Copperhead snakes are pit vipers found across the eastern United States, requiring careful identification. Many non-venomous species share visual similarities, leading to frequent misidentification. Accurate identification is crucial for safety and conservation. This guide provides clear distinctions to help identify these snakes.
Identifying Copperheads
Copperhead snakes have distinct physical characteristics. Their body coloration ranges from pale tan to coppery, reddish-brown, or pinkish-tan. Darker brown crossbands, described as hourglass-shaped, overlay this background. These bands are wider on the sides and narrow significantly along the midline of the back, sometimes appearing to disconnect.
A copperhead’s head is triangular and broad, separate from its neck. This triangular shape accommodates venom glands. Their pupils are vertical and elliptical. Young copperheads have a grayish coloration and a bright yellow or greenish-yellow tail tip that fades with maturity.
As pit vipers, copperheads have heat-sensing pits. These pits allow them to detect body heat, aiding hunting. Adult copperheads measure between 2 and 3 feet, though some individuals can grow up to 4 feet.
Snakes Often Mistaken for Copperheads
Several non-venomous snakes are often confused with copperheads due to similar appearance. The Eastern Hognose Snake is stout-bodied with variable brown, gray, yellow, or orange coloration. Its distinctive upturned snout is used for digging. When threatened, they flatten their heads and necks to appear larger, sometimes playing dead.
Northern Water Snakes are found near water and often mistaken for copperheads. Their bodies are gray, tan, or brown, with dark bands or blotches. Coloration darkens with age, sometimes appearing almost black. They are not venomous but may bite if threatened, and flatten their bodies to appear more imposing.
Corn Snakes can be mistaken for copperheads due to reddish-orange and tan bodies with dark blotches. They are more colorful, with patterns of thick blotches or square shapes down their backs, unlike hourglasses. They also have a distinct black-and-white “checkerboard” pattern on their bellies.
Milk Snakes display red, black, and yellow, beige, or gray bands/blotches. They have smooth, shiny scales and a small head. They are non-venomous and may vibrate their tails to mimic rattlesnakes when threatened.
How to Tell Them Apart
The most consistent identifier for a copperhead is its hourglass-shaped body bands, wide on the sides and narrowing along the spine. In contrast, Northern Water Snakes have bands thin on the sides and wider on top, or irregular blotches. Corn Snakes have blotches widest along the center of their back, not narrowing like a copperhead’s hourglass.
Head shape and pupils are distinctions. Copperheads have a triangular head and vertical, slit pupils. Most non-venomous look-alikes (e.g., Northern Water Snakes, Corn Snakes, Milk Snakes) have round pupils. While some non-venomous snakes like the Eastern Hognose can flatten their heads to appear triangular, their natural head shape is less pronounced, and they lack vertical pupils. The Eastern Hognose Snake’s upturned snout is also unique.
Behavioral differences provide clues. Copperheads often remain still, relying on camouflage. Northern Water Snakes dive into water when disturbed. Eastern Hognose Snakes are known for dramatic defensive displays, including hissing, head flattening, playing dead. Milk Snakes and Corn Snakes are more likely to flee.
Encountering a Snake
When encountering a snake, maintain a safe distance. Stay at least 6 feet away. Do not handle, capture, or kill the snake, as most bites occur this way. Give the snake space to move away; most will leave.
If possible, from a safe distance, photograph the snake for identification. This helps with identification or professional consultation. If a snake is in a concerning location (e.g., home, pathway, yard), contact local animal control or a wildlife professional.
For a suspected snake bite, seek immediate medical attention. Do not drive if unwell. While waiting for help, remain calm and keep the bitten area still and below heart level.
Remove jewelry or tight clothing from the affected limb before swelling. Clean the bite with soap and water, then cover with a clean, dry dressing. Avoid applying a tourniquet, cutting the wound, or sucking out venom.