enemy forces, the President encountered severe criticism from his Democrat opponents, who wanted "peace" more than they wanted victory.

They mocked him as some kind of primitive creature, unable to straighten—out the mess he had created. The year was 1864. At that point in American history, the re—election of President Abraham Lincoln was in great doubt. After three years of war, the Union armies suffered a series of setbacks, most notably in the Red River area of Texas. Gen. John Sherman's progress had been slowed in the South, and Gen. Ulysses Grant's advances came at the expense of thousands of Union casualties. In July, the month the North had expected the Confederate capital of Richmond to capitulate, Washington, D.C., itself was in danger of falling into rebel hands. Of the many opponents to Lincoln's re—election, a group of northern Democrats known as the 'Peace Democrats' wished that the President would sue for peace. Gaining popularity in the Midwest among farmers, and with New York immigrants who feared for their jobs in the absence of slavery, the party briefly held the New York governorship and controlled the Illinois legislature. Members of the party in New York were pejoratively nicknamed 'Copperheads' by the New York Tribune, after the snake that strikes without warning.

The main objectives of the Copperheads were the defeat of Lincoln, the immediate end of hostilities with the Confederacy, and commencing a peace summit with the rebels. What does this look back have to do with the 2004 election? Everything. Sen. John F. Kerry's talk convening a summit of American 'allies' during last week's Presidential debate of put one in mind of the Copperheads. Like their historical ancestors, the neo—copps believe that talk is better than war, and that the enemy will be reasonable if we just behave ourselves. Kerry believes that pleading our security interests with the United Nations, summits, and similar navel—gazing will make us more secure and somehow assure victory in the war on terrorism. President Lincoln, like President Bush, became convinced that taking the battle to the enemy was the only way to protect the nation. In Lincoln's case, the aim was to preserve the Union and to release men from bondage. In Bush's case, the goal is to preserve our way of life from medieval fanatics, and introduce freedom to a region that has been under the terrifying grip of terrorist—harboring dictators for too long.

Both Lincoln and Bush attempted to avert war with negotiation. Yet the South was incorrigible; and the United Nations Security Council ignored its own charter and its own sanctions in refusing to punish Saddam Hussein. The time for talk came to an end and the time for action began. Both Lincoln and Bush went to war reluctantly, but out of necessity. The Copperheads, like their modern—day descendants, the neo—copps, believed that President Lincoln was a stubborn fool who took some sort of perverse pleasure in all of the blood that had been spilled during the Civil War, and gloried in stamping on the Constitution and individual rights. They were convinced that if the Union would just sit down and reason with the Confederacy, all would be forgiven and all would be well. That a separate nation may have been established below the Mason—Dixon line, and that slavery would have not only continued but grown on this continent seemed not to matter to the Copperheads. Only the cessation of war mattered. For President Bush, the cries of 'quagmire' were heard even before the first troops arrived in Afghanistan.

Attacks on our troops in Iraq and the thousand—plus American deaths have aroused a neo—Copperhead movement in today's America, led by the likes of Michael Moore and Sen. Ted Kennedy. They denounce the costs of war for political gain, while arm—chair quarterbacks like Kerry claim that they can do better than President Bush by magically convincing nations who have already said 'no thanks' to help us fight terrorists. They stand for 'engagement' with an implacable enemy who must be defeated, not accommodated. At almost every turn during last Thursday's debate, Kerry indicated that he would follow the direction of the United Nations when deciding upon military action. Kerry even admitted that any sort of plan for military intervention would have to pass 'the global test,' whatever that means. That was perhaps the most alarming statement a candidate for the presidency has uttered in decades, and it needs to be hung around Kerry's neck like a noose. The President must ask Kerry who he specifically thinks should grade this test, and why he places such faith in the United Nations, an organization so corrupt that Terry McAuliffe would be a fitting successor to Kofi Annan.

Why do Kerry and the neo—copps, like the Copperheads before him, place such faith in the power of his words to tame our enemies? As President Bush no doubt knows, the Copperheads did not get very far and Lincoln was re—elected. Between President Bush and Sen. Kerry, it is the President who is the true student of history. He has time and time again shown that he understands what the pattern of weakness and appeasement brings, even if it means sending Americans into harm's way. Kerry is seemingly unaware of the folly of depending on certain allies that, for some reason, he wishes not to name aloud. Yet he rails at President Bush for allegedly 'losing.' As with every other major decision in his life, Kerry would punt on national security and take the credit or place the blame elsewhere, depending on how things turn out. President Bush stands strong, as Lincoln did, knowing that, despite those who advocate peace yet don't know what peace really means or how it is fairly won, he is in the right. President Bush, as Lincoln did before him, defends the nation from those who want to destroy us, and he wishes decisive victory at this crucial point in history. Sen.

Kerry wishes to revert to the passive tactic of dealing with terrorists after they attack, and hopes more than anything in his life to receive warm kisses on his exfoliated cheeks from Jacques Chirac, at Presidential summits that will accomplish nothing for our nation except regression to the dark days of Jimmy Carter. To quote the leading neo—Copperhead, which is worse? Matthew May is a freelance writer and can be reached at matthewtmay@yahoo.com In the face of unexpectedly bloody and costly engagements with enemy forces, the President encountered severe criticism from his Democrat opponents, who wanted "peace" more than they wanted victory. They mocked him as some kind of primitive creature, unable to straighten—out the mess he had created. The year was 1864. At that point in American history, the re—election of President Abraham Lincoln was in great doubt. After three years of war, the Union armies suffered a series of setbacks, most notably in the Red River area of Texas. Gen. John Sherman's progress had been slowed in the South, and Gen. Ulysses Grant's advances came at the expense of thousands of Union casualties.

In July, the month the North had expected the Confederate capital of Richmond to capitulate, Washington, D.C., itself was in danger of falling into rebel hands. Of the many opponents to Lincoln's re—election, a group of northern Democrats known as the 'Peace Democrats' wished that the President would sue for peace. Gaining popularity in the Midwest among farmers, and with New York immigrants who feared for their jobs in the absence of slavery, the party briefly held the New York governorship and controlled the Illinois legislature. Members of the party in New York were pejoratively nicknamed 'Copperheads' by the New York Tribune, after the snake that strikes without warning. The main objectives of the Copperheads were the defeat of Lincoln, the immediate end of hostilities with the Confederacy, and commencing a peace summit with the rebels. What does this look back have to do with the 2004 election? Everything. Sen. John F. Kerry's talk convening a summit of American 'allies' during last week's Presidential debate of put one in mind of the Copperheads. Like their historical ancestors, the neo—copps believe that talk is better than war, and that the enemy will be reasonable if we just behave ourselves.

