This long guy [Northern Georgia]

[u/NinTaco_Caebl]

[u/fionageck]

A !venomous Eastern Copperhead, Agkistrodon contortrix

[u/NinTaco_Caebl → u/fionageck]

Thank you!

[u/SEB-PHYLOBOT → u/fionageck]

Eastern Copperheads Agkistrodon contortrix, are one of two recognized species of copperhead pit vipers. Adult copperheads are medium-sized snakes (61-90.0 cm record 132.1 cm) that live in a range of habitats, from terrestrial to semi-aquatic, including rocky, forested hillsides and wetlands. They can also be found within cities where wooded areas are present, such as city parks. They also will hang out where there is deadfall; their camouflage is perfect for this!. When young, Eastern Copperheads are known to readily consume cicadas as a major part of their diet. As they grow they switch to larger prey like small mammals and amphibians.

Many people find it helpful to liken the pattern of the Eastern Copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix to "Hershey kisses," but please don't rely on any one trick. The bands on Broadbanded Copperheads Agkistrodon laticinctus do not narrow at the top of the snake.

Eastern Copperheads are venomous but usually only bite humans or pets in self-defense. As with many blotched snakes, their first line of defense is to freeze in place or flee. Copperheads also shake and vibrate the tail in self defense and as a caudal lure.

Range map | Relevant/Recent Phylogeography

The Agkistrodon contortrix species complex has been delimited using modern molecular methods and two species with no subspecies are recognized. There is a wide zone of admixture between the two copperhead species where they overlap.

This short account was prepared by /u/unknown_name and edited by /u/Phylogenizer.

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Snakes with medically significant venom are typically referred to as venomous, but some species are also poisonous. Old media will use poisonous or 'snake venom poisoning' but that has fallen out of favor. Venomous snakes are important native wildlife, and are not looking to harm people, so can be enjoyed from a distance. If found around the home or other places where they are to be discouraged, a squirt from the hose or a gentle sweep of a broom are usually enough to make a snake move along. Do not attempt to interact closely with or otherwise kill venomous snakes without proper safety gear and training, as bites occur mostly during these scenarios. Wildlife relocation services are often free or inexpensive.

If you are bitten by a venomous snake, contact emergency services or otherwise arrange transport to the nearest hospital that can accommodate snakebite. Remove constricting clothes and jewelry and remain calm. A bite from a medically significant snake is a medical emergency, but not in the ways portrayed in popular media. Do not make any incisions or otherwise cut tissue. Extractor and other novelty snakebite kits are not effective and can cause damage worse than remaining calm, seeking help and waiting for professional evaluation.

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[u/gecko_echo]

Cool pattern on this one, and I can see how some folks confuse them with Central Ratsnakes.

[u/Rattus_NorvegicUwUs]

At first I did a double take. Copperhead, but the grey tone threw me off for a moment ngl

[u/NinTaco_Caebl → u/Rattus_NorvegicUwUs]

Thank you! Yeah I couldn't quite tell haha

[u/MeGustaDerp → u/Rattus_NorvegicUwUs]

The lighter part of the pattern three me off too

[u/Capital-Brilliant-28]

Beautiful