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Eastern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix
37.47, -77.61
Field Notes
Description:
Imagine my surprise when I went to dump grass from the mower into the mulch pile and found this beauty! I was very careful not to disturb this snake and kept a safe distance. S/he didn't move at all for the whole day (not even during the photo shoot). Copperheads get their name from the color that most of them have on the top of the head (reddish or "copper" colored, though there are color variations). They feed on a variety of prey depending on the size of the snake. One this size will feed on rodents, birds and lizards. Areas where copperheads are present have lower rates of ticks (that could be carrying disease) due to the number of rodents they consume. Copperheads are venomous and are a type of pit viper. They are not aggressive but will defend themselves if they feel threatened (there are things that eat them, too).
Habitat:
Suburban yard. Mulch pile on the edge of a temperate wooded area.
Notes:
These snakes can be found near human habitation in a variety of habitats, which is both good and bad. They help to keep the rodent population down but there are greater chances of interactions with humans and pets (especially dogs). During the warmer months, I see dogs and some cats come in with snake bites fairly regularly (I work at an emergency veterinary clinic). Most pets survive and recover fine from the incident (usually with pain and anti-inflammatory meds). Some pets get treated with short hospitalization, IV fluids and antivenin (along with pain and anti-inflammatory meds) to help reduce the venom's effect. Rarey, deaths have happened, but those pets often have a preexisting condition that caused a more severe reaction to the venom.
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