These
venomous snakes are common residents of the southeastern ecosystem. Like other
pit vipers, they are equipped with venom glands and fangs. They feed on a variety
of small mammals, birds, lizards and even insects. Copperheads have exquisite
camouflage and are almost invisible when resting on the forest floor. Young
copperheads have a bright yellow tip on
their tail. Most scientists believe this is used as a caudal lure to attract
prey items. Small mammals, lizards and frogs probably mistake the tail for a
caterpillar or other small creature. When they move in to attack the tail, they
are bitten by the snake and eaten.
Copperheads
live in a variety of forested habitats throughout the eastern and central U.S.
Although they are rarely seen, they can be extremely common in some areas. Cryptic
coloration allows a lot more copperheads to see people, than people to see copperheads.
These snakes can be dangerous if picked
up or provoked, but they will usually only bite as a defense. If a person is
bitten, he should receive medical attention as soon as possible. Although some
bite victims get very sick, no one in the United States has ever died from a
copperhead bite. Most people who have been bitten, saw the snake and were trying
to figure out how to catch or kill it when it bit them.
Although copperheads and other venomous
snakes can be dangerous to people, they play an instrumental role in the balance
of nature. They can be extremely important in controlling pesky animals like
mice and rats. They are in turn, preyed upon by other animals like hawks and
owls.
This information is provided as a public
service by the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory Outreach Program.
These
venomous snakes are common residents of the southeastern ecosystem. Like other
pit vipers, they are equipped with venom glands and fangs. They feed on a variety
of small mammals, birds, lizards and even insects. Copperheads have exquisite
camouflage and are almost invisible when resting on the forest floor. Young
copperheads have a bright yellow tip on
their tail. Most scientists believe this is used as a caudal lure to attract
prey items. Small mammals, lizards and frogs probably mistake the tail for a
caterpillar or other small creature. When they move in to attack the tail, they
are bitten by the snake and eaten.
Copperheads
live in a variety of forested habitats throughout the eastern and central U.S.
Although they are rarely seen, they can be extremely common in some areas. Cryptic
coloration allows a lot more copperheads to see people, than people to see copperheads.