Eastern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Viperidae, Subfamily: Crotalinae, Genus: Agkistrodon
Venomous Status
Venomous; solenoglyphous (possesses long, retractable, hollow fangs at the front of the upper jaw).
Danger Level
High Risk; though rarely fatal to healthy adults, the bite is extremely painful and requires immediate medical attention. They are responsible for the most venomous bites in their range due to frequent proximity to humans.
Geographic Range
Eastern and central United States, from southern New England south to the Florida Panhandle and west to the Mississippi River. Subspecies/variations extend into Texas and northern Mexico.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. Generally stable, though threatened by habitat loss and persecution by humans.
Physical Description
Stocky body with tan to coppery-pink base color. Distinguishable by 'hourglass' or 'Hershey's Kiss' shaped crossbands that are narrow at the spine and wide at the sides. Large, triangular head, vertical pupils (cat-like), and heat-sensing pits between the eye and nostril.
Size & Dimensions
This specimen appears to be an adult or sub-adult, roughly 60-90 cm. Typical adult range is 61-91 cm (24-36 inches), with a record length of about 134 cm (53 inches).
Habitat
Deciduous forests, rocky hillsides, swamp edges, and suburban gardens. Prefers areas with leaf litter or wood piles for camouflage; ranges from sea level to approximately 1,500 meters elevation.
Behavior & Temperament
Generally docile and reliant on camouflage. They will typically remain frozen to avoid detection but will strike if stepped on or threatened. Nocturnal during hot summer months; diurnal in spring and fall.
Diet & Feeding
Generalist carnivore. Eats rodents, frogs, lizards, large insects (like cicadas), and birds. Uses a 'bite and release' strategy for larger prey, tracking the scent trail once the venom takes effect.
Reproduction
Ovoviviparous (gives birth to live young). Litters typically range from 1 to 21 (average 7-10). Born in late summer/early fall. Neonates have bright sulfur-yellow tail tips used for caudal luring of prey.
Venom Profile
Venom Type
Hemotoxic and cytotoxic; contains enzymes that cause tissue damage, localized swelling, and destruction of red blood cells.
AI-generated — see a qualified source if acting on this. For any snakebite, call emergency services immediately.
Look-alikes
Commonly confused with Northern Watersnakes (Nerodia sipedon), which have bands that are widest at the spine, and Eastern Milk Snakes (Lampropeltis triangulum), which have smooth scales and round pupils.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. Generally stable, though threatened by habitat loss and persecution by humans.
Cultural Significance
A staple of North American herpetology; it plays a vital ecological role in controlling rodent populations. Often figures into regional folklore as a symbol of the 'unseen' danger of the forest floor.
Notable Features
Excellent camouflage effectively mimics dead leaves. It is a 'pit viper,' meaning it possesses heat-sensing organs to locate warm-blooded prey in total darkness.