Baby Copperhead Season Is Upon Us In North Carolina Here’s What To Do If You Encounter One
The copperhead is the most common venomous snake found in North Carolina. Heck, there is even a roller coaster at Carowinds that shares its name with the creatures. And while I love roller coasters, that is one of the only ones that makes me sick. I feel the same way about it as I do snakes. Copperheads begin to appear in the spring as the weather gets warmer. But it isn’t until later in the summer, around mid-August that the baby copperheads start to arrive on the scene in North Carolina.
But what should you do if you come across one of these snakes? Probably not what I did when I turned around in my parents’ garage a few summers ago and was face-to-face with one. I lept over the snake and ran. Considering it could have easily perched up and bit me, not the smartest idea. But in those situations, it’s fight or flight. And I fled. The snake didn’t fare too well though, my dad, did kill it. And I know some people will disagree with that, but it was necessary. Even still I didn’t venture into their garage again until well after the first freeze of the year.
Baby copperheads are mostly born in late August or early September although the exact timing depends on the weather. I’d venture to assume the heat this year has sped that process up. Unlike other snakes, they are born live, not hatched from eggs. Female copperheads have one litter per year consisting of 2-18 snakes. That’s a lot of snakes. The newborn snakes are 8-10 inches long. While baby copperheads do look like their older counterparts, they have a bright yellow-green tail.
It’s a well-circulated rumor that a bite from a young snake is more dangerous than that of an adult. The thinking behind this is that the young snakes aren’t able to control the amount of venom. This may or may not be true. While young snakes are possibly less able to control their venom they also don’t have as much at their disposal. If the intent of the bite is to kill the bite will be stronger than if the snake feels threatened. Also, keep in mind that bites from babies aren’t as common as from adults. While copperhead bites can be dangerous they aren’t typically fatal. Even still no one wants to be bitten!
The US Army has some good advice listed on its website about how to look out for snakes and what to do if you encounter one. Here’s what they say you should do:
- Use the buddy system when walking or running on trails near wooded areas.
- Do not step or put your hands where you cannot see.
- Wear over-the-ankle boots, thick socks and long loose pants, especially when venturing off of heavily used trails.
- Tap ahead of you with a walking stick before entering an area where you can’t see your feet. Snakes will try to avoid you if given enough warning.
- When possible, step on logs and rocks, never over them as you may surprise a sheltering snake.
- Avoid walking through dense brush or blackberry thickets.
- Be careful when stepping over a doorstep. Snakes like to crawl along the edge of buildings where they are protected on one side.
- Avoid wandering around in the dark. If you are out at night, always use a flashlight, because most snakes are active on warm nights.
- Never try to pick up a snake, even if it is dead. A snake’s reflexes can still cause the snake to strike up to an hour after it has died.
- If you have an encounter with a snake, give it the right-of-way. Do not attempt to kill the snake, just move out of the snake’s way.
- If you encounter a snake in the housing area or in your yard, call the police desk at 255-2222 and follow their instructions.
- If you hike often, consider buying a snake bite kit – available from hiking supply stores. Do not use older snake bite kits, such as those containing razor blades and suction bulbs.
Chances are you will encounter a copperhead at some point if you live in North Carolina. If you are bitten by a copperhead or an unidentified type of snake seek medical attention immediately. A good resource is the Carolinas Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.
North Carolina has Six Venomous Snakes On Our Ultimate Snake List
Cottonmouth: Venomous Snake in North Carolina
Every year I see probably about ten of these lovely creatures. They make me jump out of my skin. This venomous snake is also called Water Moccasin. This is the most common venomous snake out of the six. It is found literally everywhere throughout North Carolina. The bites for these bad boys are he bites are pretty painful, but deaths from copperhead bites are extremely rare. You can see more on this snake here.
The Longest Snake in the World
This is a worthwhile one if you like snakes. The average length of a reticulated python is 20 feet. That’s the length of two basketball hoops! These snakes are found in southeast Asia. The habitat preferences of these animals appear to depend on their location, but they enjoy rainforests, woodlands, and grasslands. You can see more on this snake here.
Eastern Coral Snake: Venomous Snake in North Carolina
Though I love the colors, I wouldn’t get close to them! The Eastern Coral Snake is often referred to as the candy stick snake. It is normally the most misidentified snake found in North Carolina. In the southern Coastal Plain from North Carolina to Louisiana, including Florida, the eastern coral snake is scattered. Throughout their range, they can be found grazing in areas of scrub oak sandhills and pine Flatwoods that flood seasonally. You can’t legally kill the Eastern Coral Snake due to their endangered status. You can see more on this snake here.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake: Venomous Snake in North Carolina
Just seeing photos of this snake gives me nightmares. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is the largest and perhaps the most dangerous species of rattlesnake in the world. The backs of these heavy-bodied pitvipers are covered with black diamond patterns outlined in dark diamonds. In North Carolina, diamondbacks are usually found in sandy pine Flatwoods in the southeastern Coastal Plain. You can’t legally kill the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake due to their endangered status. You can see more on this snake here.
The Heaviest Snake in the World
Wow! The heaviest snake in the world is the green anaconda. They can reach up to 220 pounds and 16 feet in length. A native of South America, the green anaconda inhabits swamps, marshes, and streams. These snakes are nonvenomous. You can see more on this snake here.
Copperhead: Venomous Snake in North Carolina
Do you often see these? I sure do. Most North Carolinians know at least the name of the copperhead. Copperheads are typically between two and three feet long, with a fairly heavy body. North Carolina is home to the most common and widespread venomous snake, the copperhead. You can see more on this snake here.
Pigmy Rattlesnake: Venomous Snake in North Carolina
They’re kind of cute, aren’t they? Pigmy Rattlesnakes are also venomous snakes in North Carolina. In the United States, pigmy rattlesnakes are the smallest species of rattlesnake. Snakes that live in this region usually have dull gray bodies with a row of dark spots running down the center of their backs. In North Carolina, pigmy rattlers are found in pine Flatwoods and scrub oak habitats in the southeastern Coastal Plain and the Sandhills. They have been found at Crowder’s Mountain State Park in Gaston County. You can see more on this snake here.
Timber Rattlesnake: Venomous Snake in North Carolina
Rattlesnakes of this species are large and heavy-bodied, with dark bands or chevrons protruding from their bodies. They are most commonly found in mountains and coastal plains. One of the most impressive things about this snake is the fact that it can strike up to 1/3 to 1/2 of its body length. I am not a fan of this snake. You can see more on this snake here.
