Copperheads in Mississippi: Where They Live and How Often They Bite

The state of Mississippi is home to over 50 species of snakes — 55, to be exact. According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, only 6 species are venomous. Of this lot, the copperhead snake is one of the most common.

This isn’t only because copperheads are widespread across the USA, but also because studies show that copperheads bite more people than any other snake in the country. Have you ever wondered about the copperhead’s presence in the “Virtute et Armis” state? This article covers all you need to know. Discover copperheads in Mississippi: where they live and how often they bite.

Copperheads in Mississippi

Mississippi is home to the eastern copperheads (Agkistrodon contortrix). Copperheads are venomous pit vipers known to freeze when they feel humans approaching. Most other snakes slither quickly away, but copperheads don’t. Instead, these snakes freeze, deciding instead to camouflage into their surroundings. The problem with this plan is that it works. Since humans cannot see the hidden copperheads, they continue to walk carefreely and often step on or close to these snakes. This, of course, frightens the copperheads, and so, they bite!

How to Identify Copperheads in Mississippi

Copperheads are fairly easy to identify, and they are named for their hard-to-miss copper or orange-red triangular heads. They are medium-sized snakes that weigh between 0.3 – 0.8 pounds. Length-wise, copperheads measure anywhere from 20 to 37 inches.

Copperheads’ bodies are covered with brown to pinkish-tan ridged or keeled scales covered with hourglass-shaped crossbands which alternate on either side with a visible divide at the midline. Apart from their copper heads, copperheads can easily be identified by their visible heat-sensing pits between their nostrils and eyes on each side of their face. Like many pit vipers, they have yellow elliptical pupils.

Where Are Copperheads Found in Mississippi?

Copperheads are common in Mississippi, and they are found everywhere except on Mississippi’s immediate Gulf Coast and barrier islands. Mostly, they are spotted in hardwood forests but are also frequently seen in old fields and bottomlands.

You’ve probably stumbled across a copperhead or two in your carport or garden if you live in Mississippi. Copperheads also hide beneath rocks, woodpiles, and trash heaps.

How Often Do Copperheads Bite?

Although most snake bites in Mississippi are from copperheads and cottonmouths, no death from a copperhead bite has been recorded. However, this is mostly because bite victims quickly report themselves to the Mississippi Poison Control Center for treatment.

In America, an estimated 2,920 people are bitten by copperheads each year. Of this number, the fatality rate is pegged at 0.01%, averaging 1 death every 3 years.

Copperhead Bite and Venom

Although copperheads bite a lot, their bites are rarely fatal. They have a less toxic hemoxic venom, and don’t produce enough to give a fatal bite, in most cases. Children, and pets like dogs or cats are at a higher risk from a copperhead bite.

Hemotoxins attack the blood cells, causing them to break down. A severe envenomation can cause hemorrhaging, tissue necrosis, and death.

Copperheads have a maximum venom yield of about 85mg, but it takes only 80 to 100mg to kill a human. Luckily, these snakes only yield 26mg on average- hence their low fatality rate. When venom is injected in low quantities, the effects may not be fatal, but that will not eliminate the pain.

Copperhead Temperament

Copperheads are not aggressive. The species is one of the most popular choices for venomous snake pets. This is because they tame easily and quickly and are relatively easy to care for. However, a venomous pet snake is not the best choice for a non-professional. In addition, remember not to attempt to tame a wild snake. Adopt or purchase a pet snake from a qualified breeder and get appropriate handling traning. Remember that baby copperheads are also venomous.

What To Do If You Spot A Copperhead Snake In Mississippi?

If you spot a copperhead snake in the wild in Mississippi, respect its territory and leave it alone. A great percentage of the bites that occur are the result of a meddlesome human. Snakes prefer to be left alone, and sudden movements can scare or agitate them, resulting in a bite. However, if the copperhead was spotted in your home, exit as calmly as possible and contact a snake removal service.

What To Do If You Get Bitten By A Copperhead Snake In Mississippi?

Since copperhead snake bites aren’t rare, it is a great idea to be prepared in the event that one occurs. Here’s an effective list of dos and don’ts to help you survive a copperhead snake bite.

Dos

• Exit the snake’s territory. It isn’t uncommon for snakes to bite twice.
• Contact emergency services as soon as possible
• Stay calm and relaxed
• Try to remember how the snake that bit you looked so you could give the doctors an idea of its species.
• Ensure that the bitten place is below your heart. The aim is to keep the venom away from your heart.

Don’ts

• Do not move around. Moving around can help the snake’s venom circulate.
• Do not try to cut the bitten part off. Antivenom is designed to reverse the effects of venom and can save your life. Cutting off a body part cannot be undone and will lead to blood loss and a host of other irreversible and deadly complications.
• Do not tie a tourniquet.
• Do not attempt to treat the bite.

Other Venomous Snakes in the Mississippi

Mississippi is home to 6 venomous snake species. They are copperheads, eastern diamondback rattlesnakes, pygmy rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, coral snakes, and timber rattlesnakes. Of this lot, only coral snakes aren’t pit vipers; they are elapids.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Scott Delony/Shutterstock.com