Copperhead snake

Our group was walking a narrow path in the woods when a person ahead jumped into the brush on the other side of the path as a copperhead snake (big one!) had made its presence next to the path known by assuming a defensive (aggressive) stance. His/her movement alerted everyone and we got off the path to pass the snake. I took a hurried photo while going by, which is why it is blurry. They are beautiful but the state university with the vet school says: "A Copperhead snake bite needs medical attention, is extremely painful, and may cause extensive scarring and loss of use." North Carolina has the most venomous snake bites of any US state. Copperheads bite more people in most years than any other US species, but fortunately have the mildest venom. Most bites occur when people try to handle them or kill them. So it is best to simply leave them in peace.