The U.S. is home to several species of venomous snake, though none is responsible for more bites than the copperhead.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, between 7,000 and 8,000 Americans are bitten by venomous snakes every year, with around five dying as a result. Agkistrodon contortrix, or the copperhead, is one of the most populous snakes in North America, though its presence is limited to only certain parts of the country. An expert spoke to Newsweek about the copperhead, and gave advice on what Americans should do if they encounter one.
Endemic to the eastern half of the country—hence its official name of "eastern copperhead"—this venomous species of pit viper has been known to grow up to 53 inches in length, according to the Virginia Herpetological society.
The copperhead's other names include the popular leaf snake, referencing both its ubiquity in the U.S. and its preference for woodland habitats.
One expert told Newsweek that the copperhead serves an important role in maintaining its habitat.
According to Wolfgang Wüster, a professor in zoology at Bangor University, "They are part of local food webs like any other species, eating smaller animals, especially small rodents, but also some invertebrates , including cicadas, and in turn serving as prey for various birds of prey as well as mammalian predators."
This map shows the U.S. states where copperheads have been recorded, as well as those states where the species can only be found in certain regions.
Unsurprisingly, the copperhead can be found across Alabama, one of the nation's most heavily forested states.
In Texas, which according to World Population Review records more venomous snakebites per year than any other state, the copperhead is usually found in the eastern Coastal Plains region.
While there are as many as 20 species of snake in Arizona – including 13 subspecies of the venomous rattlesnake – its desert climate does not provide a suitable habitat for copperheads.
Given its presence across the eastern half of the country, Newsweek asked Wüster about the dangers of a copperhead bite, and how someone should react if they come into contact with the pit viper.
"Copperhead bites are rarely life- or limb-threatening," Wüster said. "However, they are likely to be painful and uncomfortable for some days or weeks, causing major swelling and discoloration of the affected limb."
While not normally a grave concern, Wüster said that a particularly healthy dose of venom could make the bite more severe, and that those bitten "must seek hospital care as soon as possible, as a matter of urgency."
Another unique feature of the copperhead is its ability to remain common even in densely inhabited areas of the U.S., according to Wüster. This means that, while the copperhead is not as venomous as a species like the eastern diamondback, its frequent contact with humans has resulted in the copperhead being responsible for the most snakebites in the U.S.
The copperhead is also known for its mottled copper skin, suited to blend into its common surroundings in hardwood-pine forests and abandoned field. This can make the snake particularly hard for humans to spot.
When asked what a person should do if they encounter a copperhead, Wüster said: "Leave it alone! Keep a respectful distance (6 feet would normally be plenty), and admire its beautiful pattern and colors and how well it blends in with the leaf litter. Rest assured: it absolutely will not attack you. If it moves towards you, it's probably aiming for some shelter behind you—step out of the way, and all will be well."
Corrected to show that copperheads are found statewide in Georgia.
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