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 Florida and west to Texas and the Mississippi River valley.
Look up Eastern Copperhead in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Venomous (Solenoglyphous - has retractable, hollow front fangs).
Danger Level
Moderate Risk; while they account for a high number of bites in the US, their venom is relatively low in potency compared to other pit vipers and is rarely fatal to healthy adults. Medical attention is always required.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Viperidae, Subfamily: Crotalinae, Genus: Agkistrodon, Species: Agkistrodon contortrix
Conservation
Least Concern (IUCN Red List). Major threats include habitat fragmentation and persecution by humans.
Physical Description
Thick-bodied with a pale tan to pinkish-gray base color. Feature distinctive dark brown 'hourglass' or 'dumbbell' shaped crossbands that are narrow on the spine and wider at the sides. The head is broad/triangular, often coppery-red, with vertical slit pupils and heat-sensing pits between the eyes and nostrils. Scales are keeled.
Size & Dimensions
This specimen appears to be an adult, likely 60-90 cm. The species typically ranges from 50 to 95 cm, with a record maximum of 135 cm.
Habitat
Found in deciduous forests, mixed woodlands, rocky hillsides, and edges of swamps or rivers. Often shelters in rock crevices, wood piles, or under leaf litter; elevation ranges from sea level to approximately 1,500 meters.
Behavior & Temperament
Generally docile and relies on camouflage initially. If threatened, they may vibrate their tails (producing a rattle-like sound in dry leaves) and strike defensively. They are crepuscular or nocturnal during hot summer months.
Diet & Feeding
Ambushes prey such as mice, small birds, lizards, frogs, and large insects (especially cicadas). They use heat-sensing pits to locate warm-blooded prey and deliver a venomous strike, tracking the scent trail if the prey runs off.
Reproduction
Ovoviviparous (gives birth to live young). Typical litters range from 2 to 10 neonates born in late summer or early fall. Juveniles possess sulfur-yellow tail tips used for caudal luring to attract frogs or lizards.
Venom Profile
Hemotoxic; primarily contains metalloproteinases that cause tissue destruction, localized pain, edema (swelling), and bruising.
Look-alikes
Commonly confused with the Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon), which lacks the heat pits, has round pupils, and has bands that are widest on the spine. Juveniles can be confused with Cottonmouths, but Cottonmouths usually have a dark eye stripe.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN Red List). Major threats include habitat fragmentation and persecution by humans.
Cultural Significance
Frequently encountered due to their ability to adapt to suburban edges; ecologically vital for controlling rodent populations. Often figures in regional folklore as the 'copperhead' or 'chunk head'.
Notable Features
Masters of camouflage, their 'Hershey's Kiss' or hourglass pattern blends perfectly into fallen leaves. They are one of the few snakes known to aggregate in communal dens with other species (like rattlesnakes) during winter hibernation.