Kerry believes that pleading our security interests with the United Nations, summits, and similar navel—gazing will make us more secure and somehow assure victory in the war on terrorism. President Lincoln, like President Bush, became convinced that taking the battle to the enemy was the only way to protect the nation. In Lincoln's case, the aim was to preserve the Union and to release men from bondage. In Bush's case, the goal is to preserve our way of life from medieval fanatics, and introduce freedom to a region that has been under the terrifying grip of terrorist—harboring dictators for too long. Both Lincoln and Bush attempted to avert war with negotiation. Yet the South was incorrigible; and the United Nations Security Council ignored its own charter and its own sanctions in refusing to punish Saddam Hussein. The time for talk came to an end and the time for action began. Both Lincoln and Bush went to war reluctantly, but out of necessity. The Copperheads, like their modern—day descendants, the neo—copps, believed that President Lincoln was a stubborn fool who took some sort of perverse pleasure in all of the blood that had been spilled during the Civil War, and gloried in stamping on the Constitution and individual rights.

They were convinced that if the Union would just sit down and reason with the Confederacy, all would be forgiven and all would be well. That a separate nation may have been established below the Mason—Dixon line, and that slavery would have not only continued but grown on this continent seemed not to matter to the Copperheads. Only the cessation of war mattered. For President Bush, the cries of 'quagmire' were heard even before the first troops arrived in Afghanistan. Attacks on our troops in Iraq and the thousand—plus American deaths have aroused a neo—Copperhead movement in today's America, led by the likes of Michael Moore and Sen. Ted Kennedy. They denounce the costs of war for political gain, while arm—chair quarterbacks like Kerry claim that they can do better than President Bush by magically convincing nations who have already said 'no thanks' to help us fight terrorists. They stand for 'engagement' with an implacable enemy who must be defeated, not accommodated. At almost every turn during last Thursday's debate, Kerry indicated that he would follow the direction of the United Nations when deciding upon military action.

Kerry even admitted that any sort of plan for military intervention would have to pass 'the global test,' whatever that means. That was perhaps the most alarming statement a candidate for the presidency has uttered in decades, and it needs to be hung around Kerry's neck like a noose. The President must ask Kerry who he specifically thinks should grade this test, and why he places such faith in the United Nations, an organization so corrupt that Terry McAuliffe would be a fitting successor to Kofi Annan. Why do Kerry and the neo—copps, like the Copperheads before him, place such faith in the power of his words to tame our enemies? As President Bush no doubt knows, the Copperheads did not get very far and Lincoln was re—elected. Between President Bush and Sen. Kerry, it is the President who is the true student of history. He has time and time again shown that he understands what the pattern of weakness and appeasement brings, even if it means sending Americans into harm's way. Kerry is seemingly unaware of the folly of depending on certain allies that, for some reason, he wishes not to name aloud.

Yet he rails at President Bush for allegedly 'losing.' As with every other major decision in his life, Kerry would punt on national security and take the credit or place the blame elsewhere, depending on how things turn out. President Bush stands strong, as Lincoln did, knowing that, despite those who advocate peace yet don't know what peace really means or how it is fairly won, he is in the right. President Bush, as Lincoln did before him, defends the nation from those who want to destroy us, and he wishes decisive victory at this crucial point in history. Sen. Kerry wishes to revert to the passive tactic of dealing with terrorists after they attack, and hopes more than anything in his life to receive warm kisses on his exfoliated cheeks from Jacques Chirac, at Presidential summits that will accomplish nothing for our nation except regression to the dark days of Jimmy Carter. To quote the leading neo—Copperhead, which is worse?

Copperhead Snakes: Facts, Bites & Babies Copperhead Snakes: Facts, Bites & Babies By Jessie Szalay, Live Science Contributor | November 19, 2014 08:49am ET MORE Credit: Matt Jeppson | Shutterstock Copperhead snakes are some of the more commonly seen North American snakes. They're also the most likely to bite, although their venom is relatively mild, and their bites are rarely fatal for humans. These snakes get their name, fittingly, from their copper-red heads, according to the biology department at Pennsylvania State University . Some other snakes are referred to as copperheads, which is a common (nonscientific) name. Water moccasins (cottonmouths) , radiated rat snakes, Australian copperheads and sharp-nosed pit vipers are all sometimes called copperheads, but these are different species from the North American copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix). Copperheads are pit vipers, like rattlesnakes and water moccasins.

Pit vipers have "heat-sensory pits between eye and nostril on each side of head," which are able to detect minute differences in temperatures so that the snakes can accurately strike the source of heat, which is often potential prey. Copperhead "behavior is very much like that of most other pit vipers," said herpetologist Jeff Beane, collections manager of amphibians and reptiles at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Characteristics Copperheads are medium-size snakes, averaging between 2 and 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 meters) in length. According to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park , female copperheads are longer than males; however, males possess proportionally longer tails. According to Beane, copperheads' bodies are distinctly patterned. Their "dorsal pattern is a series of dark, chestnut-brown or reddish-brown crossbands, each shaped like an hourglass, dumbbell or saddlebag … on a background of lighter brown, tan, salmon or pinkish," Beane said.

He further described the saddlebags as "wide on sides of body, narrow in center of back — the crossbands typically have darker margins and lighter lateral centers." Meanwhile, "some crossbands may be broken, and sometimes small dark spots may be in the spaces between the crossbands." Several other nonvenomous species of snakes have similar coloring, and so are frequently confused for copperheads. However, copperheads are the only kind of snakes with hourglass-shaped markings. In contrast to its patterned body, the snake's coppery-brown head lacks such adornments, "except for a pair of tiny dark dots usually present on top of the head," said Beane. He described copperheads' bellies as "whitish, yellowish or a light brownish, stippled or mottled, with brown, gray or blackish, often large, paired dark spots or smudges along sides of [its] belly." Copperheads have muscular, thick bodies and keeled (ridged) scales. Their heads are "somewhat triangular/arrow-shaped and distinct from the neck," with a "somewhat distinct ridge separating [the] top of head from side snout between eye and nostril," said Beane.

