Species Reptiles & AmphibiansCopperhead

Copperhead

Agkistrodon contortrix

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)
Safety note: Venomous — keep distance

The Copperhead is responsible for more venomous snakebites in the U.S. than any other species, largely due to its excellent camouflage and tendency to freeze rather than flee. Bites are rarely fatal to healthy adults.

Habitat
Rocky, wooded hillsides, forest edges, and suburban woodlots
Diet
Mice, frogs, cicadas, and small birds
How common
Common

Best time to see a Copperhead

The best time to see a Copperhead is April–July, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 31,075 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Often confused with

Eastern Rat Snake - see how to tell them apartCommon Watersnake - see how to tell them apart

Recent Copperhead sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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