Identification
The
Northern Copperhead is a moderately large snake that typically measures 24 to
36 inches in length. Its head is reddish-brown in color and its body is tan.
The body is marked with 15 to 19 mahogany lateral bands with darker edges that
are wide on the sides and narrow on the back. The lateral bands are occasionally
interrupted along the midline. Viewed from above, these bands appear hourglass
shaped. Irregular brown spots are often found between the bands. The copperhead
has a wedge-shaped head, sensory pits, and vertically
elliptical “cat-like” pupils. The young
are pale with a yellow tipped tail and are 8 to 9 inches in length. Similar
species include: Eastern Massasauga
Rattlesnake, Timber Rattlesnake
Distribution and Status
The Northern Copperhead is found in the southern half of Indiana. The species is considered common.Click here to see its USA distribution.
Ecology
The copperhead is found primarily in high, dry, rocky and well-forested areas dominated by oaks and hickories. This species is very secretive and does not tolerate human presence. The copperhead is active at night during the warmest parts of the year and is more likely to defend itself during the evening hours. It can be found resting under logs, in cracks of foundations, and under rocks. Small rodents such as mice are its primary prey, but it also eats large moth larvae and lizards. The copperhead is a venomous species. To find out more about snake bite, click here.
Resources
General reference guides
and websites.
Bruce Kingsbury, Director
Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management
Science Building
Indiana-Purdue University
2101 East Coliseum Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499