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Eastern Copperhead
Scientific Name: Agkistrodon contortrix
Also Know As: Copperhead
Terrestrial
Native
Snakes
Venomous
A medium snake- 14-45 inches. Beige, tan, or pale gray, often with a dull pink or orange tint above, with broad, darker brown, hourglass-shaped crossbands that are slightly paler on the lower sides. Underside is whitish with dark brown blotches. Scales are keeled (ridged) and in 23 to 27 rows. The head is patternless, often with a faint orange tint on the top, dull yellow on the sides. Young copperheads have a bright yellow tail.
Range and Habitat
Found throughout wooded and forested areas of Louisiana except for permanent swamps and coastal cheniers.
Behavior
They are not aggressive but create a potential hazard by lying motionless and camouflaged. During the summer, they are active at night and very early in the morning. They feed on frogs, cicadas. and rodents. They give birth to 4 to 16 young.
Population Status
Populations are considered stable within the state.
More Information
A Restricted Snake Permit is required for possession of any native and non-native venomous snake species in Louisiana.