Baby Copperhead Snake Identification: 6 Things to Look For

Learn how to distinguish baby copperheads from other snakes so you can stay safe

Co-authored by Jeff Jensen and Ali Garbacz, B.A.

Last Updated: August 21, 2024 References

The copperhead snake is a venomous species of snake, a pit viper native to the Eastern region of North America that gets its name from its distinctive copper-toned body. Due to their status as a venomous species, copperheads can pose a danger to humans if they feel threatened, and a bite from a copperhead, while rarely fatal, can be painful and will require immediate medical attention. Even baby copperheads have this venom, so it is important that you know how to identify them so that you can avoid being put in a dangerous situation. This article will help you identify them so you can stay safe next time you come across a snake.

Section 1 of 4:

Baby Copperhead Features

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This is the one physical trait that sets baby copperheads apart from adult copperheads. Until around 3 or 4 years of age, the tip of the baby copperhead’s tail will be a light shade of yellow or green, which they use to lure prey.^{[1]
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Fully grown adults will be around 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 in) in length.^{[2]
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The spear-shaped head is a distinct feature of venomous snakes due to the placement of the large venom glands in their mouths. The head itself is wider than the neck and is the same coppery color as the rest of its body.^{[3]
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Hourglass-shaped pattern The brown or reddish-brown bands running down the copperhead’s back is one of its most distinct features that sets it apart from other snake species. The bands are wider on the top and bottom and narrower in the middle, making them look like hourglasses.^{[4]
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- The scales of the copperhead are keeled, meaning that each scale has a raised ridge.^{[5]
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The pupil of the copperhead is similar to a cat’s in that it is vertical and elliptical-shaped. The copperhead’s irises are a pale gold color while the pupils are dark.^{[6]
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These are located on each side of the copperhead’s head between the eyes and nostrils. This is another common trait of pit vipers, and they use these pits to sense the heat of their prey so that they can accurately strike.^{[7]
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Section 2 of 4:

Differences from Other Snake Species

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Also, the thickest part of the hourglass pattern on the corn snake will be on its back, whereas it is more commonly found on the sides of the copperhead.^{[8]
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Its pupils are also round, not slits. Both of these are traits of non-venomous snakes.^{[9]
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The colors, scale patterns, and even habitats of the eastern hognose snake closely resemble those of the copperhead, and thus often cause confusion between the two. The eastern hognose even puffs out its neck to make its head appear triangular so that it can scare off predators.^{[10]
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Section 3 of 4:

Where are baby copperheads found?

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The copperhead can be found throughout the eastern region of the United States. The range of their territory is expansive, going from the Florida panhandle northwards to Massachusetts and westwards all the way to Nebraska.^{[11]
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- They also occupy territories in southern New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.^{[12]
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Copperheads prefer the wetlands. While the copperhead can live in various habitats, they can often be found near rivers, swamps, and reservoirs.^{[13]
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- During the winter, their dens can be found on the fringes of rivers, swamps, and other marsh areas. During the peak of summer, they will be in these wetland swamps and marshes, but will also inhabit open meadows and fields during the warm season.^{[14]
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- They will rarely be found in dry areas.^{[15]
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Copperheads like places where they can hide. Therefore, you can also find them occupying rocky, forested hillsides, piles of rotting wood or sawdust, and even construction sites.^{[16]
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- Though they usually stay on the ground, copperheads can also climb low trees and bushes when hunting.^{[17]
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Section 4 of 4:

Active Times and Seasons for Baby Copperheads

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Copperheads are active during both the day and the night. During the spring and fall, when temperatures aren’t at their extremes, copperheads will be out hunting during the day. However, they become nocturnal in the summer to avoid the heat during peak daylight hours.^{[18]
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- Copperheads especially like to be out on a warm, humid night after it has just rained.^{[19]
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Baby copperheads are typically born in the late summer and fall. Mating season for copperheads occurs in the spring, though a fall mating can also occur. Female copperheads normally give birth to 3 to 10 babies in August and September.^{[20]
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- Baby copperheads are equipped with their fangs and a venom that is just as potent as an adult’s right from birth.^{[21]
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It has been hypothesized by scientists that copperheads migrate to their summer feeding areas during the late spring and return home in early fall.^{[22]
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Warnings

The use of venom by the copperhead is a secondary defense mechanism. It will only resort to striking and biting as a last resort, which is usually when its path of retreat is being blocked or it has actually been picked up. Therefore, avoid direct confrontation with the copperhead if possible.^{[23]
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The copperhead is the cause of many snake bites yearly, but these bites are rarely fatal and only occur when the snake has been stepped on or directly touched, and thus are completely avoidable.^{[24]
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A bite from a copperhead can cause serious local reactions, such as pain or debility in the limb that has been bitten. Severity of a copperhead bite can range from mild to severe. Though their venom is not fatal to humans, it is imperative that you receive immediate medical treatment if you have been bitten.^{[25]
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A baby copperhead’s venom is just as potent as an adult’s. Exercise the same amount of caution around a baby copperhead as you would a fully grown adult.^{[26]
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