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Eastern Copperhead

Agkistrodon contortrix

iNaturalist Wikipedia

A master of disguise with a stunning hourglass pattern, the Eastern Copperhead is the most common pit viper found in Eastern American backyards.

0 Sightings

0 Habitats

Quick Identification

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Size

61–91 cm (24–36 inches) in length; rarely exceeding 1.2 m (4 feet). Weight typically ranges from 100–350g (3.5–12 oz).

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Colors

Pale tan to pinkish-brown base color with darker brown, hourglass-shaped crossbands; juveniles have a bright sulfur-yellow tail tip.

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Key Features

Hourglass-shaped crossbands (narrow at the spine, wide at the sides)
Broad, spade-shaped copper-colored head
Vertical, cat-like pupils
Deep heat-sensing pits between the eyes and nostrils
Stocky, heavy-bodied build

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active day and night

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Peak hours 6-10 PM during summer; 10 AM-4 PM during spring/fall

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Season April-October

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Diet A generalist carnivore that eats mice, small birds, lizards, frogs, and large insects (especially cicadas). They use an 'sit-and-wait' ambush strategy.

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Habitat Deciduous forests, rocky hillsides, suburban woodlots, and edges of wetlands or swamps.

public Geographic range

Where Does the Eastern Copperhead Live?

Native to the North American continent, the Eastern Copperhead is found across a massive portion of the eastern and central United States. Its range extends from southern New England and the Mid-Atlantic states southward to the Florida Panhandle and westward to the edge of the Great Plains in Texas and Oklahoma. While they are most abundant in the Appalachian highlands and the Piedmont region, they are remarkably adaptable and are frequently found in the greenbelts and wooded backyards of major suburban areas.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

1 Countries

2.1M km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

US United States

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

The Eastern Copperhead is a master of camouflage, relying on its 'dead leaf' pattern to remain undetected by both predators and prey. Unlike many snakes that flee when approached, the copperhead's primary defense is to remain perfectly still. This 'freeze' response is why many human encounters occur—people simply don't see the snake until they are very close. While they are venomous pit vipers, they are generally non-aggressive and will typically only strike if stepped on or directly provoked.

These snakes exhibit interesting seasonal behavior shifts. In the cool spring and autumn months, they are primarily diurnal, basking in the sun to regulate their body temperature. However, during the sweltering heat of mid-summer, they become almost entirely nocturnal, hunting for prey under the cover of darkness. They are also known to be somewhat social during hibernation, often sharing winter dens (hibernacula) with other snake species like timber rattlesnakes and black racers.

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Camera Tips

Capturing an Eastern Copperhead on camera requires a strategic approach because they are cold-blooded. Most trail cameras use Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors that trigger based on heat and motion; however, a snake's body temperature often matches the surrounding ground, making it 'invisible' to the sensor. To combat this, place your camera very low to the ground (within 6-12 inches) and angle it across a known travel path, such as the edge of a log or the base of a stone wall, where the physical movement is more likely to trigger the sensor.

For the best results, use 'Time Lapse' mode if your camera supports it. Set the camera to take a photo every 30 to 60 seconds during the evening hours of July and August. This bypasses the PIR sensor entirely and is the most reliable way to catch a copperhead as it slowly prowls for prey. Focus your efforts on 'structural funnels' like fallen timber, rock piles, or the transition zone between a manicured lawn and a wooded area.

Safety is paramount when checking cameras in copperhead territory. Always wear snake-proof boots or gaiters and use a long stick or a 'snake hook' to clear debris around your camera before reaching for it. Never place your hands where you cannot see, especially under the camera mount or near rock crevices. If you see a copperhead on your footage, look for nearby features like large flat rocks; these are likely basking spots where you can reliably capture more activity throughout the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Their activity depends on the temperature. In the spring and fall, they are diurnal (active during the day). During the hot summer months, they shift to being nocturnal, often seen crossing roads or hunting after sunset.

Copperheads are attracted to habitats with plenty of cover and prey. Maintaining stone walls, large log piles, and thick leaf litter will provide the shelter they need, while bird feeders that attract rodents will indirectly provide a food source.

They are opportunistic feeders with a varied diet including mice, voles, frogs, lizards, and small birds. They are particularly famous for congregating around the base of trees to feast on emerging cicadas during summer nights.

Yes, they are highly adaptable and often thrive in suburban environments. They utilize wooded 'greenbelts,' overgrown garden edges, and woodpiles, often living in close proximity to humans without ever being detected.

Look at the pattern: Copperheads have hourglass shapes that are thinnest at the spine and widest on the sides. Northern Watersnakes have bands that are widest at the spine. Additionally, copperheads have vertical pupils and heat-sensing pits, while watersnakes have round pupils.

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