Copperhead snakes are present in Pennsylvania, being one of the state’s three native venomous snake species.
Copperhead Presence in Pennsylvania
Copperheads inhabit environments across nearly all of Pennsylvania, excluding the northernmost and extreme northwestern counties. They thrive in diverse terrains, including rocky, wooded hillsides, forested areas, and regions near water sources. They seek shelter in rock outcrops, talus slopes, wood piles, sawdust piles, and brush piles. Abandoned farms, auto junkyards, and old homestead foundations with brushy fields and fencerows also provide suitable environments.
Copperheads adapt well to human-modified landscapes, often found in suburban and urban areas where cover and food sources exist. They are active in Pennsylvania from mid-April through late October, sometimes into November, becoming more nocturnal during hot summer days. While common, their presence is often misidentified due to other snake species with similar appearances.
How to Identify a Copperhead
Copperheads have distinctive physical characteristics. Their copper or bronze-colored head gives them their common name. Their bodies are tan, brown, or rust-colored, marked with bold, hourglass-shaped crossbands that are narrowest along the backbone and widen at the sides.
Like all pit vipers, copperheads have heat-sensing pits between their eyes and nostrils, helping them detect prey. Their eyes feature vertical, elliptical pupils, similar to a cat’s, a trait distinguishing them from non-venomous species with round pupils.
Young copperheads are born with functional fangs and potent venom. They often have a bright yellow tail tip used as a lure.
Differentiating copperheads from harmless look-alikes like the eastern milk snake, northern water snake, and eastern hognose snake is important. While these non-venomous snakes may share coloration, their markings, head shape, and pupil characteristics differ. The eastern milk snake, for example, has a checkerboard belly pattern, absent on a copperhead.
What to Do if You See One
If you encounter a copperhead, remain calm and maintain a safe distance. Copperheads are secretive and non-aggressive, preferring to avoid confrontation. The snake will retreat if given the opportunity. Back away slowly, giving the snake ample space to move.
Avoid approaching, handling, or trying to kill the snake, as most bites occur when individuals intentionally interact with them. If a bite occurs, seek immediate medical attention. While copperhead venom is hemotoxic, affecting blood cells, bites are rarely fatal to humans, though they can cause pain, swelling, and bruising.
Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, or attempt to suck out the venom. Instead, wash the bite area with soap and water, remove any tight jewelry or clothing near the affected limb, and immobilize the bitten area. Contact a poison control center or emergency services for guidance.