The idea that a venomous snake would actively pursue a human is a common fear, but it is a myth. Copperheads, a pit viper native to North America, do not chase people. Like most snakes, their primary goal when encountering a human is to avoid detection or retreat from a perceived threat. Understanding the snake’s actual behavior is the first step toward safely coexisting with it.
Copperhead Identification and Range
The copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) is a medium-sized snake, typically reaching lengths between 24 and 36 inches as an adult. They are easily recognizable by their distinctive pattern of dark, reddish-brown crossbands set against a lighter background of tan, pinkish, or pale brown. These crossbands are narrow along the center of the snake’s back and widen significantly on the sides, creating a unique hourglass or “Hershey’s Kiss” shape.
The snake’s head is broad and triangular, possessing the characteristic heat-sensing pits of a pit viper, and is often a coppery or golden-brown color. Juvenile copperheads resemble adults but have a bright, sulfur-yellow or greenish tail tip. This tip is used as a caudal lure to attract small prey like frogs and lizards. Copperheads are found across the eastern and central United States, thriving in diverse habitats, including wooded hillsides, rocky areas, along streams, and increasingly in suburban environments.
Understanding Copperhead Behavior: Debunking the Chase Myth
Copperheads are not aggressive and do not view humans as prey. They are sluggish and non-confrontational, preferring to use camouflage as their primary defense mechanism. When a copperhead senses a human approaching, its instinct is to freeze completely, relying on its pattern to blend into leaf litter and forest debris.
If camouflage fails, the snake will attempt to slowly and silently retreat. Any movement that appears to be a “chase” is almost certainly the snake moving toward the nearest cover or escape route, which may coincidentally be in the direction of the human it is trying to evade. Copperheads are ambush predators, meaning they wait for food to come to them rather than actively hunting.
Defensive Strikes: Why Bites Occur
A strike from a copperhead is a purely defensive action, triggered only when the snake feels threatened, cornered, or physically disturbed. The vast majority of bites occur when a person accidentally steps on or near a snake hidden in its environment. Because their camouflage is effective, people often fail to see them until it is too late.
Bites also occur when people attempt to handle, move, or kill the snake. They will only strike as a last resort, after their preferred defense of remaining motionless has failed. Copperheads may also vibrate their tails rapidly when disturbed, a behavior that mimics a rattlesnake and serves as an auditory warning.
Safe Encounters: What to Do If You See One
The most effective way to avoid a negative encounter is to be aware of the snake’s potential hiding spots and wear appropriate protective gear. When working outdoors, especially in areas with leaf litter, tall grass, or wood piles, wearing thick, closed-toe shoes or high boots is recommended. Clearing dense brush, removing piles of leaves, and keeping firewood stacked neatly and away from the house removes attractive hiding places.
If you do encounter a copperhead, the immediate reaction should be to stay calm and slowly back away. Maintain a distance of at least six feet between yourself and the snake to ensure it does not feel threatened. Never try to capture, move, or harass the snake, as these actions significantly increase the risk of a defensive bite. At night, when copperheads are often more active, using a flashlight to scan the ground ahead of you can prevent accidentally stepping on one.