Their pupils are vertical, like cats' eyes, and their irises are usually orange, tan or reddish-brown. Young copperheads are more grayish in color than adults and possess "bright yellow or greenish yellow tail tips." According to Beane, "this color fades in about a year." Habitat Copperheads reside "from southern New England to West Texas and northern Mexico," said Beane, advising those interested to check out range maps in a number of field guides. A copperhead snake, like the one pictured here, had a litter of four offspring in 2009. The problem was, the snake hadn't had any contact with a male in five years. Scientists confirmed recently the female copperhead was the first evidence of virgin birth in a pit viper snake. Credit: Credit: Chuck Smith There are five subspecies of copperhead distributed according to geographic range: the northern, northwestern, southern and two southwestern subspecies. According to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, the northern copperhead has by far the largest range, from Alabama to Massachusetts and Illinois.

According to Beane, copperheads are happy in "an extremely wide range of habitats," though usually "at least some semblance of woods or forest habitat is present." They are "particularly fond of ecotones," which are transition areas between two ecological communities. They like rocky, wooded areas, mountains, thickets near streams, desert oases, canyons and other natural environments, according to Penn State; Beane added that they like "almost any habitat with both sunlight and cover." According to the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory , copperheads are "quite tolerant of habitat alteration." This means that they can survive well in suburban areas. Copperheads can sometimes be found in wood and sawdust piles, abandoned farm buildings, junkyards and old construction areas. They "often seek shelter under surface cover such as boards, sheet metal, logs or large flat rocks," said Beane. Habits The copperhead "relies mostly on camouflage for protection," said Beane. "Temperament varies among individuals.

Some are very reluctant to bite and others are very quick to bite defensively." They are often more defensive if "encountered on the move at night than when disturbed at rest during the day." If it's agitated, a copperhead will usually vibrate its tail rapidly and emit a "strong-smelling musk." Copperheads are semi-social snakes. While they usually hunt alone, they usually hibernate in communal dens and often return to the same den every year. Beane said that populations in the "montane" (a forest area below the timberline with large, coniferous trees) often spend the winter hibernating "with timber rattlesnakes, rat snakes or other species." However, "Piedmont and Coastal Plain snakes are more likely to hibernate individually," Beane said.They also can be seen near one another while basking in the sun, drinking, eating and courting, according to the Smithsonian Zoo. According to the Ohio Public Library Information Network , copperheads are usually out and about during the day in the spring and fall, but during the summer they become nocturnal. They especially like being out on humid, warm nights after rain.

While they usually stay on the ground, copperheads will sometimes climb into low bushes or trees in search of prey or to bask in the sun. Sometimes, they even voluntarily go swimming. According to Animal Diversity Web (ADW), a database maintained by the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, scientists have hypothesized that copperheads migrate late in the spring to their summer feeding area, then return home in early fall. Diet Copperheads love to eat mice and other small rodents, and, according to the Virginia Herpetological Society , the snakes play a "pivotal" part in keeping the rodent population regulated. They also enjoy eating "birds, lizards, small snakes, frogs, salamanders and certain large insects (especially cicadas and large caterpillars)," said Beane. He described copperheads as being "mobile ambush predators." Mostly, they get their prey by "sit-and-wait ambush"; however, they sometimes do hunt, using their heat-sensing pits to find prey. The ADW explains that when attacking large prey, copperheads bite the victim, and then release it. They let the venom work, and then track down the prey once it has died. The snakes usually hold smaller prey in their mouths until the victim dies.

Copperheads eat their food whole, using their flexibly hinged jaws to swallow the meal. According to Penn State, adult copperheads may eat only 10 or 12 meals per year, depending on the size of their dinners. Reproduction Copperhead mating season lasts from February to May and from late August to October, and it can be a dramatic affair. "Males may engage in ritual combat (body-shoving contests) when two or more meet in the presence of a receptive female," said Beane. According to Penn State, the snakes that lose rarely challenge again. A female may also fight prospective partners, and will always reject males who back down from a fight with her. Copperhead snake babies are born live. Credit: Matt Jeppson Shutterstock Copperheads are ovoviviparous, which means that eggs incubate inside the mother's body. Babies are born live. After mating in the spring, females will give birth to "from two to 18 live young in late summer or fall," said Beane. According to The Maryland Zoo , after mating in the fall, the female will store sperm and defer fertilization for months, until she has finished hibernating.

Baby copperheads are born with fangs and venom as potent as an adult's, according to the Smithsonian Zoo. Young copperheads are 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) long and are born with both fangs and venom, according to Penn State. They eat mostly insects, especially caterpillars. Beane pointed out that young copperheads may exhibit different hunting patterns than adults. "Young snakes may sit otherwise motionless, flicking their yellow tail tips," he said.

"This is known as 'caudal luring'; the tail resembles a small caterpillar or other insect and may attract a lizard or frog [to come] within striking range." Classification/taxonomy According to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS), the taxonomy of copperheads is: Kingdom: Animalia Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix (Southern copperhead), Agkistrodon contortrix laticinctus (broad-banded copperhead), Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen (Northern copperhead), Agkistrodon contortrix phaeogaster (Osage copperhead) Agkistrodon contortrix pictigaster (trans-Pecos copperhead) Bite Copperheads bite more people in most years than any other U.S. species of snake, according to the North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension Service . Fortunately, copperhead venom is not very potent. Unlike most venomous snakes, copperheads give no warning signs and strike almost immediately if they feel threatened. Credit: Barry Blackburn Shutterstock Unlike most venomous snakes, copperheads give no warning signs and strike almost immediately if they feel threatened.

