How many types of copperheads are there?

Copperheads/Lower classifications

What snake is mistaken for a copperhead?

The most common snake misidentified as a copperhead is the harmless juvenile Eastern Ratsnake (formerly called the blackrat snake). The Eastern Ratsnake starts life with a strong pattern of gray or brown blotches on a pale gray background.

Are Eastern copperheads aggressive?

Although venomous, eastern copperheads are generally not aggressive and bites are rarely fatal. Copperhead venom has an estimated lethal dose around 100 mg, and tests on mice show its potency is among the lowest of all pit vipers, and slightly weaker than that of its close relative, the cottonmouth.

What happens if you get bitten by a copperhead?

“Copperhead bites can cause serious local reaction, which can result in pain and debility in the affected limb. There is a range of severity, from dry bite, mild, moderate to severe. Antivenom treatment can speed recovery and reduce need for opiate pain medications.

How do you keep copperheads away?

Remove piles of leaf debris, rocks, and trash from around the home to eliminate harborage areas of both the copperhead snakes and/or their food source. Eliminate tall grasses and vegetation from around the home. Keep bushes pruned up off of the ground and keep them clear of debris. Use snake repellants around the home.

What animal kills copperheads?

Predators. Owls and hawks are the copperhead’s main predators. Opossums, raccoons and other snakes may also prey on copperheads.

What time of day are copperheads most active?

They are nocturnal during the summer heat, actively hunting for prey during the cooler evening hours. Southern copperheads often eat one single meal every three weeks-even during their most active months. Copperheads sometimes nest with other snake species during hibernation.

What to do if you see a copperhead in your yard?

If you see a copperhead or any poisonous snake in your yard, gather up the kids and pets and retreat to the house immediately! Do not try and kill it on your own. In some areas animal control or the local fire department may help remove the offending critter.

How can you tell a rat snake from a copperhead?

Rat Snake vs Copperhead: Shape & Eyes

Copperheads have large, triangular shaped heads and stocky bodies with thin tails. Their eyes also have vertical pupils which are like thin slits. Rat snakes are not pit vipers so don’t have pits. Instead, they have small turtle-shaped heads and round pupils.

How can you tell a copperhead from a water snake?

An easier way to identify a snake is by looking at its pattern. Northern water snakes have a bulb-shaped pattern that widens in the center, whereas the venomous copperhead has an hourglass-like pattern.

How can you tell the difference between a copperhead and a corn snake?

While copperheads have most of their hourglass shape on the sides of their body, corn snakes will have most of their thick “blotch” markings on the tops (or their back) of their body. Corn snakes also have a distinctive black-and-white “checkerboard” pattern on their bellies.

What is the difference between a copperhead and a milk snake?

The copperhead has only one row of crossbands down its heavy body in contrast to the milksnake’s 3 to 5 rows of blotches down a slender body. The milksnake has smooth scales while the copperhead has keeled scales (raised ridge along the center of each scale).

What to do if you see a copperhead?

If you do see a copperhead, leave it alone or call a professional to relocate the snake to a safer place. Do not try to kill the snake, because you increase your chance of being bitten.

How far can a copperhead snake strike?

In most cases, a snake can strike up to a distance between 1/3 to 1/2 of its body length. For example, if the snake is four feet in length, its strike can likely reach no more than two feet.

Where do copperheads nest?

Dens are typically located near edges of these wetlands in dense, damp forested habitat. Copperheads will lie motionless in leaf litter or under debris while waiting for their prey. They consume mainly mice and small rodents, but will also eat other reptiles, amphibians, small birds, and insects.

What animal kills copperheads?

Predators. Owls and hawks are the copperhead’s main predators. Opossums, raccoons and other snakes may also prey on copperheads.

What time of day are copperheads most active?

They are nocturnal during the summer heat, actively hunting for prey during the cooler evening hours. Southern copperheads often eat one single meal every three weeks-even during their most active months. Copperheads sometimes nest with other snake species during hibernation.