Four kinds of copperheads are known in Texas. They are much smaller and more slender than the closely related cottonmouth and, because they have proportionately smaller fangs and less venom, are not very dangerous to man. The four copperheads resemble one another by having the same general pattern of chestnut or reddish-brown crossbands on a lighter body color. Differences are based mostly on the size and shape of crossbands and in the degree of marking present on the belly.
Copperheads are most common in rocky areas of hilly or mountainous country, as well as in wooded bottomlands. They are rarely seen in dry, cactus country. Although spending most of their time on the ground, copperheads occasionally climb bushes and low trees in search of food. Along the Colorado River near Wharton, they were observed high in trees; some were 40 feet above the ground. The snakes reached these unusual heights by crawling along wild grape vines that clung to the tree trunks and draped over lower limbs. One snake hunter in the area collected nearly 100 copperheads by pulling them off the branches.
Copperheads do most of their feeding at night. During the spring in some parts of the state, they are found in large numbers along streams and other moist areas, where they spend most of the day hidden beneath decaying logs and other debris which affords good cover. Copperheads also can be expected when air temperatures are high, and when the soil and vegetation are wet from recent rain. They often make their homes within the suburbs of large cities where, due to their nocturnal habits and protective coloration, they are apt to be overlooked.
Not quick to seek cover when approached, copperheads prefer to lie perfectly still until an intruder has passed. Once molested, they frequently vibrate their tails and, if among dry leaves, produce a buzzing sound not unlike that made by a rattlesnake. Copperheads are quick to strike at any annoying object, and often bite several times in rapid succession.
Copperheads seldom deliver a fatal bite because of their short fangs and small size. Their strike is often blocked by a mere trouser leg. Records of the Antivenin Institute of America show that during a 10-year period, not a single death resulted from 308 recorded copperhead bites regardless of the lack or kind of treatment given victims. In spite of these reassuring figures, it must be remembered that the copperhead is potentially a dangerous snake, especially when the bite involves a child. All bites from this species should receive the same urgent consideration given the bite of a diamondback rattlesnake.
The four forms of copperheads occurring in Texas are the only kinds found in the United States.
SOUTHERN COPPERHEAD
Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix
Description—Lighter in color than the other copperheads, this form has a body color of light brown or tan, often with a pinkish tinge. Hourglass-shaped crossbands of darker brown are very narrow along the middle of the back and are sometimes broken, forming two separate triangular markings, one on each side of the body. As on the northern copperhead, the bands are rounded at their bases. The belly is pale and indistinctly marked.
Size—Adults average between 20 and 30 inches long, while some especially large examples reach a length of more than 40 inches.