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How to Find Copperheads in East Texas

Copperheads live in a wide range of the U.S., from southwest Massachusetts, west to southern Nebraska, south to the Florida panhandle, and west to west Texas. Of the five subspecies, three live in east Texas: the trans-pecos copperhead, broad-banded copperhead, and southern copperhead. While their bite and venom is typically not life threatening for healthy adults, you still should receive immediate medical attention after a bite. Copperheads are diurnal during spring and fall, turning crepuscular or nocturnal during the hottest summer months. They inhabit a variety of areas, including sawdust piles by buildings, cane stands along the Rio Grande, and near permanent or semipermanent bodies of water.

Things You'll Need

Thick boots
Long pants

Instructions

- 1
  Protect your legs and ankles with thick hiking or walking boots and thick, long pants. While these items won't always protect you from the painful bite of a copperhead, they will help.
- 2
  Walk along rock outcrops and look at rocks and other basking sites near bodies of water during the spring and fall. Copperheads will bask in the sun during these times of the year. Look carefully, as the Texas copperheads' markings help them blend well with their environment. All are blotched with orange markings, although each subspecies varies.
- 3
  Do not handle or get close to a copperhead. Unlike rattlesnakes and cottonmouths, copperheads do not give a visual or audible warning before striking; they lunge and bite, normally when stepped on or when a person or pet gets too close without knowing. Don't get discouraged; it's often harder to find something you're looking for than just accidentally running across one.

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