Description:  Chestnut color dominates overall, with darker crossbands  of rich browns that become narrower on top and widen at the bottom.  The top of the head is a coppery color.

Characteristics:  Very common over much of  its range, with a natural camouflage ability to blend in the environment.  coipperheads are rather quite and inoffensive in dispostion but will defend  themselves vigorously.  bits occur when the snakes are stepped on or when a  victim is lying next to one.  A copperhead lying on a bed of dead leaves becomes  invisible.  Its venom is hemotoxic. 

Habitat: Found in wooded and rocky areas and mountainous regions.

Length: Average 60 centimeters, maximum 120 centimeters.

Distribution:  Eastern Gulf States, Texas, Arkansas, Maryland, North Florida, Illinois, Oklahoma, Kansas, Ohio, New York, Alabama, Tennessee, and Massachusettes.

Copperheads

COPPERHEAD