Copperhead Snake

Copperhead Snake Facts, Identification, & Control

Latin Name

Agkistrodon contortrix

Physical features

Copperhead Snakeare normally found in the southeastern part of the United States of America. The sight of copperhead snake is something that could bring fear. Depending on the area of the country, the color of copperhead snake can either be brown or tan and they can grow to a length of two to three feet. The hour-glass shaped stripes on their body has a darker-brown color and the copper-colored head is triangular in shape. The only difference between the young and adult copperhead snake is the light color which appears almost yellow in color in the young.

Behavior, Diet & Habits

The copperhead snake is able to live unnoticed in wooded areas, under leaves of rocky outgrowing, or beside of swamps and marshes because of its perfect coloration which allows for easy camouflage. Insects, lizards, amphibians, birds and small mammals are the sources of food for copperhead snake. Copperhead snakes can sometimes be found in populated areas, structures that are frequently watered and also thick mulch surrounding homes. Copperhead snakes are likely to move to human environment in search of food or warmth. The copperhead snake is not aggressive in nature, moving away or staying still when it encounters human. The copperhead snake fires a warning shot by mimicking rattlesnake, moving or vibrating its tail when it feels threatened. The snake inflict a painful bite by striking the unrepentant victim that fails to heed its warning. The bite which might not be very deadly will require urgent medical care. Swelling, nausea, tingling and extreme pain at the site of bite are the common symptoms of a copperhead bite. The tissues of muscles and bones surrounding the site of bite can also be damaged.

More Information

Making sure that the home environment is not conducive for copperhead snakes is one of the ways to avoid them. Destroying the food sources of rattle snakes is another way keeping them away from your home. Landscape beds and vegetation should be properly taken care of and placed away from the home as far as possible. You should also contact a pest control professional (PMP) if you cannot handle this problem on your own.