The Copperhead is the most common venomous snake found in the eastern US and can be found throughout South Carolina. It is also known by the name Highland Moccasin. Copperheads are usually colorful and strikingly patterned snakes. They derive their name from the copper-like coloring of the head. The background color of the back and sides is tan to pinkish. There are darker, chestnut colored bands across the back and sides. Each band is of varing width, often described as hour-glass shaped. Newborn Copperheads are colored and patterned like adults, excepting the last inch of so of the tail which will be a bright, sulfur yellow color.
Ten Facts about Copperhead
- Adults are usually in the range of 24 to 36 inches in length, although specimens of greater than 42 inches are not rare.
- Copperheads eat small rodents, birds, lizards, snakes, amphibians, and insects.
- Copperheads are venomous, pit vipers. Copperheads account for more cases of venomous snake bite than any of our other species.
- Copperheads can be found in most all habitats, although they often prefer to be near streams and other waterways.
- Because of their habit of freezing at the approach of danger, many are killed by vehicle traffic.
- When danger is perceived, Copperheads will usually freeze in place and remain motionless for the threat to pass. This strategy works well in their natural habitat.
- Copperheads will not usually bite. However, the bite will be readily used as a last defence.
- They belong to the family of Crotalidae - Pitviper Snakes (dangerously venomous).
- Copperhead also known as, chunk head, death adder, highland moccasin, (dry-land) moccasin, narrow-banded copperhead.
- Found in the United States in the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Illinois, Indiana.
