copperhead

The copperhead is a venomous pit viper found throughout eastern and southeastern United States. They prefer deciduous forests and mixed woodlands. These snakes can also be found around rock outcroppings and ledges, but are also fond of low-lying, swampy areas too. Due to their wide distribution and stable numbers, these vipers are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. This article is for Colleen.

First the Stats… Scientific name: Agkistrodon contortrix Weight: Up to .75 lb. Length: Up to 3 feet Lifespan: Up to 18 years

Now on to the Facts! 1.) Like all pit vipers, they have heat-sensory pits between their eyes and nostrils on each side of head. These pits are capable of detecting subtle differences in temperatures that enable the snake to accurately strike at the source of heat.

2.) These vipers are known to freeze when approached. Relying on their superb camouflage to keep them safe. This is where most human bites occur. As they simply are so well camouflaged that they can be stepped on, by mistake.

3.) They will typically only strike if they feel threatened or are handled or stepped on.

4.) The copperhead, like other pit vipers, they are carnivores (eat meat) and these snakes prey on mice , rats , reptiles, amphibians, and even insects.

5.) Copperheads are ambush predators that lay in wait for passing prey. Then they strike, envenomate their prey, and swallow the dead prey hole… head first.

But wait, there’s more on the copperhead! 6.) They are nocturnal (active at night) during the summer and diurnal (active during the day) during spring and fall. These snakes will brumate ( hibernation for reptiles) during the colder winter months.

7.) Faster than almost any other non-venomous snake, they can vibrate their tail up to 40 times per second. This tail vibration is meant as a warning to back off.

Did you know…? Bite symptoms include: extreme pain, throbbing, swelling, tingling, and severe nausea. Tissue damage can also sometimes occur, if a bite happens on an extremity.

8.) Females birth up to 20 live young each season. But typically only up to 7.

9.) These snakes are capable of parthenogenesis (giving birth to young, without the aid of a male’s sperm).

10.) Even though venomous, these snakes are not typically aggressive and only deliver a small dose of venom per bite.

But wait, there’s still more on the copperhead! 11.) Owls , hawks , opossums , and raccoons prey on copperheads.

12.) These snakes register the most bites for a venomous snake, in the eastern and southeastern United States.

Now a Short Copperhead Video!

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A method in which a new individual is developed without fertilization is called parthenogenesis. In this type of reproduction, males don\'t have to take any role in reproduction and only female gametes develop into new offspring. Typically, in this type of reproduction most, if not all of the time only females are born.

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This is a state of metabolic depression and inactivity in endothermic (warm blooded) creatures. It is displayed as a reduced heartbeat (by up to 95%), low metabolic rate, slow breathing, and low body temperature. Critters that hibernate typically prepare for it by building up an abundance of body fat during late summer and autumn that helps provide them with energy throughout the winter months. There are 2 types of hibernation: facultative & obligate hibernation. Facultatives hibernate when it’s too cold and food supply has been reduced. Obligates are able to sleep despite access to food and comfortable temperatures. A facultative hibernator would be the black-tailed prairie dog . A few obligate hibernators are: ground squirrels , mouse lemurs , and butterflies .'); toolTips('.classtoolTips16','

Predation is the ecological process by which an animal (or an organism) kills and feeds on another. The animal that kills to feed is called a predator . The 1 that is killed to be eaten is called prey.

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Organisms that are nocturnal are active at night. Animals that fit into this category are typically prey animals that rely on the cover of darkness as a defense. Granted, there are no shortage of predators at night. Some organisms adopt a nocturnal lifestyle due to climate issues. Many desert dwelling animals are nocturnal as it is simply cooler outside at night. Aardvarks , badgers , bandicoots , and aye-ayes are just some examples of nocturnal creatures.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips19','

Reptiles undergo this type of dormancy during the late phases of autumn. They typically only wake up to consume water and then go back to sleep. Reptiles eat a great deal of food right before brumation since they can go for months without eating anything. This dormancy can last for about 8+ months depending on the age, health, and size of the reptile in question. This type of dormancy is typically begun by a decrease in daylight and with the onset of cold weather. Reptiles usually don’t brumate during the first year of their lives; rather they simply slow their movements and eat less.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips23','

A creature that feeds primarily or exclusively on animal matter is called a carnivore . Some animals that fall into this category are: crocodiles , birds of prey , and sharks , to name a few.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips23','

A creature that feeds primarily or exclusively on animal matter is called a carnivore. Some animals that fall into this category are: crocodiles , birds of prey , and sharks , to name a few.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips31','

An animal that falls into this category is active during the day. Animals that fit this description typically use sight for hunting prey. Others, like turtles , are active during the day as they need the sun\'s rays to aid in the production of vitamin D, which is needed to help process calcium and prevent metabolic bone disease. Hummingbirds rely on the sun as most of the nectar they gather comes from flowers that are open during the day. Cows , dogs , elephants , butterflies , and squirrels , for example, are diurnal.');

copperhead

Look Out for the Venomous Copperhead