Copperheads have hemotoxic venom, said Beane, which means that a copperhead bite "often results in temporary tissue damage in the immediate area of bite." Their bite may be painful but is "very rarely (almost never) fatal to humans." Children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems may have strong reactions to the venom, however, and anyone who is bitten by a copperhead should seek medical attention. Research According to the American Museum of Natural History , scientists have found that a chemical in copperhead venom may be helpful in stopping the growth of cancerous tumors. In one experiment, researchers at the University of Southern California "injected contortrostatin, a protein found in southern copperhead snake venom, directly into the mammary glands of mice where human breast cancer cells had been injected two weeks earlier," said Frank Markland, a biochemistry professor at USC. The injection of the protein inhibited the growth of the tumor and also slowed the growth of blood vessels that supply the tumor with nutrients. The venom's protein also impaired the spread of the tumor to the lungs, one site where breast cancer spreads effectively.

Other facts The length of a copperhead's fangs is related to the length of the snake — the longer the snake, the longer the fangs. When touched, copperheads sometimes emit a musk that smells like cucumbers. The penny is sometimes called a copperhead. Northern Democrats who opposed the U.S. Civil War were called Copperheads, according to the Journal of the Abraham Lincoln Association . Additional resources How dangerous are copperheads? The Cooperative Extension Service at North Carolina State University puts it simply: " Avoid Copperhead snakes! " The Smithsonian Zoo has a detailed fact sheet about copperheads . Editor's Recommendations Northern copperhead | Smithsonian's National Zoo Conservation Physical Description They have an unmarked copper-colored head and reddish-brown, coppery bodies with chestnut brown cross bands that constrict towards the midline. Copperheads are thick-bodied and have keeled scales. They have a temperature sensitive pit organ on each side of the head between the eye and the nostril. Sometimes when touched, they emit a musk that smells like cucumbers. Size The average length of adult copperheads is 30 inches (76 centimeters). Males have longer tails then females, and females grow to greater lengths.

Copperheads have grooved fangs that can be 0.3 inches (7.2 millimeters) in length. The length of the snake relates to the length of the fangs; the longer the snake, the longer the fangs. Native Habitat Northern copperheads live in the United States from the Florida panhandle, north to Massachusetts and west to Nebraska. Of the five different subspecies, the northern copperhead has the largest range. It inhabits northern Georgia and Alabama north to Massachusetts and west to Illinois. Copperheads prefer terrestrial to semi-aquatic habitats, which include rocky-forested hillsides and various wetlands. They have also been known to occupy abandoned and rotting wood or sawdust piles. Food/Eating Habits The copperhead is a carnivore, as an adult eating mostly mice but also small birds, lizards, small snakes, amphibians and insects‐especially cicadas. Copperheads have fangs that inject its prey with venom that causes red blood cells to break down. Thus subdued, the prey is easy for the snake to swallow whole. The copperhead seeks out its prey using its heat-sensitive pits to detect objects that are warmer than its environment.

The pits also enable them to find nocturnal mammalian prey. Adult copperheads are primarily ambushers. When attacking large prey, the copperhead bites then releases immediately to allow the venom to take its effect; then later the snake tracks its prey. Smaller prey is usually held in its mouth until it dies. The copperhead is the cause of many snakebites yearly but they are rarely fatal. Bites occur by accidentally stepping on or touching the snake, which tends to be well camouflaged with its surroundings. When touched, the copperhead quickly strikes or remains quiet and tries to crawl away. Sometimes when touched, they emit a musk that smells like cucumbers. Young copperheads eat mostly insects, especially caterpillars, and use their yellow tipped tails to function as a worm-like lure to attract prey. The copperhead at the Smithsonian's National Zoo eats mice and rats. Social Structure This is a social snake, which may hibernate in a communal den with other copperheads or other species of snakes including timber rattlesnakes and black rat snakes. They tend to return to the same den year after year. Copperheads can be found close to one another near denning, sunning, courting, mating, eating and drinking sites.

They are believed to migrate late in the spring to reach summer feeding territories and reverse this migration in early autumn. Males are aggressive during the spring and autumn mating seasons. They will try to overpower each other and even pin the other's body to the ground. This behavior is exhibited most often in front of females but is not always the case. These interactions can include elevating their bodies, swaying side to side, hooking necks and eventually intertwining their entire body length. Copperheads have been reported to climb into low bushes or trees after prey or to bask in the sun. They have also been seen voluntarily entering water and swimming on numerous occasions. Reproduction and Development Both sexes reach sexual maturity at four years when they are about two feet in length. The breeding season is from February to May and from August to October. Males seek out sexually active females using their tongue to detect pheromones in the air. Once he has located a female, the male will begin moving his head or rubbing his chin on the ground. Eventually, after courtship, the male aligns his body with hers. This courtship may last for an hour or more if the female does not respond.

After being sufficiently stimulated, the female lifts and arches her tail and lowers the scale that covers her cloaca. Then the male arches his body and tail, everting one of his two hemipenes and mates with the female. Mating time varies; the range can be as much as 3.5 to 8.5 hours. The long mating time could correlate with the fact that females usually only mate with one male per year. During the mating period, males produce a pheromone that makes the female unattractive to other males who pay little or no attention to mating or just mated females. Females also have little interest in mating after a long, successful first mating. A female who breeds in autumn can store the sperm until after she emerges from a hibernating site. The length of time that the sperm can be stored appears to differ depending on where it is being stored. If the sperm is stored in the cloaca, it lasts a relatively short time, whereas if it is stored in the upper end of the oviducts in vascular tissues specialized as seminal receptacles, it seems to last much longer. Copperheads have a gestation period of three to nine months.

They are a live-bearing snake, typically producing two to ten young. Larger females produce larger broods. After birth, the female provides no direct care for the young. They produce large, yolk-filled eggs and store the eggs in the reproductive tract for development. When carrying young, some females will not eat at all because the embryos occupy so much of the body cavity. The embryo, during this time, receives no nourishment from the female, only from the yolk. The young are expelled in a membranous sac and weigh less than an ounce (28 grams). Young copperheads are 7 to 10 inches (18 to 25 centimeters) long and grayer in color than adults. They have a sulfur yellow tipped tail, which fades with age and is lost by age 3 or 4. Even newborn copperheads have fully functional fangs capable of injecting venom. These newborns have venom that is just as toxic as adults' venom. The fangs are replaced periodically with each snake having a series of five to seven replacement fangs in the gums behind and above the current functional fang.

