Eastern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Viperidae, Subfamily: Crotalinae, Genus: Agkistrodon, Species: Agkistrodon contortrix
Found throughout the Eastern United States, ranging from southern New England, south 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, retractable hollow fangs).
Danger Level
Moderate Risk; while rarely fatal to healthy adults due to low potency and high frequency of 'dry' or low-dose bites, the venom causes significant local trauma and requires immediate medical evaluation.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Viperidae, Subfamily: Crotalinae, Genus: Agkistrodon, Species: Agkistrodon contortrix
Conservation
Least Concern (IUCN); however, they face threats from habitat fragmentation, road mortality, and intentional killing by humans.
Physical Description
Distinctive 'hourglass' or 'Hershey's Kiss' patterns on the sides, where the dark bands are narrower on the back and wider on the sides. The head is broad, triangular, and distinct from the neck. Pupils are vertical (elliptical), and scales are keeled. Coloration is typically tan, copper, or salmon-pink.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen in the image appears to be a juvenile, likely 20-30 cm in length. Adults typically range from 60 to 90 cm, with a maximum record of approximately 135 cm.
Habitat
Extremely versatile; inhabits deciduous forests, rocky hillsides, marsh edges, and woodpiles. Often found in suburban areas with sufficient ground cover. Prefers elevations from sea level to about 1,500 meters.
Behavior & Temperament
Generally docile and relies on camouflage. When threatened, it may vibrate its tail (creating a sound in leaves), flatten its body, and strike. It is crepuscular or nocturnal during hot summer months.
Diet & Feeding
Generalist carnivore using an ambush 'sit-and-wait' strategy. Consumes rodents, cicadas, frogs, lizards, and even other snakes.
Reproduction
Ovoviviparous (gives birth to live young). Litters typically range from 1 to 21 young, born in late summer or early fall. The young have distinctive sulfur-yellow tails used for caudal luring.
Venom Profile
Hemotoxic venom, which primarily causes tissue damage, localized swelling, and severe pain. It breaks down blood cells and proteins.
Look-alikes
Commonly confused with non-venomous Northern Water Snakes (Nerodia sipedon) and Eastern Milk Snakes (Lampropeltis triangulum). Copperheads are distinguishable by their hourglass pattern and heat-sensing pits between the eye and nostril.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN); however, they face threats from habitat fragmentation, road mortality, and intentional killing by humans.
Cultural Significance
One of the most common venomous snakes encountered by humans in North America; plays a vital role in controlling rodent and cicada populations.
Notable Features
Juveniles possess a bright yellow or chartreuse tail tip used as a lure (caudal luring) to attract frogs or lizards; this color fades as the snake matures.