North American copperheads are widely distributed pit vipers often encountered by humans. Many people wonder if they possess a tail-shaking mechanism similar to rattlesnakes. Copperheads do produce a defensive sound when disturbed, but the resulting noise is fundamentally different from the unmistakable rattle of a rattlesnake. This sound is a mechanical vibration designed to deter potential threats.
The Specific Sound of a Copperhead
Copperheads lack the specialized keratinous segments, or rattle, found on the tails of true rattlesnakes. Instead, the noise is generated by a rapid, muscular vibration of the tail against the surrounding environment. The snake shakes its tail at a high frequency, often exceeding 40 vibrations per second.
This rapid movement results in a sound only if the snake is near a suitable substrate, such as dry leaves, loose dirt, or pine needles. The resulting noise is not a distinct, high-volume rattle but rather a subtle buzzing, hissing, or faint rustling. If the snake is on a smooth rock or pavement, the movement may produce little to no audible warning. Unlike a rattlesnake, which holds its rattle vertically, the copperhead typically vibrates its tail horizontally among ground debris.
Why Copperheads Make Noise
The copperhead’s tail vibration is a purely defensive behavior used when the snake feels threatened or surprised. This action is a warning display intended to encourage the intruder to retreat and prevent a physical confrontation. The noise serves as a deterrent, signaling that the snake is present and should be avoided, which is a common survival strategy among vipers.
Striking is considered a last resort for the copperhead, as expending venom takes energy and time to replenish. The snake’s first instinct when approached is often to freeze, relying on its effective camouflage. If the threat persists, the tail vibration becomes the secondary, audible warning before the final option of a bite.
Identifying Copperheads Beyond Sound
Because the defensive sound of a copperhead can be subtle or easily mistaken for wind or insects, reliable visual identification remains the safest method. The most distinctive feature is its body pattern of dark, chestnut-brown crossbands set against a lighter, reddish-tan or pinkish background. These bands are shaped like an hourglass, dumbbell, or the side profile of a “Hershey’s Kiss,” being wide on the sides and narrow across the center of the back.
As a pit viper, the copperhead possesses a broad, triangular-shaped head that is distinct from its neck. The head often exhibits a coppery-brown coloration, which gives the species its common name. Younger copperheads share the adult pattern but have a bright yellow or greenish-yellow tail tip that fades as they mature. Copperheads are frequently encountered in wooded areas, rocky hillsides, and near water sources.