Can You Tell the Difference Between a Copperhead and Chicken Snake?

One of America's most notorious snakes is also the most misidentified: the Copperhead. This venomous reptile is often confused with lookalikes. Chicken snakes, which are nonvenomous, are probably mistaken for the venomous species more than any other snake. These snakes look especially similar in their juvenile stages. To make matters more confusing, their populations overlap in the eastern half of the U.S.

Knowing how to tell the difference between these species can give you peace of mind and prevent you from panicking when crossing paths with a chicken snake, as they pose no risk to humans. Unfortunately, it is the venomous copperhead which accounts for a major portion of snake bites in America. Conversely, chicken snakes benefit the environment by controlling rodent populations. Both species are ecologically important.

In this slideshow, you’ll learn how to tell the difference between copperheads and chicken snakes. We cover their appearance, size, and hunting strategies, as well as their behavior around humans. By gaining a better understanding of these reptiles, you can gain a new appreciation for the biodiversity in your own backyard.

• Copperheads are venomous pit vipers found in the eastern U.S.
• Chicken snakes, or eastern rat snakes, are nonvenomous constrictors.
• These two species are often confused due to similar juvenile patterns, but they differ significantly in size, behavior, and danger to humans.

• Copperheads range from Massachusetts to Florida and west to Nebraska, living in forests, hillsides, and suburban woodpiles.
• Chicken snakes have overlapping territory but are not found as far north or west, preferring pine forests, swamps, and open fields.

• Copperheads grow up to 53 inches and have distinct reddish hourglass patterns and triangular heads.
• Chicken snakes can grow over 6 feet and display blotchy juvenile patterns that fade into stripes or solid colors as they mature.

• Young chicken snakes are the most frequently mistaken for copperheads due to their similar blotched appearance.
• Copperhead juveniles also have a bright yellow tail used to lure prey, which fades as they grow older.

• Copperheads use venom to ambush and track prey like rodents, frogs, and lizards.
• Chicken snakes constrict their prey and have a similar diet, though they pose no venomous threat.

• Copperheads prefer to camouflage and strike only when threatened.
• Chicken snakes often freeze or flee but may vibrate their tails and strike if cornered.

• Copperheads are responsible for 40% of U.S. snake bites but rarely cause fatalities.
• Chicken snakes may bite when handled but are nonvenomous and generally avoid humans.

• Both snakes help control rodent populations, benefiting ecosystems and reducing pest issues.
• Misidentifying and killing nonvenomous snakes can harm local wildlife balance.

• Look for hourglass shapes and triangular heads for copperheads.
• Chicken snakes often appear longer and lack the distinct hourglass pattern in adulthood.

• Never attempt to handle a snake if unsure of its identity.
• Give all snakes space and call local wildlife experts for safe removal or identification.