A common question about snakes in shared habitats is whether black snakes consume copperheads. Understanding the behaviors and diets of these species clarifies their ecological roles and how they coexist.
The Truth About Black Snakes and Copperheads
The idea that “black snakes” universally prey on copperheads is widespread but generalized. Common black snakes, such as the Eastern rat snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis), primarily consume rodents, birds, and their eggs. These constrictors do not typically hunt or eat other snakes, including copperheads.
The black racer (Coluber constrictor) has a more diverse diet. These opportunistic predators eat insects, lizards, rodents, amphibians, and sometimes other snakes. However, their predation on venomous snakes like copperheads is generally limited to smaller or juvenile individuals.
The belief that black snakes regularly consume copperheads likely originates from Eastern kingsnakes (Lampropeltis getula), which can also be predominantly black. Kingsnakes are ophiophagous, eating other snakes, including venomous copperheads, due to venom resistance.
Understanding Copperhead Behavior and Diet
Copperheads (Agkistrodon contortrix) are venomous pit vipers that are largely ambush predators, relying on camouflage to blend into their surroundings. Their diet is varied, consisting mainly of small mammals like mice, small birds, lizards, and amphibians. Copperheads also frequently consume insects, such as cicadas and caterpillars.
Juvenile copperheads exhibit caudal luring, wiggling their bright yellow tail tips to attract prey like frogs and insects. While venomous, copperheads are generally not aggressive and prefer to remain still or retreat when encountered. Their bites are rarely fatal to humans.
Copperheads inhabit diverse environments, from rocky, forested hillsides to wetlands and suburban areas. During winter, they may hibernate communally in dens, sometimes alongside other snake species, including black rat snakes.
Distinguishing Between Black Snakes and Copperheads
Accurate snake identification is important, as black snakes and copperheads have distinct characteristics. Black rat snakes are typically long, growing up to seven feet, with shiny black scales, a white chin, and a lighter belly that may have a checkerboard pattern. Their heads are more oval-shaped and not distinctly wider than their necks, and they possess round pupils.
Black racers are slender, uniformly black snakes with smooth scales and large, round eyes. They are known for their speed and typically flee rapidly when approached. Both black rat snakes and black racers are non-venomous and are generally considered harmless to humans.
In contrast, copperheads are shorter, usually two to three feet long, with a stout body. They are recognized by their distinctive copper-colored head and hourglass-shaped patterns that are darker than their tan or brownish body. Copperheads have a triangular head that is noticeably wider than their neck, and their pupils are vertical, resembling a cat’s eye. They also possess heat-sensing pits located between their eyes and nostrils.