Copperhead

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Adult copperheads have a copper-colored head and body with reddish-brown hourglass-shaped markings running along the body. The base color is usually a lighter color in some shade of brown, tan, cream, light orange, or a shade of pink.
The scales are keeled as in other vipers.
They are a thick-bodied snake and can reach 36 inches in length, although the average adult length is 24-30 inches.
Young copperheads are greyer in color than adults and have a yellow-tipped tail that fades as they reach maturity.
Their fangs, like other members of the Viperidae family, fold back against the roof of their mouths when not in use. When striking prey, the fangs are swung forward to inject venom into the prey.
They are sexually dimorphic with females growing larger than males. Additionally, males have longer tails than females.

Range – Southern Delaware into Maryland, as far south as northern central Florida, and as far west as eastern Texas and southeastern Missouri
Habitat – Rocky, forested hillsides and semi-aquatic environments such as wetlands, swamps, and riverbanks
- - They can also survive well in forested urban areas, including many areas within the City of Atlanta.

Wild- Mice, small birds, lizards, small snakes, amphibians, and insects; Young copperheads eat mostly insects.
Zoo – Mice, rats, and chicks

Sexual maturity is reached at three to four years or when copperheads reach two feet in length.
Mating occurs in the spring and fall. Males can become aggressive with each other during these seasons, especially if a female is present.
Males wrestle each other in a very ritualized way, with both snakes writhing together with their heads off the ground to compete for nearby females. The winning male is the one that is able to pin the other to the ground.
Copperheads are ovoviviparous. Females give birth after a gestation period of three to nine months.
Litters of over 20 offspring have been observed, but most litters average 6-10.
Like many pit vipers, baby copperheads remain with their mother for the first couple of weeks after birth. Once they shed their skin for the first time, they begin to disperse.

Major threats: habitat destruction and human persecution
Habitat destruction by way of land development for new neighborhoods can lead to more contact with humans. Unfortunately, many people view snakes as an undesirable animal to have on their property and, as a result, they are killed.

The copperhead is the most commonly encountered venomous snake in the metro Atlanta area, including the neighborhoods surrounding the Zoo and Grant Park.
Copperheads are social snakes that often overwinter with several other adults at a time within one den. They tend to return to the same den year after year and are sometimes found brumating in communal dens shared by other species such as black rat snakes and timber rattlesnakes.
Although venomous, like many other snakes, copperheads provide beneficial services by helping to control rodent populations around our homes.
Copperheads are preyed upon by kingsnakes and indigo snakes, both of which are immune to their venom. Virginia opposums may also prey on copperheads and are also immune to their venom.
Copperhead venom has been studied for many years for human medical use. Their venom contains certain proteins that prevent blood clotting and could help prevent cancer cell development.

Foundation for Biomedical Research: https://fbresearch.org/copperheads-curing-cancer accessed 14 October 2023
Hartsuff, A. 2015. "Agkistrodon contortrix" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed October 14, 2023 at https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Agkistrodon_contortrix/
Herrmann, B. (2000). Agkistrodon contortrix. Retrieved January 18, 2007, from the Animal Diversity Web Web site: http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Agkistrodon_contortrix.html
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. (2001). Biofacts: Southern Copperhead. Retrieved January 18, 2007, from the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Web site: http://www.jaxzoo.org/things/biofacts/SouthernCopperhead.asp
Rubio, M. (Unknown). Atlanta’s Backyard Herps. Retrieved January 18, 2007, from the Sherpa Guides Web site: http://www.sherpaguides.com/georgia/atlanta_urban_wildlife/backyard_herps/index.html
University of Massachusetts Amherst. (Unknown). Snakes of Massachusetts: Copperhead. Retrieved January 18, 2007, from the University of Massachusetts Amherst: Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation Web site: http://www.umass.edu/nrec/snake_pit/pages/copper.html

Updated April 2024