Copperhead snakes (Agkistrodon contortrix) are venomous reptiles common across eastern North America. Known for effective camouflage, their patterned bodies blend seamlessly with leaf litter, often leading to accidental encounters. This natural concealment, combined with their presence in suburban areas, frequently results in misidentification with harmless snake species. Understanding the distinct characteristics of copperheads and their look-alikes is important for public safety.
Common Copperhead Look-Alikes
Several non-venomous snakes are frequently mistaken for copperheads due to shared habitats and similar appearances. The Eastern Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum) often exhibits reddish-brown blotches on a lighter background, a pattern easily confused with copperhead markings. It thrives in various environments, from woodlands to suburban gardens. The Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon) is another common mimic, typically dark-colored with square blotches that may merge into bands, inhabiting aquatic environments like lakes, ponds, and streams.
The Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus) has vibrant patterns of orange, red, or brownish blotches on a lighter background and a slender body. These snakes are often found in forests, fields, and around human structures like barns. The Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) can also be mistaken for a copperhead due to its variable coloration (browns, grays, oranges) and its tendency to flatten its head when threatened. These snakes prefer habitats with sandy soils, often found in fields and forest edges.
Key Differences for Identification
Distinguishing a copperhead from its non-venomous counterparts involves observing several physical features. Copperheads, as pit vipers, possess a distinct, triangular-shaped head noticeably wider than their neck. In contrast, many non-venomous snakes typically have narrower heads less distinct from their bodies. Copperheads also have heat-sensing pits located between their eyes and nostrils, a feature absent in their mimics.
A reliable identifier is pupil shape. Copperheads have vertical, elliptical pupils, resembling a cat’s eye, while most non-venomous snakes have round pupils. Their body pattern features dark, hourglass-shaped bands, wide on the sides and narrow along the spine, often described as resembling Hershey’s Kisses. This distinct pattern differentiates them from the blotches or bands of other species; for instance, the Northern Watersnake’s blotches are narrower on the sides and wider towards the backbone. Copperheads also have a single row of scales on the underside of their tail after the anal plate, unlike most non-venomous snakes which have a double row; however, this feature requires close inspection and is not recommended for field identification. Behaviorally, copperheads tend to freeze when encountered, relying on their camouflage, unlike many other snakes that may flee.
Encountering a Snake: Safety Measures
When encountering any snake, maintaining a safe distance is the most important safety measure. Step back slowly and give the snake ample space to move away. Never attempt to handle, capture, or kill a snake, as most bites occur during these actions. Even a dead snake can still exhibit reflex actions and bite.
If a snake is in an undesirable location, such as a yard, gently encourage it to move along by spraying it with a garden hose from a safe distance. If the snake poses a direct threat (e.g., inside a home or highly trafficked area), contact local animal control or a qualified snake removal service. For a snake bite, seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services. While waiting, keep the bitten area still and lower than the heart, wash the wound with soap and water, and cover it with a clean, dry dressing. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, or attempt to suck out venom.