When a venomous snake, such as a copperhead, appears in your yard, the immediate reaction is often fear. Safety for your family and pets is paramount, but an informed response is the safest response. Before taking any action, understand the species, the implications of your choices, and the safest management methods. This approach protects your household while respecting wildlife and following local regulations.
Identifying the Copperhead
Accurately identifying the snake is the first step before deciding how to proceed. The copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) is a pit viper, possessing a broad, triangular head due to its venom glands, contrasting with the narrower heads of most non-venomous snakes. A defining characteristic is the pattern of dark, hourglass-shaped crossbands that run the length of its body, often described as resembling a Hershey’s Kiss. These bands are typically wider on the sides and narrower across the spine, set against a lighter copper, tan, or reddish-brown background.
If you can safely observe the eyes, copperheads have vertical, elliptical pupils, similar to a cat’s eye, while non-venomous snakes usually have round pupils. Many harmless species, such as the northern water snake, are often mistaken for copperheads, sometimes flattening their heads to mimic the triangular shape when threatened. Juvenile copperheads display the same hourglass pattern but have a bright, sulfur-yellow or greenish tail tip, which is used to lure prey.
The Decision to Kill Versus Relocate
The impulse to kill a copperhead drastically increases the risk of a bite, as most incidents occur when a person attempts to handle or dispatch the snake. Attempting to strike the snake forces you within its defensive range, which should be avoided. It is far safer to maintain distance and allow the snake to move on naturally or to seek professional assistance.
Snakes play a role in the local ecosystem, primarily by controlling rodent and insect populations. Killing a native snake, even a venomous one, may be illegal depending on your state or local jurisdiction. For example, some states prohibit the killing of any snake species unless it poses an immediate threat to human safety, and violating these laws can result in fines. Considering the danger and the potential legal implications, choosing relocation or allowing the snake to leave on its own is the recommended course of action.
Safe and Humane Removal Options
The safest option is to contact a professional wildlife removal service, licensed snake handler, or local animal control for assistance. These individuals possess the necessary equipment, such as snake tongs, and the training to secure and relocate the snake safely without injury. If the copperhead is simply passing through a yard, it will often leave the area on its own within a few hours if left undisturbed.
If the snake is blocking an area that must be accessed immediately, such as a doorway or walkway, you can encourage it to move using a long stream of water from a garden hose. This method works from a safe distance, prompting the snake to retreat without requiring physical handling. As a temporary measure to contain the snake until professional help arrives, you can place a large, sturdy trash can or bucket over the animal, weighing it down with a brick. Attempting to physically capture a copperhead without specialized training and equipment is highly dangerous and should be avoided.
Preventing Future Encounters
The most effective long-term strategy for snake management is habitat modification, which makes your yard less attractive to copperheads and their prey. Copperheads seek out shelter and ambush spots, so removing potential hiding places is essential. This includes clearing away debris like leaf piles, woodpiles, rock stacks, and tall grass, as these areas provide both cover and habitat for rodents.
Keeping your lawn closely mowed and trimming shrubs and bushes away from the ground eliminates low-lying cover that snakes prefer. Since copperheads primarily feed on small rodents and insects, controlling these pest populations is an effective deterrent. Sealing any cracks in your home’s foundation or gaps under doors will also prevent snakes and their prey from entering structures. By consistently maintaining a clean outdoor space, you reduce the resources that draw copperheads to your property.