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reptile · snake
Eastern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix — Viperidae
24–36 inches
IUCN
Least Concern
Federal (US)
None
Virginia
None
VWAP Tier
Not Listed
Habitat
Found in Virginia
How to identify
- Hourglass-shaped dark brown bands on a copper, tan, or pinkish body
- Bands are narrow at the top of the spine and wide on the sides — like Hershey's Kisses viewed from the side
- Unmarked, copper-colored head
- Elliptical (cat-like) pupils
- Stout, heavy body
About this species
The eastern copperhead is the most commonly encountered venomous snake in Virginia and the species responsible for the most snakebites in the state. Despite this, copperheads are not aggressive and bites almost always result from accidental contact. They are well camouflaged in leaf litter and often freeze rather than flee when threatened.
Often confused with
Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
Hog-nosed snakes have an upturned snout and blotched rather than banded pattern; they often flatten their heads and play dead
Northern Watersnake
Watersnakes have round pupils, banding that is wider at the top than the sides, and are found near water; copperheads have elliptical pupils and hourglass-shaped bands
Eastern Milksnake
Milk snakes have a Y or V-shaped light patch on the back of the head and blotches rather than complete bands
Did you know
"Copperheads can deliver a 'dry bite' with no venom injected — researchers estimate up to 25% of copperhead bites in humans are dry bites, possibly because venom is metabolically expensive to produce."
SERC rehabilitation notes SERC does not rehabilitate venomous snakes. If a venomous snake requires assistance, contact a permitted venomous snake handler or Virginia DWR. Never handle or attempt to transport.
Sightings & citizen science
Help document Virginia wildlife by logging your sightings on iNaturalist. Every observation builds the conservation data that researchers and rehabbers depend on.
View Eastern Copperhead observations on iNaturalist ↗Found one injured?
If you've found an injured or displaced Eastern Copperhead in Virginia, our triage guide walks you through what to do.