Sleep Habits They are most active April through late October; diurnal in the spring and fall, and nocturnal during the summer. Lifespan The life span of the copperhead is around 18 years. Globally, copperheads are a species of least concern, but they are listed as endangered in the state of Massachusetts. Copperhead Snakes and Water Snakes - The Infinite Spider The Infinite Spider A Science and Nature Blog for Naturalists and Educators Menu Copper Head Snakes and Water Snakes Copperhead snake (Photo: Michale McCarthy, Flicker sharing) Identification of the venomous copperhead snake and the harmless northern banded water snake In the Eastern US one of the biggest fear of homeowners and people who work or play outside, is of venomous spiders and snakes. However, in fear of these creatures, other non-venomous and beneficial species are often misidentified and killed. Today's post is how to tell if a snake is a copperhead snake (Agkistrodon contortorix) or the harmless northern banded water snake (Nerodia sipedon). Both look similar, but they have some key differences. Let's Begin with Copperheads....

Copperhead snakes are the most common venomous snake in the Eastern US. They are in the pit viper family (Crotalidae). They are also in the genus Agkistrodone, which includes the cottonmouth or water moccasin. It is a shy snake that is usually not aggressive, and its bites are rarely fatal, though they can be painful. POISONOUS VERSUS VENOMOUS Animals that inject venom are called venomous, and not poisonous. You might have heard these terms used synonymously. There are no true poisonous snakes, only venomous snakes. Things that are poisonous can make you sick if you eat them. Animals that are venomous inject venom, usually through fangs, stingers, or spines (like lionfish, sea urchins, spiders, and snakes). Venom serves as a way to help animals eat, subdue prey, and sometimes as a means of defense. Poison, however, is usually a defensive mechanism that prevents organisms from being eaten. Frogs, toads, salamanders, plants, mushrooms, and poison ivy are all poisonous.

As usual, in nature, there is one exception which is an Asian snake, Rhabdophis tigrinus which eats poisonous toads. By ingesting the toads the snake becomes poisonous to eat. You can read the abstract in the US National LIbrary of Medicine, NIH paper if you'd like to know more. Copperhead venom is hemolytic, which means that it functions by destroying red blood cells, causing hemorrhaging in animals. However, this same venom is being studied by researchers because it has properties that may be used to "paralyze" cancer cells to stop them from spreading. You can read more from from the Journal of the National Cancer Institute . Here's a primer on how to tell venomous snakes from nonvenomous snakes. 1. Look at the head shape. Non-venomous snakes, with the exception of brown water snakes, have rounded heads, while venomous snakes have triangular heads. Notice the arrow shaped head of this venomous garter snake (Photo: Tom Spinker flicker sharing). This nonvenomous garter snake has a rounded head. (Photo: Wiki commons) 2.

There is a small and shiny cap of scales between the eyes, and over the nose of venomous snakes. Nonvenomous snakes have a smooth shiny cap that covers most of their head. Nonvenomous snakes like the black rat snake, have caps of large scales on their heads. Look at the image of the rattle snake above, and you will see only a small cap near the nose. (Photo: David Flicker sharing) 3. Venomous snakes have slit-eye pupils, like a cat, while nonvenomous snakes have round eyes. If you don't want to get close enough to the snake to see this, then take a photo with a long lens, and then look at it on your camera. Remember: "Round, safety is found," or "Eyeball is slit, you're gonna get bit (by the venomous snake)." This is a nonvenomous snake, notice the round head and round pupil. (Photo: Wiki commons). Check out the slit pupil and heat sensing pit on this venomous rattle snake. (Photo: Wiki commons). 4.Venomous snakes also have a heat sensing pit between their nostril and eye. Nonvenomous snakes do not. 5.

Venomous snakes have undivided scales from their vent (poop chute), down to the tip of their tail. Nonvenomous snakes have divided scales from the vent down. I know you're saying, hey, wait, I'm not getting that close! You don't have to. If you find a shed snake skin you can use it for identification. In the US (not true in all countries) our venomous snakes one single row of scales just below the vent (poop shoot) on the underside of the snake's tail. Nonvenomous snakes have a split row of scales, like in the picture above (Photo: Wikicommons). 6. Venomous snakes have movable fangs that can retract into their head. Nonvenomous snakes have fixed teeth. This is the skull of a constricting snake, that does not use venom. Notice the fixed teeth, and no long central fang (Photo: Wiki commons). This venomous snake has retractable fangs (Photo: Wiki commons). WHERE TO FIND COPPERHEADS They prefer woodland areas, round rocks or near streams and ponds, because there is plenty of prey and food in these locations.

They mainly eat rodents and mice, though they will also eat voles, frogs, lizards, cicadas, birds and other insects if available. They also tend to favor stones, garden walls, stone fences, compost piles, wood piles, and under building debris. They also like stone ledges and swampy low-lying areas. They may also den in large groups or hibernaculums starting in the fall, and continuing until February or March. PICTURES OF COPPERHEAD SNAKES AND WHAT TO LOOK FOR This is a good example of a common copperhead coloration. Notice that the "hour glass" pattern does not necessarily meet in the middle of the snake's back (Photo: Michael McCarthy Flicker sharing). General Characteristics: See notes above about features of venomous snakes. Different color variations: from blackish to pink. Color varieties all have the characteristic copper head. All of them have bands that go across their bodies that usually look like hour glasses (10-18 bands usually). Cross-bands can look like hour glasses or Hershey kisses. In many cases the hour glass or "kiss" don't meet in the middle. Often the outer edges of the "kiss" are also darker.

Adults can be 2-4 ft. long. Thickish stout snakes. Belly is the same color as the ground usually. TYPES OF COPPERHEADS IN THE EASTERN US There are two subspecies of copperhead in the Eastern US, the Southern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix) and the Northern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen). The main difference is in their range, from the Northern to Southern US, though there is some overlapping around the Appalachian mountain region. It's difficult to make any generalizations about color patterns between Northern and Southern, since they are very close. Northern copperhead snake, A.C. mokasen (Photo: Wiki commons). Southern copperhead snake, A.c. contortrix (Photo: Wiki commons). Northern copperhead (Photo: Wiki commons). Northern copperhead (Photo: West Virginia Blue, Flicker sharing). Northern copperhead (Phoot: Zack, Flicker sharing). Southern copperhead (Photo: Patrick Feller, Flicker sharing).

