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 to the Florida Panhandle and west to the Mississippi River and parts of Texas.
Look up Eastern Copperhead in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Venomous; solenoglyphous (front-fanged with long, hollow, retractable fangs typical of vipers).
Danger Level
Moderate Risk. While potentially dangerous and requiring medical attention, the venom is rarely fatal to healthy adults. They are responsible for many bites due to excellent camouflage.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Viperidae, Subfamily: Crotalinae, Genus: Agkistrodon, Species: Agkistrodon contortrix
Conservation
Least Concern (IUCN). Generally stable, though threatened by habitat fragmentation and intentional killing by humans.
Physical Description
Tan to coppery-brown base color with distinctive hourglass or 'Hershey Kiss' shaped dark brown bands that are wider on the sides and narrower across the spine. Head is broad, spade-shaped, and usually a solid coppery-pinkish color. Elliptical pupils.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen appears to be an adult, approximately 60-90 cm in length. Typical species range is 50-95 cm, with a maximum record of about 135 cm.
Habitat
Generalist species found in deciduous forests, mixed woodlands, rocky hillsides, and edges of wetlands. Often found near human habitations in woodpiles or debris. Elevation ranges from sea level to approximately 1,500 meters.
Behavior & Temperament
Generally docile and reliant on camouflage (freeze response). They are crepuscular or nocturnal during hot summer months and diurnal in spring/fall. They may vibrate their tail when threatened.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous generalist eating mice, small birds, lizards, frogs, and large insects (especially cicadas). They use an ambush hunting strategy, utilizing heat-sensing pits to locate prey.
Reproduction
Ovoviviparous (gives birth to live young). Litters typically range from 1 to 21 young, born in late summer or early fall. Juveniles possess a bright sulfur-yellow tail tip used for caudal luring.
Venom Profile
Hemotoxic venom that destroys red blood cells and tissue, causing local pain, swelling, and possible necrosis. Generally low in toxicity compared to other vipers.
Look-alikes
Commonly confused with Northern Watersnakes (Nerodia sipedon) and Eastern Milksnakes (Lampropeltis triangulum). Watersnakes have bands that are widest on the back, while Copperheads have bands widest on the sides.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN). Generally stable, though threatened by habitat fragmentation and intentional killing by humans.
Cultural Significance
Commonly encountered in North American folklore. Ecologically vital for controlling rodent populations and as a prey source for larger predators like Kingsnakes and raptors.
Notable Features
Features loreal pits (heat-sensing organs) located between the eye and nostril. Known for 'caudal luring' as juveniles, where they wiggle their yellow tail tips to mimic a worm to attract prey.