Reptile · GBIF taxon 9215881
Eastern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrixAlso known as Copperhead, Highland Moccasin, Chunk Head
Eastern copperheads blend seamlessly into fallen leaves thanks to their distinctive hourglass patterns. During hot summer months, these pit vipers switch from daytime basking to nocturnal hunting, relying on heat-sensing facial pits to locate small mammals. Juveniles possess a bright yellow-green tail tip that they wiggle like a worm to lure frogs and lizards within striking distance.
VenomousCamouflagedReptile
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Voles
- Annual Cicadas
- Wood Frogs
Predators
- Eastern Kingsnake
- Red-tailed Hawk
- Virginia Opossum
ThreatsHabitat loss, road mortality, persecution
HabitatsDeciduous forests, rocky hillsides, edge habitats
Life span15–20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyViperidae
- GenusAgkistrodon
- SpeciesAgkistrodon contortrix
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskVery high
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is very high
- Venomous pit viper; maintain a safe distance and never attempt to handle or corner.
- Why it is dangerous
- Injects hemotoxic venom that breaks down tissue and causes severe swelling, pain, and systemic symptoms.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for dark hourglass crossbands on a lighter brown body and heat-sensing pits near the nostrils.
- What to do
- Freeze and step back slowly if spotted; never reach into unlit brush or rocky crevices.
Responsible observation
- Watch your step: Scan leaf litter carefully on trails, as their camouflage is exceptionally effective.
- Maintain distance: Give at least two meters of space, as striking occurs when cornered or stepped on.
- Use lights at night: Carry a flashlight during summer evenings when these pit vipers hunt actively.
Predator (c) Amy Huie, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Frequent Companion (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) kirk gardner, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by kirk gardner · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Clifton Ladd, C.W.B., some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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