PICCTURES OF BABY COPPERHEAD SNAKES Female copperhead snakes are ovoviviparous, meaning that they carry their eggs in their bodies, until the eggs are ready to hatch, and then they release the eggs and the young hatch out immediately. The young copperheads are easy to tell apart from nonvenomous species because they have a very lemony yellow tail, which they keep until they're over about a year old. This juvenile copperhead has the characteristic lemony yellow tail tip for caudal luring (Photo: Cliffanddally Flicer sharing). This juvenile copperhead has the characteristic lemony yellow tail tip for caudal luring (Photo: Cliffanddally Flicer sharing). Note the lemony coloring of the tail tip of this juvenile copperhead (Photo: Wiki commons). Tail coloring, or caudal coloring as it's known to scientists, is thought to be for caudal luring . This means that the juvenile snakes wriggle the little yellow tip in the leaves, making it look like food for insects, birds, mice, or other creatures, that then become food for the snake when they approach. This is not uncommon in pit vipers.

Note the long tines of this copperhead's tongue. This is another form of scenting or smelling, using the tongue (Photo: Willik commons). Not that you ever want to get close enough to tell, but the males have been proven to have slightly longer tongue tines than females during the breeding season. This is because the males have to use their tongues to "scent" where the female is. They literally smell her out. Having a long tongue is helpful for this. Check out the paper in the Journal of Zoology to learn more. COMPARING WATER SNAKES TO COPPERHEADS Now that you have a working idea of what a copperhead looks like, I want to defend my friend the common water snake, sometimes called the banded water snake. Banded water snakes are harmless, nonvenomous fish eaters. Like the copperhead, they hunt along water edges, rocks, under logs, etc. They also have a similar diet, though the water snakes tend to eat more minnows, crayfish, salamanders, etc. In our region they swim both in fresh and brackish water. Both copperheads and water snakes can swim well.

It's easy to get the two confused, and many, many water snakes have been killed by mistake. Take a look at the pictures below. You can see that the water snake has a wide variation of color patterns, just like the copperhead; however, they do not have hour glass shaped bands, and they have the physical characteristics of nonvenomous snakes (eyes, head scale pattern, vent scales, eye etc.). Their bands go all the way across and are usually much thicker than the hourglass or Hershey kiss of copperheads. Banded water snake (Photo: Karen McDonald) Banded water snake (Photo: Karen McDonald) Banded water snake (Photo: Karen McDonald) This is a banded water snake fresh from hibernation. He's been covered in mud, and lost his coloration. As he dries out and get some sun he'll change color (Photo: Karen McDonald) This is a juvenile banded water snake, it has smaller stripe patterns (Photo: Karen McDonald) The main confusion between water snakes and copperheads comes from their head shape and coloration. Unfortunately, they are very close to each other, and there is a great deal of variety.

Unlike most nonvenomous snakes the water snake also has a triangular head. If you're not sure which snake is which, then leave them both alone. If they are not an immediate threat to people or pets, just leave the area, and try to avoid them. These snakes are an important part of the food web, helping to control pest populations and keep the balance of other organisms. They are shy, and really want to avoid you too! FOR THE CURIOUS: COPPERHEAD BITES Copperheads are solenoglyphous, meaning that the fang size is directly proportional to the snake's size. The bigger the snake, the bigger the fangs! However, hatchling copperheads do have functioning fangs that can release venom that is just as toxic as the adults. I'm not going to go into the details of copperhead bites and how to treat them here. If you want to know more, there's plenty of information available through the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and other. Here are a few websites: WATER SNAKE V. COPPERHEAD SNAKE QUIZ Are you ready to see if you could pass the watersnake v. copperhead quiz?

I'll show you pictures below, see if you can guess correctly. Answers are at the bottom of the page. A. (Photo: Wiki commons) Copperhead Snake.com All you ever wanted to know and some things you did not Agkistrodon contortrix Copperhead snakes are pit vipers or crotalids (family Crotalidae); poisonous snakes that are named for the two heat sensing pits used to locate prey that are positioned between the eyes and the nostrils. The genus Agkistrodon includes 10 species. Copperheads are one of the 4 species native to North America. Another native North American species is the Cottonmouth or "Water Moccasin". Remaining Agkistrodon subspecies are found in Asia and the Asian islands and include the Himalayan Viper, Okinawan Habu and Siberian Moccasin. The three known Australian Copperhead subspecies, although similarly named, are members of the Elapidae family of snakes and not related. Their venom is hemolytic; it destroys the red corpuscles of the blood and releases the hemoglobin into the surrounding fluid.

The resultant hemorrhaging destroys the snake's normal prey, mostly small mammals Common names Copperhead Snake, Chunk Head, Death Adder, Highland Moccasin, Dry-land Moccasin, Narrow-Banded Copperhead, Northern Copperhead, Pilot Snake, Poplar Leaf, Red Oak, Texas Copperhead, Carolina Snake, Red Snake, Southeastern Copperhead, White Oak Snake, American Copperhead, Southern Copperhead, Cantil Cobrizo Range Found in the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Also found in Mexico - in Chihuahua and Coahuulia. Habitat Within its range it occupies a variety of different habitats. In most of its range favoring deciduous forest and mixed woodlands. They are often associated with rock outcroppings and ledges, but are also found in low-lying swampy regions. In the southern parts it can also be found in pine forests in. In the dry areas of West Texas and Mexico it is often found around watercourses.

It prefers to live in wooded areas, among rocks, or near streams or ponds because prey is more plentiful in such locations. Favorite hiding places include stone walls, sawdust, garden mulch or compost piles, and under decaying stumps, in wood piles, under abandoned building debris, and under large flat stones. This snake will be seen basking during the day when weather is cool but not cold. During the heat of summer, it will stay hidden during the day and become active at night. In October the Copperhead retreats to its underground den to hibernate until late February or early March. Dens are most often in rocky hillsides with southern or eastern exposure to the sun. These "snake dens" will be returned to year after year and may contain a large number of snakes. In late summer through mid-October, between 1 and 14 young are born alive rather than hatched from eggs. This common snake accounts for the largest number of snake bites in the US every year, thousands of documented cases of people injured every year, and many more pets that are bitten often many of these going unreported.

