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

Although the figure isn’t exactly agreed upon, it is safe to say that Virginia is home to about 32 species of snakes. One of these species is the copperhead snake. Copperheads are venomous pit vipers known for their reddish-orange heads and deadly venom. Many claim that the species is aggressive and mean- but is this true? This article takes a look at copperheads in Virginia: Where they live and how often they bite.

What Copperhead Species is Found in Virginia?

The eastern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) is found in the state of Virginia. They are one of the state’s 3 venomous species. Copperheads are generally solitary, but pregnant females often bask together.

Eastern Copperheads in Virginia

Like all pit vipers, eastern copperheads have moveable fangs as well as pit organs which they use to detect heat and movement. They are also ovoviviparous and give birth to 2 to 10 young snakes at a time. Young copperheads have yellow-tipped tails. According to researchers, this helps them attract or lure prey such as frogs, grubs, and other small insects.

Eastern copperheads reach maturity at about 4 years. Their average lifespan is around 18 years. At birth, they measure around 7 to 10 inches but as adults, eastern copperheads attain 24 to 36 inches. Mature male copperheads seek out females during their breeding season which occurs twice annually (April to May, and September).

Female copperheads sometimes battle potential mates. They are known to reject mates that lose. Copperheads, like most snakes, hardly compete again after losing once. Male copperheads that have mated successfully may produce pheromones that make their female mates unattractive to other male copperheads. If a female copperhead mates in the fall, she will store the sperm in her body till after hibernation.

How Often Do Copperheads In Virginia Bite?

Although there are no official statistics, the Chesterfield Observer published an article in May 2022 that featured J.D. Kleopfer, a herpetologist with the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Kleopfer stated that about 100 bites are reported each year throughout the state of Virginia.

Statistics show that copperheads bite more people in the USA than any other snake. The United States sees an estimated 2,920 bite victims each year.

Copperhead Venom

Eastern copperheads’ venom is hemotoxic and subdues their prey so they can eat safely. Their venom causes red blood cells to break down. Luckily, in humans, their bites aren’t usually fatal. The fatality rate according to research scientist Henry M. Parrish’s article published in 1967, is about 0.01%.

Their bites are notoriously painful and accompanied by severe pain, incessant tingling, throbbing, as well as intense nausea. 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.

Are Eastern Copperheads Aggressive?

Copperheads aren’t aggressive snakes. They prefer to hide from humans but do not hesitate to bite if they feel threatened or attacked.

Where Are Eastern Copperheads Found in Virginia?

In Virginia, it’s pretty hard to miss copperheads. They are widely distributed in every part of the state except the barrier islands. Copperheads can be found in old fields, marshes, rocky outcrops, and forests. In urban areas, they can be found in abandoned buildings, stone walls, and brush piles.

What Months Are Copperheads Most Active?

Eastern copperheads are most active during early spring and late fall. They hibernate during the winter.

What is the Most Venomous Snake in Virginia?

Virginia’s 3 venomous snakes are eastern copperheads, timber rattlesnakes, and northern cottonmouths. Of these three, the northern cottonmouth’s venom is the most dangerous. However, rattlesnakes bite more often and cause more deaths than northern cottonmouths.

What Do Copperheads Look Like in Virginia?

Eastern copperheads are heavy snakes with keeled and dorsal scales. They hardly grow past 36 inches making them medium length. They have the telltale triangular copper or orange-red head that all copperheads have. Copperheads in Virginia have hourglass patterns over their pinkish-tan bodies. The hourglass patterns are usually colored dark brown or chestnut.

Do Copperheads Swim?

Copperhead snakes swim. However, they do not submerge themselves. They swim atop the water with their head above water level. They hardly go completely underneath the water.

How to Avoid Copperheads in Virginia

Avoiding copperheads in Virginia is the easiest way to avoid getting bitten by them. Here are some tips to help you stay safe.

• Keep your lawns trimmed. Snakes like to hide in grassy areas.
• Ensure that your surroundings are not littered with piles of rock, debris, wood, or grass.
• Stay off bushy paths and avoid staying out late
• Avoid turning logs of wood and large rocks over.

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

A copperhead bite can be fatal if it is not treated. If you get bitten by a copperhead snake, contact emergency services. When a copperhead feels threatened, it can spray its attacker with musk. If you get bitten by a copperhead in Virginia, get as far away from it as possible, stay calm, and seek medical help immediately.

What To Do If You See a Copperhead in Virginia

Copperheads will usually freeze when spotted in hopes of camouflaging and not being seen. They are not aggressive and will usually escape without biting if they can. If you spot a copperhead in your home, contact pest control services but if you spot one in the wild, leave it alone.

Other Venomous Snakes Found in Virginia

• Cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus): Cottonmouths are semi-aquatic snakes. They are found in several parts of Virginia.
• Timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus): Timber rattlesnakes also known as canebrake rattlesnakes are found in select parts of Virginia.

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