Northern copperhead is Indiana’s most common venomous snake. Its coloring includes a coppery- or ange, tan or brown head and an hour- glass pattern of reddish brown bands on its body. The midland water moccasin is a distinct species, but it is sometimes confused with it. They are also found in other parts of the country, such as Texas, Louisiana, and Florida.
Copperheads can be distinguished from other snakes by the fact that they do not have a dorsal stripe on the back of their head, as do most other species of snakes. In addition, they have no scales on their skin, unlike most snakes, which have scales that cover the entire body, including the head.
This makes it difficult for a snake to tell the difference between a Northern and a Midland, or vice-versa. The northern cottonmouth is the largest snake in Indiana and the second largest in America, after the rattlesnake. These snakes can grow up to 3 feet in length and weigh as much as 1,000 pounds.
Table of Contents
What snake is commonly mistaken for a copperhead?
The eastern ratsnake, also known as the blackrat snake, is the most commonly mistaken snake for a copperhead. A dark background causes the eastern ratsnake to have a pattern of gray or brown.
This pattern is often mistaken for copperheads, but it is actually the result of a mutation in a gene that codes for a pigment called melanin, which gives the rat snake its black coloration. Ratnakes are found throughout the southeastern United States, from Florida to Georgia. They are also found in Canada, Mexico, Central America, and South America.
They can grow to be as large as 6 feet long (1.8 m), and can reach a maximum weight of 2,500 pounds.
Where are copperhead snakes usually found?
It is found in northern Georgia and Alabama, north to Massachusetts and west to Illinois. The habitats in which copperheads live include rocky, forested, and marshy areas. The copperhead is the only venomous snake in the United States.
It is also one of the largest snakes in North America, with a body length of up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) and a maximum weight of over 1,000 pounds (454 kilograms). It has a long, slender tail, which it uses to propel itself through the water.
What’s the most deadliest snake in Indiana?
The timber rattlesnake is the most deadly snake in indiana. The most dangerous snakes in the state are the eastern diamondback rattler, which can kill a person in a matter of minutes, and the black mamba, also known as the water moccasin.
What happens if you get bitten by a copperhead?
“Copperhead bites can cause serious local reaction, which can result in pain and debility in the affected limb. Reduction of need for opiate treatment can be achieved with antivenom treatment. If you are bitten, immediately wash the wound with soap and water and seek immediate medical attention. Do not attempt to remove the bitten area, as this may cause further damage to the skin and may increase the risk of infection.
How do you keep copperheads away?
Remove piles of leaf debris, rocks, and trash from around the home to eliminate harborage areas of both the copperhead snakes and/or their food source. Tall grasses and vegetation should be removed from the home. Keep bushes clear of debris by trimming them.
Keep the snakes away from your pets by using snake repellants around the house and in the yard. If you have a snake problem, you may want to contact a professional snake control company.
What to do if you see a copperhead in your yard?
If you see a copperhead or any poisonous snake in your yard, gather up the kids and pets and retreat to the house immediately!. Do not attempt to kill it on your own. The local fire department or animal control may be able to remove the snake from your property.
How far can a copperhead snake strike?
A snake can strike a distance between 1/3 to 1/2 of its body length. The strike can reach no more than three feet from the tip of the tail if the snake is more than four feet in length. A snake’s bite can be painful, but it is not likely to cause serious injury. A bite from a rattlesnake is usually not life-threatening.