Copperheads are very common in many districts, Throughout the South Eastern states in particular; North Carolina holds the dubious title of the state with the most snakebite cases each year. With such high numbers of Copperhead snakes in the places we live in, being the main reason for the great number of injuries. Small copperhead snakes are notorious for getting "Everywhere" in the garden, in flower beds, in cars, coming up around porches and decks, many being so small they are an invitation to small children and pets to investigate. Even the smallest baby copperhead is capable of inflicting a painful and dangerous bite Baby copperhead showing its distinctive yellow tail The Copperhead comes in several color variations, depending on the location, from bright copper and light through to very dark brown shades. Copperheads are usually colorful and strikingly patterned snakes. The background color of the back and sides is tan to pinkish. There are darker, chestnut colored bands across the back and sides. Each hourglass shaped band is of varying width. Newborn Copperheads are colored and patterned like adults, excepting the last inch of so of the tail which will be a bright, sulfur yellow color.

Virtually all adult still retain the copper color head, which gives it its name. When adult they are moderately sized snakes, normally reaching 2–4 feet, with thick, heavy bodies. The copperhead bite is not usually fatal in adults, but very painful and often lasting discomfort is the result. Parents who have seen their children go through the pain and suffering a copperhead bite can cause; it is something nobody would wish to experience again. Bite symptoms include intense pain, tingling, throbbing, swelling, and severe nausea. Damage can occur to muscle and bone tissue, especially when the bite occurs in the outer extremities such as the hands and feet, areas in which there is not a large muscle mass to absorb the venom. Injuries from a Copperhead bite on a finger. About 5,000 to 8,000 snakebites are reported in the United States annually out of an estimated 55,000 that occur with a large proportion of these attributed to Copperhead snakes. As Copperheads coloration and patterning is very effective for camouflage in dead leaves on the forest floor. Copperhead snakes rely upon camouflage and cover for safety.

When danger is perceived, Copperheads will usually freeze in place and remain motionless for the threat to pass. This strategy works well in their natural habitat. Unless a person steps on them, grasps them, or otherwise comes very close to them, however, then bite will be readily used as a last defense. An agitated Copperhead will vibrate its tail rapidly. The abundance of Copperheads and their occurrences near human habitations is the reason bites from Copperheads are at the top of venomous snakebite statistics in the eastern US. Copperhead snakes can mate in both fall and spring. They are capable of breeding every year, and give birth to live young from late summer to early fall. As few as 3 or as many as 18 young are produced, but the typical littersize is 10-12 young. The young are 8 to 10 inches long at birth and receive no parental care. Up to 60 percent of the females in a population may carry young in a year. Generally, females begin breeding at 3 years old. Several female Copperheads may gather in specific areas prior to giving birth.

Copperhead snakes are gregarious, over wintering in dens with rattlesnakes and black rat snakes. They sometimes produce a cucumber smell when they are touched or disturbed. The young are often confused with the much more aggressive and potentially deadly Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin). The size and coloration being very similar, certainly it is better to err on the side of safety, if you are not absolutely certain. How to keep your home safe To lessen the risk of injury from these snakes, have a clean up around the yard, remove any trash and replace anyvegative garden mulch with gravel mulch, which will stop the snakes hiding in it. Be very careful when lifting any old logs or other trash that no snakes are lurking beneath them, a good pair of thick gloves, boots and thick jeans are a good precaution also. There are many snake repellents on the market , most being a mix of sulphur and other unpleasant chemicals which are supposed to work on the snakes Jacobson’s organ by which it tastes the air around itself, so you apply large quantities around the yard; when it gets a whiff of these repellents; they are supposed to leave.

Unfortunately with copperheads or any other snakes they do not appear to work very well; if at all. There is another snake repellent out there that works on a pulse sent through the ground Snakes actually sense the vibration right throughout their bodies (-not through their heads,) via their spine, this is termed somatic hearing, where the vibration is picked up and transferred along the spinal cords to the ear bone. The snakesperceive a danger zone and leave; it does work very well at clearing out infestations of snakes (any) from their dens and at keeping away virtually all snakes from the areas it covers. This device does work very well with Copperheads you can find more information about it at The Copperhead feeds on cicadas, caterpillars, mice, birds, frogs and lizards. Small prey animals are injected with venom through the snakes hollow fangs, to immobilse it then the prey is swallowed whole, the toxins in the venom start to break down the tissue of the prey from the inside; the snakes stomach possesses very powerful enzymes that quickly start to break down the tissue of the prey from the outside when it is swallowed allowing for a quick and complete digestion.

It is a myth to assume that a snake with a lump in it will not attack or will not eat again for some time; they have been caught many times with several prey animals in varying states of digestion through their system. If you have you have small birds, finches or the like, in an aviary you do not want an adult Copperhead in there with them you could loose many of them in one visit. What to do if snake bitten Immobilize the bitten area and keep it lower than the heart. Get medical help. . Do not attempt to drive yourself. Most of all try and stay calm to keep from pumping the poison around your system. The main thing is to get to a hospital. If you suspect that your pet has been bitten by a Copperhead snake, keep the animal calm - carry to the car if possible, and dive to the veterinarian's. Do not apply ice or try to suck the poison out. Wrap a bandage firmly around the affected limb often more than one bite occurs. Copperhead Snakes a beautiful but dangerous creature, be aware they are there where we live. Do not try to kill them as this how most people get bitten.

Information has been published in medical journals for almost a decade, about the cancer-fighting properties of the Southern Copperheads venom. A protein in the venom called contortrostatin (CN) causes a disruption in the tumor cell's ability to adhere to and invade neighbor cells while also inhibiting the development of new blood vessels required to sustain the tumor."CN belongs to a class of proteins known as disintegrins, called that because they disrupt the function of certain other proteins, called integrins, on the surface of cells. Integrins are involved in the adhesive phenomenon of cells. CN is effective in retarding the spread of tumor cells because it inhibits their adhesion to and invasion of normal cells in the surrounding tissue. " So you see there is hope out there in the most unlikely of places. ** We are now happy to announce that the Sentinel Snake Q Repeller is available here direct, this great product is by far the most effective way to keep your home safe from snakes, each unit has a range of 65ft in all directions from where it is placed, they are solar powered, work 24/7 to drive out and away dangerous snakes. All prices include shipping and will be delivered by USPS sign for service.

