Fauna
Reptile

Broad-banded Copperhead

Agkistrodon laticinctus

Also known as Texas Copperhead, Wide-banded Copperhead

Broad-banded copperheads rely on exceptional camouflage, blending seamlessly into leaf litter, rocky outcrops, and brushy terrain across the central United States. These nocturnal pit vipers actively hunt small mammals, lizards, and emerging cicadas using heat-sensing facial pits to detect warm-blooded prey in total darkness. When threatened, they vibrate their tails against dry leaves to produce a distinctive buzzing warning before striking.

VenomousPit ViperReptile
Broad-banded Copperhead reference1 / 7
(c) Clifton Ladd, C.W.B., some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyRodents, Lizards, Cicadas
Predators
  • Hawks
  • Kingsnakes
  • Opossums
ThreatsHabitat loss, road mortality, human persecution, and suburban sprawl
HabitatsOak-hickory woodlands, rocky hillsides, brushy pastures, and stream corridors
Life span15–20 years
Classification
  1. FamilyViperidae
  2. SpeciesAgkistrodon laticinctus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskVery high
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is very high
Venomous pit viper; keep a safe distance and never attempt to touch or handle.
Why it is dangerous
Injects cytotoxic venom via hollow fangs, causing immediate severe pain, localized tissue destruction, and significant swelling.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognizable by broad, bright chestnut-brown bands that extend evenly across the back with minimal narrowing along the spine.
What to do
Give the snake at least two meters of space, step back slowly if encountered, and never reach into dark crevices.
Responsible observation
  • Safe Viewing: Maintain a distance of at least two meters to observe natural behavior safely.
  • Protective Gear: Wear sturdy leather boots and long pants when hiking through brush or thick leaf litter.
  • Path Awareness: Use a flashlight on nighttime walks during warm months to spot foraging snakes on trails.
Related species
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