Eastern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Viperidae, Subfamily: Crotalinae, Genus: Agkistrodon, Species: Agkistrodon contortrix
Venomous Status
Venomous (Solenoglyphous fangs)
Danger Level
High Risk. While rarely fatal to healthy adults due to relatively low potency and yield, bites cause significant tissue damage and require immediate medical evaluation.
Geographic Range
Widespread throughout the Eastern and Central United States, from southern New England south to the Florida panhandle and west to the Mississippi River, where it intergrades with the Broad-banded Copperhead (A. laticinctus).
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN Red List). However, they face threats from habitat fragmentation, road mortality, and persecution by humans.
Physical Description
Stocky body with keeled scales. Pale tan to pinkish-brown ground color with distinctive dark brown 'hourglass' or 'Hershey's Kiss' shaped crossbands. The head is distinct from the neck, copper-colored, with vertical pupils (cat-like) and heat-sensing pits between the eye and nostril.
Size & Dimensions
Adults typically range from 61 to 91 cm (24 to 36 inches). Exceptional specimens can reach 135 cm (53 inches). Juvenile in photo (indicated by size relative to leaves).
Habitat
Inhabits diverse environments including deciduous forests, mixed woodlands, rocky hillsides, and swamp edges. Often found in leaf litter, around stone walls, or near abandoned buildings at elevations from sea level to 1,500 meters.
Behavior & Temperament
Generally placid if left alone, relying on excellent camouflage to avoid detection. If threatened, they may vibrate their tail in dry leaves to mimic a rattlesnake and strike if further provoked. They are crepuscular or nocturnal during hot summer months.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous generalist. Diet includes cicadas, large insects, frogs, small rodents, birds, and other snakes. They utilize both ambush strategies and active foraging. Juveniles use their bright yellow tail tips as lures (caudal luring) for frogs and lizards.
Reproduction
Ovoviviparous (gives birth to live young). Breeding occurs in spring or autumn. Females produce litters of 1 to 21 young (averaging 7 to 8) in late summer or early fall.
Venom Profile
Venom Type
Hemotoxic venom containing metalloproteinases that cause tissue destruction, localized edema, and severe pain.
AI-generated — see a qualified source if acting on this. For any snakebite, call emergency services immediately.
Look-alikes
Often confused with the Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon), which lacks the hourglass pattern and heat pits, and the Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum), which has smooth scales and different pattern orientation.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN Red List). However, they face threats from habitat fragmentation, road mortality, and persecution by humans.
Cultural Significance
Often referenced in American folklore and literature. Ecologically significant as a top predator in woodland ecosystems, helping control rodent populations.
Notable Features
The most distinctive feature is the 'hourglass' pattern where the bands are wide on the sides and narrow at the spine. They possess heat-sensing loreal pits characteristic of pit vipers.