Copperheads: The New Rattlesnakes?

The copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) is a venomous snake found in the eastern United States. The copperhead is a member of the pit viper family and is often mistaken for the venomous rattlesnake.

Despite their name, copperheads are not always copper or bronze in color. They may be shades of pink, tan, gray, or brown. They have hourglass-shaped crossbands on their body that are dark brown or black. The bands are sometimes difficult to see, especially on adult snakes.

Copperheads range in length from 18 to 36 inches (46 to 91 cm). They are classified as medium-sized snakes. They weigh between 1 and 2 pounds (454 and 907 g).

Like all pit vipers, copperheads use heat-sensing pits on their face to detect their prey. These pits allow the snake to sense the heat of an animal from a distance. This makes it easier for the snake to strike its prey accurately.

Copperheads are shy and reclusive by nature. They will usually try to avoid contact with humans if possible. However, they are not considered true urban snakes and can be found in forested areas, open fields, and even residential areas.

They feed mainly on small mammals such as rodents, but they will also eat birds, lizards, and frogs.

Copperheads mate in the late spring or early summer starting around May or June depending on the geographic location. After mating, the female will lay eggs in a protected area such as a crevice or under a log. She may lay anywhere from 10 to 50 eggs at a time. The eggs will hatch in about 2 months time and the young snakes will be independent shortly thereafter.

Adult copperheads have few predators besides humans. Young snakes may be eaten by raccoons, foxes, coyotes, opossums, hawks, and owls.

Copperheads are not considered one of North America's most dangerous snakes but they should still be treated with caution as all pit vipers can produce a dangerous bite. There have been no fatalities reported as a result of a copperhead bite but there have been cases of permanent injury caused by their venomous bite

Copperheads Found Across More Than Half Of U.S.3. Why Are Copperheads' Numbers Growing?

copperheads are classified as venomous snakes. They are found in the eastern and central United States.

The copperhead is named for the brown or rust-colored stripes along its back. It's a medium-sized snake, averaging 18 to 36 inches long, but can grow up to 57 inches long.

Copperheads live in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, wetlands and even suburban areas. They are ambush predators that feed on small animals, such as rodents, birds and lizards.

Most copperheads try to avoid people, but they can become aggressive when threatened. Their venom is not deadly but can cause significant pain and swelling. Always seek medical attention if bitten by a copperhead snake.

The number of copperheads across the country has been increasing in recent years. A study published in 2016 found that copperheads were present in more than half of U.S. states. The increase may be due in part to the growing popularity of outdoor recreation activities, which brings people into contact with snakes more often.

4. What To Do If You Encounter A Copperhead Snake

What To Do If You Encounter A Copperhead Snake

If you spot a copperhead, don't panic. Copperheads are shy and will usually try to avoid humans. Remember the following when encountering a copperhead:

-Stay still. copperheads use their senses of smell and sight to determine if something is a threat. If you move around, the snake may see or smell you and become defensive.

-Back away slowly. Avoid sudden movements that may scare the snake.

-If the snake is nearby, leave the area immediately and contact your local animal control office. Do not try to kill or capture the snake yourself.

5. Could Copperheads Soon Be The Primary Threatening Snake In The US?

The eastern copperhead (Acet Kasper) is one of the most common snakes in the US. It ranges from southern up to New York and Pennsylvania. The copperhead has a reddish brown ground color with darker hourglass shaped cross bands. The young have a yellow tail tip. They are typically not aggressive and will usually flee from humans; however, they are venomous and should be treated with caution.

The copperhead is frequently found near water and can often be seen sunning on rocks or logs. They eat mainly mice, rats, and other small mammals, but will also eat some birds, lizards, and insects. They mate in the spring and lay eggs in late summer.

The eastern copperhead population appears to be growing, which could lead to an increase in snake bites. People need to be aware of this potential threat and take appropriate precautions when hiking, camping, or working in areas where these snakes may be present.