The co
pperhead snake, Agkistrodon contortrix, is brown with an hour-glass shaped pattern. It is the most common poisonous snake in North Carolina. The poison center receives 10 times the number of calls about copperhead bites than all other snakes combined. The good news is that about half of copperhead snake bites result in only mild swelling and pain.
Typical adult length: 3 feet
Habitat: everywhere in North Carolina
Defenses used: camouflaging, vibrating the tail, releasing musk, biting.
Bite severity: The bite severity of the copperhead can be severe but generally not as bad as other NC snakes.
Call NC Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or chat from this site for snakebite treatment advice or for questions about the venomous snakes in our area.
