Eastern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Viperidae, Subfamily: Crotalinae, Genus: Agkistrodon, Species: Agkistrodon contortrix
Eastern and Central United States, ranging from southern New England south to northern Florida, and west to the Mississippi River and parts of Texas.
Look up Eastern Copperhead in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Venomous; Solenoglyphous (possesses long, retractable fangs at the front of the maxilla).
Danger Level
Moderate Risk. While the venom is medically significant and extremely painful, it has low potency compared to other pit vipers. Fatalities are very rare, but medical attention is always required.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Viperidae, Subfamily: Crotalinae, Genus: Agkistrodon, Species: Agkistrodon contortrix
Conservation
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. Generally stable, though threatened locally by habitat fragmentation and intentional killing by humans.
Physical Description
Distinctive hourglass or Hershey's Kiss-shaped dark brown bands over a lighter tan or copper-pink ground color. The head is broad, triangular, and copper-colored with vertical pupils and heat-sensing pits between the eye and nostril. Scales are keeled.
Size & Dimensions
This specimen appears to be an adult, approximately 60-80 cm (2-2.6 ft). Typical adults range from 61 to 91 cm (24-36 inches), with record lengths around 135 cm (53 inches).
Habitat
Generalist species found in deciduous forests, rocky hillsides, woodlots near water, and suburban edges. Common in leaf litter and near fallen logs from sea level to about 1,500 meters.
Behavior & Temperament
Generally docile and relies on camouflage. When threatened, it may remain perfectly still or vibrate its tail (pseudorattling). It is crepuscular or nocturnal during hot summer months and diurnal in spring/fall.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous generalist. Consumes rodents, cicadas, frogs, lizards, and small birds. Uses a combination of ambush (sit-and-wait) and active foraging; uses venom to subdue prey.
Reproduction
Ovoviviparous (gives birth to live young). Litters typically range from 2 to 10 neonates born in late summer or early fall. Neonates have bright sulfur-yellow tail tips used for caudal luring.
Venom Profile
Hemotoxic and Cytotoxic. The venom destroys red blood cells and tissue, causing localized pain, swelling, and bruising.
Look-alikes
Commonly confused with non-venomous Northern Water Snakes (Nerodia sipedon) and Eastern Milk Snakes. Distinguishable by the hourglass pattern (Water snakes have bands that are widest at the top; Copperheads are narrow at the spine).
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. Generally stable, though threatened locally by habitat fragmentation and intentional killing by humans.
Cultural Significance
Frequently misunderstood and feared in American folklore. Ecologically vital for controlling rodent populations and serving as a host for diverse parasites and a food source for larger predators like Kingsnakes.
Notable Features
The 'Hershey's Kiss' profile of its lateral markings is a primary diagnostic feature. It is one of the most likely venomous snakes to be encountered in suburban areas of the Eastern US due to its excellent camouflage.