Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen

Also known as Northern Copperhead, Copperhead Snake, Highland Moccasin, Chunk Head

Northern copperheads blend seamlessly into fallen oak and hickory leaf litter using their distinct hourglass-patterned blotches. Active mainly during spring and autumn afternoons or summer nights, these pit vipers use heat-sensing facial pits to pinpoint warm-blooded prey and cicadas. When threatened, they vibrate their tails against dry leaves to produce a buzzing sound while holding their ground.