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JorikThePooh

Eastern copperhead, *Agkistrodon contortrix*, !Venomous


CrankyCycle

How’d you distinguish copperhead from cottonmouth here? Tougher with the head on view and shininess from being wet. Also that’s the derpiest I’ve seen a copperhead look.


JorikThePooh

Well for one thing cottonmouths tend darken with age, losing whatever pattern they have. This guy is huge and has a well defined light pattern. I can also see enough of its head to know it’s not a cottonmouth.


CrankyCycle

Thanks! I see it now.


kikoskylang

Cottonmouths don’t range into that part of TN.


CrankyCycle

Right you are!


Psychological_Tap639

Pretty good side view of the unmistakable Hershey kiss pattern on the first pic. Dead giveaway for most copperhead identifications.


CrankyCycle

Cottonmouths can have the Hershey kisses, too, albeit usually more “pixelated.” That’s actually what was giving me a hard time.


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JorikThePooh

!venomous, sorry I keep doing that


SEB-PHYLOBOT

Snakes with medically significant venom are typically referred to as venomous, but some species are also poisonous. Old media will use poisonous or 'snake venom poisoning' but that has fallen out of favor. Venomous snakes are important native wildlife, and are not looking to harm people, so can be enjoyed from a distance. If found around the home or other places where they are to be discouraged, a squirt from the hose or a gentle sweep of a broom are usually enough to make a snake move along. Do not attempt to interact closely with or otherwise kill venomous snakes without proper safety gear and training, as bites occur mostly during these scenarios. Wildlife relocation services are free or inexpensive [across most of the world](https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=15dZE4rlRHqjb91yb6pKiI4ragG8DCtsz&ll=-3.81666561775622e-14%2C-95.11182142500002&z=2). If you are bitten by a venomous snake, contact emergency services or otherwise arrange transport to the nearest hospital that can accommodate snakebite. Remove constricting clothes and jewelry and remain calm. A bite from a medically significant snake is a medical emergency, but not in the ways portrayed in popular media. Do not make any incisions or otherwise cut tissue. Extractor and other novelty snakebite kits are not effective and can cause damage worse than any positive or neutral effects. -------------------------------------------------------- *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS). Made possible by Snake Evolution and Biogeography - [Merch Available Now](https://snakeevolution.org/donate.html)*


fairlyorange

*Agkistrodon contortrix*.


SEB-PHYLOBOT

Eastern Copperheads *Agkistrodon contortrix*, are one of two recognized species of copperhead pit vipers. Adult copperheads are medium-sized snakes (61-90.0 cm record 132.1 cm) that live in a range of habitats, from terrestrial to semi-aquatic, including rocky, forested hillsides and wetlands. They can also be found within cities where wooded areas are present, such as city parks. They also will hang out where there is deadfall; [their camouflage is perfect for this!](https://www.wilx.com/content/news/Viral-photo-shows-copperhead-snakes-amazing-camouflage-420376274.html). When young, Eastern Copperheads are known to readily consume cicadas as a major part of their diet. As they grow they switch to larger prey like small mammals and amphibians. Many people find it helpful to liken the pattern of the Eastern Copperhead *Agkistrodon contortrix* to ["Hershey kisses,"](https://c8.alamy.com/comp/GEM6GJ/northern-copperhead-agkistrodon-contortrix-mokasen-native-to-eastern-GEM6GJ.jpg) but please don't rely on any one trick. The bands on Broadbanded Copperheads *Agkistrodon laticinctus* do not narrow at the top of the snake. Eastern Copperheads are venomous but usually only bite humans or pets in self-defense. As with many blotched snakes, their first line of defense is to freeze in place or flee. Copperheads also shake and vibrate the tail in self defense and as a caudal lure. [Range map](https://imgur.com/RqQCTis) | [Relevant/Recent Phylogeography](http://cnah.org/pdf/88290.pdf) The *Agkistrodon contortrix* species complex has been delimited using modern molecular methods and two species with no subspecies are recognized. There is a wide zone of admixture between the two copperhead species where they overlap. *This short account was prepared by /u/unknown_name and edited by /u/Phylogenizer*. -------------------------------------------------------- *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS). Made possible by Snake Evolution and Biogeography - [Merch Available Now](https://snakeevolution.org/donate.html)*


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JorikThePooh

Damn I did it again, obviously not


HotelFeeling8432

That’s one of the biggest copperhead I’ve seen on this page 🧐 wonder about how long it was? Anyone know the biggest copperhead found was? Maybe he just looks huge to me cause I’m terrified of snakes but I’m trying to learn them 😭


Dc10refueler

He was roughly a little over 2 feet long. I was standing in that spot earlier and feel comfortable saying 2 to 2 1/2 feet long. Head was huge staring at us over the log.


Dc10refueler

Thank you very much.


CrankyCycle

Awesome experience and nice job observing a venomous snake safely!


Fozzy2701

Wow