ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Northern Copperhead

 Northern Copperhead

northern copperhead

The copperhead is aptly named, gaining its title from the reddish or copper coloration of its head. It is one of three venomous snakes found in Ohio. It is the state's most numerous and frequently encountered venomous snake.

However, even though the copperhead does have the potential to inflict harm, it is like most other snakes--nonagressive. The copperhead will take a defensive posture only when directly threatened. The bite of a copperhead, while painful and capable of producing severe illness, rarely results in death.
 

Northern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix mokeson

At-a-Glance

• Mating: Males will mate with more than one female; however, the female only mates once, generally every other year.

• Peak Breeding Activity: Late August through October and February to April. Sperm is stored until sometime after the female emerges from its over winter den.

• Gestation: Is estimated to last 105-110 days. Young are born (Parturition): most in August to mid-September

• Litter Size: 3-10 young per litter

• Young: Precocial and are on their own after hatching from their membrane

• Number of Litters per Year: Generally 1 every other year.

• Migration Patterns: Year-round resident; females have a home range of 8 acres and males 24 acres.

• Feeding Periods: Depends on time of year. Copperheads are most active April through late October and are diurnal in the spring and the fall, nocturnal in the summer.

• Length: 24-36 inches
Description
The copperhead as mentioned previously has a red, copper-colored head, but the rest of its body is shaded differently. The body is pinkish to gray-brown with a dark chestnut colored hourglass shaped pattern on the body. This pattern is narrow on top of the back and wider on portions of the side of the body. Like other venomous snakes, the copperhead has facial pits between its nostrils and eyes, and elliptical pupils. The copperhead is not, like many other venomous snakes, a rattlesnake.

Habitat and Habits
The copperhead will reside in a variety of areas including oak-hickory hillsides with rock crevices and slides, swamp borders, old slab piles from sawmill operations, and the abandoned foundations and wood structures of old buildings. They also show a preference for moist habitats.

Copperheads' primary food is mice. They will also consume small birds, frogs, small snakes, and insects--particularly locusts and moth larvae. Depending on the time of year, these snakes will be active day or night.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Females carrying young are generally gregarious as opposed to barren females and males that maintain a solitary existence. Copperheads are ovoviviparous (eggs develop in the body of the female and hatch within or immediately after being expelled). The female produces large, yolk-filled eggs which are retained within her reproductive tract for a considerable period of development. The developing embryo receives no nourishment from the female, only from the yolk. Just prior to parturition or giving birth, the female will seek out a birthing den. The young are expelled from her body encased in a thin, membranous sac from which they will shortly emerge.