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

Written by Emmanuel Kingsley
Updated: December 26, 2023
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There are more than 49 snake species in Missouri and some are so small you’ll never see them. However, the venomous copperhead is one of the most common snake species, venomous or otherwise. This article takes a look at copperheads in Missouri, where they live, and how often they bite.

Eastern Copperhead

The Copperhead’s scales are keeled, and their eyes have vertical pupils that make them resemble cat’s eyes.

According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, the eastern copperhead is the state’s only copperhead species.

©Creeping Things/Shutterstock.com

There’s only one native copperhead species in Missouri. And, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation, the eastern copperhead is common through most of the state. Copperheads are venomous pit vipers that bite more people in the USA than any other venomous snake. 

As young snakes, eastern copperheads have yellow-tipped tails which research suggests they use as a lure for prey. Even baby copperheads are dangerous and are born with all the venom and control over it they need to feed and defend themselves.

Female copperheads have the final say in their mates and reject those they don’t like. If the male copperhead successfully mates, he may produce pheromones that make his female mate unattractive to other males.

Copperheads generally avoid people because they see us as a threat. However, they freeze when something frightens them. And, since their camouflage is nearly perfect, people step on or near them and get bitten.

Eastern Copperhead’s Venom

Snakes in Mississippi - Southern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)

Copperheads have hemolytic venom.

©Jay Ondreicka/Shutterstock.com

Although dangerous, these snakes are not aggressive, and many bites are dry or with only a little venom, serving as a warning.

Copperheads have venom which is hemotoxic and destroys blood cells. Luckily, their bites are hardly ever fatal to humans because they have an estimated lethal dose of around 85- 100 mg but yield 26 mg of venom on average, with a maximum of 85 mg.

Copperheads are one of the least dangerous pit vipers. However, their bites are notoriously painful. Victims often experience intense pain, tingling sensations, swelling, throbbing, nausea, and dizziness. In some cases, copperhead bites damage the muscle and bone tissue of their victim.

Where are Eastern Copperheads Found in Missouri?

Eastern Copperhead

Eastern copperheads are found all over the state of Missouri. They are the state’s most commonly seen venomous snake species.

©Jeff W. Jarrett/Shutterstock.com

Eastern copperheads are found all over the state of Missouri. You’re most likely to spot them in rocky and wooded hillsides, but they also bask in the middle of leaf-covered paths.

Their patterns mimic the look of fallen leaves and these snakes are very difficult to see when they aren’t moving. And, as an abush predator, copperheads are sedentary snakes and don’t move often.

What Months Are Copperheads Most Active?

Copperheads are most active during early spring and late fall, when they breed and travel to and from brumation spots. However, they also come out on warm winter days to bask and get a drink of water.

What Are The 6 Venomous Snakes Found in Missouri?

According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, the 6 venomous snakes found in Missouri are timber rattlesnakes, eastern copperheads, northern cottonmouths, eastern massasaugas, western pygmy rattlesnakes, and prairie massasaugas.

  • Northern Cottonmouth: Northern cottonmouth are venomous semi-aquatic pit vipers.
  • Eastern Massasauga: The eastern massasauga is considered threatened by the US federal government. It is a venomous rattlesnake found in the northern half of the state.
  • Prairie Massasauga: Prairie massasaugas are short and thick rattlesnakes found in north-central and northwestern Missouri.
  • Western Pygmy Rattlesnake: Western pygmy rattlesnakes are small and colorful rattlesnakes that live in counties bordering Arkansas as well as the eastern Missouri Ozarks.
  • Timber rattlesnakes: Timber rattlesnakes are Missouri’s largest and most venomous species found throughout the state.

What Snakes in Missouri Look Like Copperheads?

Since snakes share many features, misidentifications often occur. Sometimes, nonvenomous snakes are mistaken for venomous ones and killed. Here are some snakes in Missouri that look like copperheads and are often mistaken for them.

  • Prairie Kingsnakes: When young or newly hatched, prairie kingsnakes look like and are often mistaken for copperheads. One way to tell them apart is to look for the round or rectangular markings on their backs. Copperheads have hourglass-shaped markings and not round or rectangular ones.
  • Western Fox snake: Western fox snakes are nonvenomous and colubrid snakes. Some specimens of fox snakes have orange heads that may cause them to be misidentified as copperheads. One way to differentiate them is to look out for their bellies which are usually colored yellow and have dark checkered patterns.
  • Northern Cottonmouth: Cottonmouths have superficial patterns that are similar to copperheads’. However, they are more venomous, and juveniles have yellowish-green tails.

What is the Most Venomous Snake in Missouri?

The timber rattlesnake is the most venomous snake in Missouri. They grow up to 5 feet in length and have toxic venom that is strong enough to kill a person. However, these calm rattlers only rarely bite.

Snake Bite Statistics in Missouri

The Missouri Department of Conservation states that venomous snakes bite approximately 7,000 to 8,000 people in the United States annually. In Missouri, venomous snakes bite an average of 100 people. Fortunately, deaths are low. Fewer than 5 people die each year from snake bites in the United States.

How To Avoid Copperheads in Missouri

The best ways to avoid copperheads in Missouri are staying off bushy paths, avoiding staying out late and being aware of your surroundings. But if you remember to keep your hands and feet where you can see them at all times, you’ll probably avoid a painful snakebite.

What To Do If You See a Copperhead in Missouri

Copperheads usually freeze when spotted. They are not aggressive and usually flee without biting if they can. If you spot a copperhead in your home, contact snake removal services.

What To Do If You Get Bitten by a Copperhead in Missouri

Treat every snakebite as an emergency. If a Missouri copperhead bites you, get as far away from the snake as calmly as possible. Here are a few tips:

  • Do not try to capture the snake.
  • Take a photo or memorize as many details as possible.
  • Keep calm and move slowly.
  • Do NOT take painkillers like aspirin or drink alcohol.
  • Remove constrictive clothing and jewelry.
  • Do NOT attempt to suck out the venom.
  • Immobilize the affected body part and keep it below the level of your heart.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Jeff W. Jarrett/Shutterstock.com

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