How To Identify Venomous Snakes | BeSurvival.com How To Identify Venomous Snakes You have a higher chance of getting bit by a snake than a wolf, bear, and shark COMBINED! Knowing how to identify venomous snakes can save your life. Each year in North America, there are a reported 7000-8000 venomous snake bites . These bites happen for a variety of reasons, however more often than not, it boils down to human error. After all, snakes tend to be reclusive creatures and actively avoid confrontation. Venomous snakes, in particular, prefer not to bite so that their venom is reserved for catching a meal. Fortunately, due to modern treatments and public awareness, very few bites result in death. Common Venomous Snakes and How to Identify Them In North America, there are four main species of venomous snakes: the coral snake, rattlesnake, copperhead and the cottonmouth. Each snake has its own distinctive markings, although the markings of their subspecies can be slightly different. Before we teach you how to deal with being confronted by each of these snakes, it’s important that you’re able to identify them.

When you’re able to identify them, or their look-a-likes, you will be able to make the right decisions to avoid them as best you can. Here’s an infographic from Sniff Outdoors , on how to identify each snake and, briefly, what to do if you find yourself in an unfortunate situation. The Coral Snake The most iconic feature of the coral snake is its distinctive red, yellow and black markings. For most types of coral snake in North America, the rhyme “Red and yellow, kill a fellow. Red and black, friend of Jack” will set you in good stead to remember the color order. The key thing to remember is that the yellow band touches the red band i.e. ordered yellow, red, yellow, black. There are some non-venomous snakes which have adapted to look like this, however their bands won’t be in this order. You’ll typically find coral snakes in forested areas, under leaves or underground , with reclusive behaviour. Like most snakes, they’ll only come out to attack if provoked. The Rattlesnake Two of the most distinctive features of the North American rattlesnake are their blocky, diamond shaped head and thick, heavy body.

Their rattle at the end of their tail, which gives them their name, acts as a warning signal to threats. There are many subspecies of the rattlesnake, however in North America, you will most commonly come across the timber rattlesnake, eastern diamondback, western diamondback and the prairie rattlesnake. You’re likely to find them in a variety of habitats, some of which include forested areas, bush, swamps or deserts, so it’s worth keeping this in mind if ever you’re in these kinds of locations. The sound of its rattle should be enough to help you identify any rattlesnake, but remember that young rattlesnakes do not yet have their rattles, though they are as dangerous as adults. Furthermore, some adults may lose their rattles, so it is a good idea look out for the triangular head. The Cottonmouth The cottonmouth, like the rattlesnake is a member of the pit viper family, meaning it senses its prey through two heat sensors. They’re also referred to as the “Water Moccasin”, and they’re quite common in the Southeastern part of the United States.

It’s the only semi-aquatic venomous snake of North America which means that you will usually find it hanging around swamp areas, or in and around water. Often during the day, the cottonmouth will be basking on rocks in an attempt to warm its body temperature, due to the fact it is cold-blooded. The cottonmouth’s slit-shaped eyes are a good giveaway that it is a venomous snake, however it is important to remember that not all venomous snakes have slit-shaped eyes. One of the easiest ways to distinguish between this venomous water snake and similar non-venomous ones is its dark cross bands, with lighter brown shading. Often adult cottonmouth’s coloring is so dark, it looks like it has no visible markings. The Copperhead Also a member of the pit viper family, the copperhead has a wide head and stout body. It’s commonly wrongly identified as it is similar to other, non-venomous snakes, such as the northern water snake. As in the name of this snake, its skin is red/brown with chestnut brown cross bands, which are irregular. The color of its head is copper and unmarked.

Their irregular cross bands are wider at the top of the body and thin out down its sides. Again, the copperhead is cold-blooded and prefers to stay in semi-aquatic environments, like swamps. Although it is a nocturnal creature, as the nights get colder, you’ll likely see the copperhead out during the day to raise its overall body temperature. What the copperhead is known for is its ambush attack, staying under leaves or rocks until its prey comes by and it will make an attack. With humans, though, the snake will tend to retreat if possible and avoid confrontation. What Should You Do To Avoid Being Bitten? When you’re out and about, the last thing you want is your trip to be cut short because of a nasty nip from one of these creatures. The chances of dying from a venomous snake bite are very low, however the poison will attack your tissue and can even cause paralysis. Here are a few ‘take-away’ tips to best avoid becoming the victim. · Research your area – learn which snake frequents each habitat and avoid placing your hands or feet down where you can’t see i.e. rocks/long grass.

· Wear appropriate clothing – if you know you’ll potentially come across one of these snakes, you should wear long, loose clothing. Also consider investing in snake guards and thick boots to protect your legs and feet. · If you’re camping, be sure to always keep your tent closed and boots inside your tent. · Don’t handle the snake or prod with a stick – snakes can strike from some distance, so the chances are, if you’re close enough to touch it (even with a stick) you’re close enough to be bitten. What Should You Do If You’re Bitten? · The first thing to do is react quickly call emergency services AND if possible, identify which snake you were bitten by. If you can’t identify the snake, describe its key characteristics i.e. size, markings, body shape, head shape, location. · Loosen any clothing and put pressure on the bite. If you’re bitten, you will begin to swell, so loosening clothing will allow room for this. · Try to keep your heart rate down and keep the wound below your heart. Both of these will prevent the poison from circulating around your body as quickly. · Do NOT try to suck the venom .

The only thing that will really help is antivenin treatment, however if you are far from help, you can wash the clean the wound to help prevent infection. · DON’T take painkillers. Final Thoughts Your chances of being bitten by a snake are higher than your chances of being attacked by a wolf, bear, and shark COMBINED! If you’re someone who spends a lot of time outdoors you should spend a little time online learning different snake types so you can beat the odds. Discover More From Us... Get The Insider’s Edge Featured By Our Unbiased Reviews & Advice We’re committed to publishing unbiased and transparent articles, gear reviews, and how-to guides that come from our own personal experience and the unbiased advice of others, and in that same full transparency and disclosure we want you to know that, much like every other website, we support the thousands of hours that go into our evaluations, articles, and website upkeep through affiliate commissions on purchases made through some of our links, through sponsored posts, and also through display ads.

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Question: What t yoe of creature is a copperhead?
Answer: Snake