American copperhead Introduction

The American copperhead is a species of venomous pit viper snakes that is endemic to eastern North America. Copperheads get their name, unsurprisingly, from their bronze-hued heads. These large snakes, found through the southern and eastern United States, have bodies that range from tan to copper to gray, with characteristic hourglass-shaped stripes. The reptiles grow to lengths between two and three feet, although there are records of individuals longer than four feet. Their stout bodies abruptly taper toward their thin tails. Luckily, their venom is not among the most potent, and bites are rarely deadly; children, the elderly, and immunocompromised people are most at risk. The snakes typically feed on mice and other rodents, but will also go after small birds, lizards, and frogs. After biting their prey, the serpents often hold it in their mouth until the venom has done its job. Immature copperheads have unique, yellow-tipped tails, which they wiggle and use as a lure to attract prey. This coloration fades when they reach about three years of age. The snakes, which reach sexual maturity at four years of age, live for around 18 years.