GENERAL INFORMATION

The Northern Copperhead is one of only two venomous snake species found in Western North Carolina, the other being the Timber Rattlesnake.  Another species, the closely related Southern Copperhead, occurs in central and eastern North Carolina along with several other venomous species.

DESCRIPTION

The northern copperhead is normally a rather short and heavy-bodied snake, averaging around two to two and one half feet in length, sometimes as much as three feet or longer in large specimens.  Specimens larger than this are rare but do occasionally occur.  The coloration of the copperhead can be quite variable from light to dark but specimens from the mountains of western North Carolina tend to be much darker than those found in lowland areas.  The background color is generally a brownish gray to reddish-tan with a series of distinct darker hourglass or saddlebag-shaped markings over the back.  The head is often copper-colored hence their common name but may also be lighter or much darker.  Like other members of the pit viper family, the head of the copperhead is usually quite wide in relation to the neck and heat sensitive pits or openings are found between the nostril and the eye on each side of the face.  The pupils are elliptical, an adaptation for nocturnal vision but open up to become almost round in dim light.  Baby copperheads up to a year or so in age may be easily identified by the presence of a bright yellowish-green tail tip, an adaptation which is used by the young snakes to procure their food.

HABITS AND HABITATS

The coloration of the copperhead resembles the fallen leaves, sticks, and other debris on the forest floor.  It provides excellent camouflage to protect these snakes from their enemies and also to enable them to blend into their surroundings to ambush their prey.  Young copperheads will use their brightly colored tail tips to lure in small animals such as lizards and frogs on which they feed.  The tail is twitched and turned to resemble the movements of a grub or worm.  Investigating animals see the movement as a possible meal but do not notice the well hidden snake attached to the tail.  The yellow-green tail tip coloration disappears within a year or two as the snake begins to mature.  As adults, copperheads will feed on a variety of prey animals including mice and other small rodents, frogs, other snakes, and even large insects such as cicadas.  They hunt primarily at night, especially during the summer months, but may sometimes be encountered during the day.  During daylight hours, copperheads rarely venture far from protective cover.  They may be found in a variety of habitats including rocky, wooded hillsides, brushy forest edges, and in and around overgrown thickets, especially where there is plenty of ground cover in the form of rocks, fallen logs, and other debris.

HISTORY

Despite their reputation, copperheads are actually very shy and reclusive snakes.  They avoid predators and other danger by remaining motionless, letting their protective camouflage hide them.  If they are stepped upon or otherwise disturbed, they may attempt to strike and bite in self-defense but given the chance, will often quickly crawl away.  Since they are very adaptable to many habitats, the copperhead is sometimes found living close to humans although most snakes encountered in daylight that resemble copperheads are harmless look-a-likes such as milk snakes, corn snakes, and water snakes.  The bite of the copperhead is almost never fatal but can be quite painful.  Bites are rare due to the secretive nature and nocturnal habits of these shy snakes.  Because they feed on rodents, copperheads are considered beneficial animals and should not be killed when encountered.  They are also eaten by various other animals.  Their presence near human habitations can be discouraged by eliminating overgrown areas with abundant ground debris under which they may take refuge as well as by protecting non-venomous species which eat food that is then unavailable for copperheads.

MEET OUR COPPERHEADS

The Nature Center normally keeps two or three captive copperheads on exhibit in order to show some of the variable coloration found locally in these snakes. Copperheads are one of our most asked about snakes since they are venomous, but most of the snakes we are questioned about or which are brought in for identification, turn out to be harmless, non-venomous species.  Our captive copperheads are fed a diet of pre-killed mice and small rats.

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©2002 WNC Nature Center