Hobbies And Interests
Color
Copperheads are so named for their vibrant colors. They have pale, pinkish scales giving them a copper-like appearance with between 10 and 18 darker bands. The bands are circular with dark-brown outer edges that get brighter toward the middle until they match the snake's pale, copper color. Some variations exist, including a pattern that involves a dark main body color with light bands.
Size and Body Shape
Copperheads typically grow between 20 and 37 inches, making them mid-sized snakes. It has a stocky, wide body that it often coils up. It has a triangular-shaped, broad head with a noticeable overbite.
Habitats
Copperhead snakes thrive in a variety of habitats within their range. They are most often found on the floors of deciduous forests, where their unique color pattern allows them to blend in with leaf litter. However, they can also be found inhabiting the deserts of western Texas, often making their homes near brooks or other small sources of water.
Behavior
Copperheads are carnivorous ambush predators that feed almost exclusively on small rodents. They hide in wait until a rat or mouse walks by, then they kill it with their poison and swallow them whole. They reproduce in the late summer and then give birth to live young, usually in litters of around seven to 10, but sometimes with as many as 20.
Venom
The venom of a copperhead can be very painful, but almost never fatal. It can cause nausea, swelling and possible damage to the muscle tissues. A bit victim should always immediately seek medical attention to avoid any complications like infection. However, copperheads are not aggressive and will usually only bite in self-defense. When they do bite, most bites may be "dry bites," meaning that they strike but do not inject venom.