What is a Northern copperhead?
The Northern copperhead snake is a venomous snake that is found in the eastern United States. It is a member of the Crotalinae or pit viper family. The snake gets its name from the copper-colored head. The body of the snake can be various shades of brown tan or gray. The Northern copperhead can grow to be between 2 and 3 feet in length. These snakes are not considered to be aggressive but they will bite if they feel threatened. The venom of the Northern copperhead is not usually fatal to humans but it can cause severe pain and swelling.
Northern copperhead snake
The northern copperhead snake is a venomous snake that is found in the eastern United States. It is a member of the viper family and is closely related to the southern copperhead snake. The northern copperhead snake is usually brown or reddish-brown in color with a dark brown or black crossband pattern on its body. It can grow to be up to 3 feet long and is considered to be one of the most dangerous snakes in the United States. If you are bitten by a northern copperhead snake it is important to seek medical attention immediately as the venom can be deadly.
Northern copperhead Washington state
The snake is one of the few venomous snakes found in Washington State and is considered to be a moderate threat to humans. The Northern Copperhead is a relatively small snake averaging 3-4 feet in length. The snake is typically brown or reddish-brown in color with darker crossbands on its body. The Northern Copperhead is found in a variety of habitats including forest swamps and rocky areas. The snake is most active at night and preys upon small mammals and birds.
Northern copperhead scientific name
The northern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen) is a venomous pit viper species found in the eastern United States. A. contortrix is a member of the subfamily Crotalinae in the family Viperidae. The specific name mokasen is derived from the Mohawk Indian tribe. Adults usually grow to a total length (including tail) of 60–80 cm (24–31 in). The maximum reported total length is 152 cm (60 in) but may be exceeded by a few exceptional specimens.
Northern copperhead habitat
Copperheads are found throughout the eastern and central United States. In the north, their range extends from southern New York to southern Ohio Indiana Illinois, and Missouri. They are also found in parts of Iowa Kansas Nebraska and eastern Colorado. Copperheads are found in the Appalachian Mountains from Georgia to Virginia.
Northern copperhead venom
The Northern Copperhead’s venom is hemotoxic meaning it destroys red blood cells and prevents clotting. This can lead to tissue damage swelling and necrosis (tissue death). Symptoms of a copperhead bite may not be immediately apparent but can develop within 2-8 hours.
These may include nausea vomiting dizziness headache blurred vision and seizures. In severe cases, bites can result in organ damage paralysis, and even death. If you suspect you or someone else has been bitten by a copperhead it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Northern copperhead facts
The northern copperhead is a venomous snake found in the northeastern United States. It is a subspecies of the copperhead snake. The northern copperhead is a member of the viper family (Viperidae). It is characterized by its brownish-red crossbands on a tan or light brown body.
The bands are widest at the midbody and taper towards the snake’s head and tail. Adults typically grow to be about 2-3 feet in length but can occasionally reach up to 5 feet. Northern copperheads are found in wooded areas and prefer to hunt at night. They are most active from April to October. Their diet consists mainly of small rodents but they will also eat birds, lizards, and frogs.
