#Lots of snakes and amphibians how to

However, they’re thinner and their crossbands have a somewhat straighter appearance. These harmless snakes come in a range of hues that can make them look like copperheads from a distance. Corn Snake ( Pantherophis guttatus) Corn snake ( Credit) Smaller, darker, and with crossbands that are wider in the middle, the watersnake doesn’t look much like copperheads up close, but still somehow often gets mistaken for one. Common Watersnake ( Nerodia sipedon) Watersnake ( Credit) Knowing the differences can be extremely important.

Normally, we do some comparisons at the end of the facts section, but there are several other snakes that are commonly mistaken for a copperhead at a distance. As a result, we now only have a single copperhead snake to worry about. This belief was due largely to the variations in coloration and patterns, but was debunked in 20 when studies revealed there wasn’t enough genetic difference between the three to classify as separate subspecies. The Joy of Variationsįor many years, copperheads were considered to consist of three different subspecies, the northern copperhead ( Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen), Osage copperhead ( Agkistrodon contortrix phaeogaster), and southern copperhead ( Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix). However, the exact colors and patterns have a small degree of variation, including different degrees of crossbanding and scales that can be almost pinkish-tan. Young copperheads are a more muted, grayish color, often with yellow at the tip of the tail. Their backs and sides are usually a reddish brown to yellowish-bronze color with darker spots along the sides that sometimes connect across the back in hourglass shapes. The head, as their name suggests, is a copper color, and their bellies tend to be shades of tan.

#Lots of snakes and amphibians how to

How to Identify a Copperhead SnakeĬopperheads generally range in length from 20 to 37 inches and have the angular head typical of venomous species. They inhabit the eastern half of the US, moving as far west as Texas to Nebraska and as far north as Iowa to Ohio and parts of New England.

How to Keep Copperhead Snakes Away From Your YardĪs mentioned, copperheads are one of ten venomous species in the US, with the majority being species of rattlesnakes.Should You Try Killing a Copperhead Snake?.Do Copperhead Snakes Smell Like Cucumbers?.What Time of Day Are Copperheads Most Active?.Prairie Kingsnake (Lampropeltis calligaster).Juvenile Black Racer Snake (Coluber constrictor constrictor & Coluber constrictor priapus).Eastern Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum).Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platyrhinos).Snakes Commonly Mistaken for Copperheads.