Southern Copperhead

Agkistrodon contortrix

The Southern Copperhead is a venomous pit viper that only occupies a small portion of the northern panhandle of Florida where its range expands greatly through the eastern US. Out of the six venomous snakes found in Florida, the Copperhead and Canebrake rattlesnake would be considered less common for this reason. Also, their geographic range helps to rule out most Copperhead misidentification since Juvenile cottonmouth have similar colors and patterns, they are often mistaken for copperheads. Here are some more cool facts about the Copperhead!

The average size of a southern Copperhead is 20 to 30 inches, with adult males being larger than females. They have a broad head that has very few markings in copper to tan color. Their nose tip also extends past the lip line giving them a sharper-looking head. Also, note the lack of masking across the eye like you would see in the cottonmouth. The body has a light tan or brownish background with darker brown and tan blotches that pinch at the top, giving a triangular shape. Their color pattern works extremely well amongst leafy litter and debris, making for superior camouflage!

Habitat preference and range are primarily along the Apalachicola River. Currently documented counties for the southern Copperhead in Florida is Jackson, Calhoun, Gulf, Gadsden, Liberty, Leon, and Escambia county. Habitat is mostly low lying wet areas around swamps, streams, rivers, and ravines.

Venom toxicity! Out of all six venomous species in Florida, the Copperhead is low on the toxicity level when it comes to bites. Although bites are extremely painful, they are usually not life-threatening for a healthy adult. The danger increases for children or someone in poor health. Any bite from a Copperhead should still be considered an emergency and should seek medical attention.

Breeding, males mature a bit quicker than females. Males reach sexual maturity at about two years while it takes a female about 3. Mating is in spring and can also occur in fall. The Copperhead gives live birth like other vipers called ovoviviparous. The young are very similar to adult coloration but maybe more of a grey tone and have a yellow tail tip used as a food lure just like young copperheads do. This is called caudal luring.

An average of 4 to 7 young are born and are 7 to 8 inches long.

Let’s Compare! Other than geographic range, there are other ways to differentiate between the cottonmouth and Copperhead. Check out these great comparison photos, and to see the Copperhead amongst the watersnake line up check out the cottonmouth page!