There is an abundance of myths and stories surrounding the copperhead snake. It’s no wonder so many people fear them!
As one of the most widespread snakes in the U.S. it is important to understand the truth about any danger associated with these snakes. I wouldn’t say these snakes are harmless, but bites aren’t as fatal as you might fear.
How dangerous is a copperhead snake? Copperhead snake bites are rarely deadly. Although they are responsible for an estimated 3,000 bites per year, there have only been 6 reported deaths in the past 120 years from this snake. Most, if not all, of those deaths were actually the result of an allergic reaction rather than the toxicity of the venom itself.
A bite from one of these snakes hurts, but the chance of you dying or even sustaining any long term effects is extremely slim.
How Deadly Is Copperhead Snake Venom?
Copperhead venom is considered mild compared to other pit vipers. In fact it is so mild, antivenom is rarely used to treat a bite since the effects of the treatment are usually worse than the bite itself. If you are bitten by a copperhead snake, you are typically prescribed antibiotics to fight off infection, and maybe given something for the pain.
These snakes have a hemotoxic venom which can cause localized tissue damage.
This is usually temporary, and affects the immediate area around the bite. Bruising would be an example of this. Their venom also contains enzymes which prevents blood from clotting.
Common symptoms from a bite include swelling of the bite area, pain, bruising and sometimes severe nausea.
Bites to the extremities, such as fingers or toes, can result in greater tissue damage because there is not as much mass of fat and muscle to absorb the toxins.
This doesn’t sound like fun, but is also rarely life threatening and there is little chance of permanent damage.
Are Copperhead Snakes Aggressive?
Although copperheads are not considered aggressive, someone who is bitten by one may argue otherwise. Approximately half of all venomous snakebites in the U.S. are caused by these snakes. Copperhead snakes don’t always give warning signs before biting, and can strike immediately and repeatedly if they feel threatened.
This doesn’t make them aggressive however, it simply makes them defensive.
Just like you want to avoid a venomous snake as much as possible, copperheads want to avoid YOU as much as possible!
Most bites happen when the snake is taken by surprise.
Keep in mind, copperheads are in the middle of the food chain. They are predators that hunt other animals for food. At the same time, they too are on the menu for other predatory animals that will happily make a meal out of them.
If you step on a snake, or even step too close, it most likely thinks it is about to be grabbed and eaten, and will defend itself.
If you are reaching into its hiding spot, such as in a pile of debris or under a pile of wood, it has no idea that you aren’t aware of its presence. It simply thinks something is trying to get it.
Copperheads are not naturally aggressive.
They will not chase you, they will not go out of their way to bite you.
In fact, copperheads are known to frequently give dry bites. These are bites where they deliver no venom at all. Simply a little nip to scare you away.
They also are known for striking without biting. Simply a feint or a hit to warn you of what will happen if you don’t leave them alone.
When Are You Most Likely To Get Bitten By A Copperhead Snake?
I’ve stated that copperheads are responsible for over 3,000 reported snakebites per year, and that they make up around half of all reported bites in the U.S.
Sounds scary right?
When are you most likely to be bitten by a copperhead snake? The number one cause of copperhead snakebites is people touching the snake. Nearly 80% of reported copperhead bites happen to young males.
Why?
Because that is the most likely person to try and pick them up! When are you most likely to get bitten? When you try to handle the snake! Just leave it alone and you’ve dramatically reduced your chances of being bitten!
There are times when you are at higher risk of accidentally receiving a copperhead bite though.
Copperheads hunt during the day in spring and late fall. They switch to nocturnal activities during summer and early fall when the daytime temperatures are too hot.
During winter months they go through brumation, which is basically reptile hibernation.
As ambush hunters, these snakes like to find a place to hide then wait for food to come by. A copperhead’s favorite ambush places is in brush, under debris such as piles of wood, or under rock overhangs.
They also aren’t afraid of urban areas.
This means if you have a wood pile, construction debris or the like in your yard, you are practically inviting them to come and hang out for awhile.
While we’re on the subject, I want to debunk a myth.
Many people fear that if they see a baby snake, the mom will be nearby, ready to rush in and defend her young.
This is completely false. Copperheads are ovoviparous, which means the babies develop as eggs inside of the mother, and actually hatch inside of her as they are born.
Once they are born, baby copperheads are completely self sufficient. The mother has no maternal instincts whatsoever. She doesn’t provide for her young, nor does she look after them in any way.
Except for mating season, which typically runs from April to May, these snakes are primarily loners.
Just because you see one doesn’t mean there are more nearby. They do however, tend to hibernate together, and return to the same den year after year when possible.
If you are interested in more information about this, check out an article I wrote titled Why Do Snakes Bite.
Are Baby Copperheads More Dangerous Than Adults?
This is another myth that many people believe.
Some people think that juvenile snakes are more toxic than adults, as if they need a stronger venom to protect themselves.
Others have heard that babies can’t control the amount of venom they inject in a bite, and so give you a full dose every time.
Another popular theory is that baby snakes haven’t learned to reserve venom for prey, and therefore give you all they’ve got.
None of this is true.
Are Baby Copperheads More Dangerous Than Adults? Baby copperheads are actually LESS dangerous than adults. The number one factor that determines how bad a snakebite will be, is how much venom they inject. Baby copperhead snakes have less venom than adults, and therefore can’t possibly inject you with as much as an adult would.
- They have complete control of the muscles used to inject venom from the time they are born.
- There is no scientific evidence whatsoever that snakes “learn” to keep venom reserved for prey.
- A snake’s venom potency varies based on their diet, not their age.
How To Avoid Getting Bitten By A Copperhead Snake
- As I’m sure you’ve guessed by now, the number one way to avoid being bitten is to simply leave a copperhead alone when you see it. You don’t want to get bitten, they don’t want to bite. Simply let them go on their way, and you’ll probably never see it again.
- When hiking, stay on visible trails. Bushwhacking your way through the woods, is basically traipsing through the snakes dining room. Stick to the trail!
- It’s also a good idea to wear protective clothing like gloves and hiking boots. Most bites that aren’t due to handling, usually get you in the foot or ankle.
- If you’re handling debris that has been lying around for any length of time, be sure to wear gloves. Unlike some snakes that bite and hang on, copperheads strike quickly and release. Any type of material from clothing, to shoes and gloves could possibly protect you from receiving a venom injection.
Another thing to note is the odor these snakes sometimes emit. When they are being handled or are scared, copperheads have been known to release an odor that is described as smelling like cucumbers.
Summary
As you can see, copperheads aren’t considered very deadly. I’m not saying I want to be bitten by one, but if it did happen, I wouldn’t be overly concerned.
These snakes have a wide range of territory, and aren’t afraid to live in urban areas which makes contact with humans more frequent than other species.
These are the biggest reasons they are responsible for so many bites each year.
Approximately 5 people die each year in the U.S. due to snakebites.
When you consider that copperheads are responsible for half of all venomous bites, yet only average one fatality every 20 years, you get a true perspective on how deadly (or rather not deadly) these snakes really are.
They are a valuable part of the overall ecosystem.
Copperheads reduce the rodent population, and in turn also help feed other animals that prey on them. Rather than fearing them, be grateful for their contribution to nature!