Southern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix
A common, well-camouflaged pit viper of southern woodlands, responsible for many defensive bites due to its cryptic pattern.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-0.9 m (2-3 ft)
- Range
- Southeastern United States, from Texas to Florida and north to Virginia
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Overview
The Southern Copperhead is a widespread pit viper of the southeastern United States, favoring deciduous forests, wetland edges, and suburban woodlots. It is one of the most frequently encountered venomous snakes in its range due to its adaptability to human-altered landscapes.
Its pinkish-tan body marked with hourglass-shaped, chestnut crossbands provides exceptional camouflage in leaf litter, often leading to accidental encounters.
How to identify it
- Pinkish-tan to light brown body with hourglass-shaped chestnut crossbands, narrower at the spine and wider at the sides
- Unmarked, coppery-colored head
- Vertical pupils and heat-sensing pits
- Juveniles have a bright yellow-green tail tip
- Distinguished from Broad-banded Copperhead by narrower crossbands
Habitat & range
Inhabits deciduous and mixed forests, floodplains, rocky hillsides, and suburban edges throughout the southeastern U.S. Frequently found near woodpiles, rock walls, and leaf litter close to human dwellings.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal in hot summer months, more diurnal in cooler seasons. Diet includes rodents, insects, amphibians, and lizards. Tends to freeze and rely on camouflage rather than flee, which contributes to accidental encounters. Live-bearing.
Frequently asked questions
Why are Southern Copperhead bites common?
Its cryptic camouflage causes it to remain still when approached rather than flee, leading to accidental encounters.
Is its venom typically fatal?
Copperhead venom is potent but bites are rarely fatal to healthy adults.
Where does it live?
Deciduous forests, wetland edges, and suburban woodlands across the southeastern United States.
What does it eat?
Rodents, insects (especially cicadas), amphibians, and lizards.
Southern Copperhead guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Southern Copperhead.
