Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix ON EXHIBIT: Cove Forest in River Journey.
FUN FACTS
The copperhead is one of the most frequently encountered venomous snakes in the southern Appalachians. Young copperheads have a bright, yellow-colored tail. The snake will sit among leaves on the forest floor and wriggle its tail. An unsuspecting frog or lizard may think it is potential prey and lunge for it. The copperhead will then bite the animal. This practice is called caudal (tail) luring.
The venom is toxic and a bite from a Copperhead snake
is extremely painful and requires immediate medical treatment, but is very seldom fatal.
Fan Photo
About This Animal
SIZE: 36 in (91 cm)
RANGE: North Florida north to Massachusetts, and west to Texas and southeastern Nebraska, North America
HABITAT: Wet areas around woodlands, swamps, streambeds, river bottoms and damp ravines; Also foundon the hillsides above the wet areas
DIET: Frogs, lizards and rodents