The Copperhead Snake: Dangerous or Misunderstood?
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- Опубликовано: 4 окт 2023
- Copperheads are some of my favorite snakes, and I'd argue among the most beautiful reptiles in North Carolina, but they get a bad reputation for being mean snakes in the media and boring snakes in the herping community for no reason.
While it's true that they are the most common venomous snake in the Southeast and are responsible for the majority of venomous snakebites, that's just a testament to their adaptability as humans increasingly urbanize the landscape and eliminate species that can't keep up with the rapid change.
These vipers can be found in places where no other venomous snakes seem able to persist - even the highly disturbed, McMansion filled biological desert that we've created and continue to expand upon.
To me, the fact that something so beautiful and cryptic continues to survive and thrive in such a wide variety of conditions is remarkable and exciting, not scary.
Full video featuring this ridiculously beautiful copperhead is up on The Wild Report RUclips right now!
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"How many are your works, Lord? In wisdom you made them all, the earth is full of your creatures."
Psalms 104:24
my friend in Georgia died after being bit by a copperhead after he was in the hospital for a couple days
Underline condition
No doubt that they are a beautiful snake. But here in Mississippi, I personally believe they are more aggressive than the rattlesnake. I have let a young (baby) copperhead clear my path, and as soon as I took my first step, that sucker whipped around like lightning and struck at me.
In Oklahoma same scenario. Working outdoors around foothills with trees these things encouraged and they are very defensive. Very snappy fast to strike . These snakes will strike multiple times on occasion. I’ve seen this happen when a copperhead is startled and immediately spins into defensive mode. We took a shovel we had and turned it then dropped down in its close position and that snake struck the shovel multiple times swiftly. I’ve found encounters tend to be mostly startling to these snakes because they like hanging out on pathway edges in the woods by paths in leaves as they blend in so darn well
I watched a video where a keeper/handler cared for a larger female. The guy had to approach super slow stating you must present yourself calm. These snakes sense anxiety. This female instantly was agitated.
The few folks I know who have been been bit said it was like a stomach virus as body rejection of the venom . The bite they said burned substantially then swelled then came the upset stomach.
Well the babies in particular can be extremely jumpy because they are tiny reptiles with lots of predators.
I mean if you see something 50times your size I'm sure you'd be snappy and scared too lol 🤣
@@marie22213😂😂😂
My dad’s buddy lost a finger to a copperhead so the venom isn’t that mild.
They have much higher venom yield (produce more venom) than bees, and their venom is primarily hemotoxic (hence tissue necrosis).
yo my dad also got bit by it i guess its something that just happens 😂
Nice looking but don't underestimate the venom!! A friend of mine was bitten while gardening, almost lost her entire leg, 6 months of horrible recovery and surgery!!!
I wonder if they can control the amount of venom they inject. I’ve heard it is not unusual to get a dry bite. I’ve heard it is a bad bite if they inject venom and I’ve heard it isn’t so bad.
After youtube studying I don’t think snakes match their breed. I’ve seen dark coppers look as dark as a cottonmouth with patterning. I’m beginning to believe snakes are like people, each one is an individual. We have eyes, hands,’
feet, torsos, have live births, are capable of learning,
Physically we are similar but color, hair, size are varied.
Absolutely. Although, copperhead bites rarely kill…if bitten, you will spend a short time in hospital and it is very painful. Know a couple of people bitten here in Texas. It is a major medical event, if bitten.
Mild refers to the killing potential. The venom is designed w enzymes that jump start prey digestion in mammals. Aka necrosis, whereas in Australia the snakes prey on other reptiles which are yk kinda indestructible so they use neurotoxic venom or paralysis and inducing bc it’s hard to kill reptiles! I’m just being a nerd
In Virginia a neighbor got bit in the hand gardening. Had to go to physical therapy.
@@adams8132and go broke, but just depends, if I got a quick leg bite idk I’d think hard about going, you can for sure ride these out. It’s just a hemotoxin, blood bruising but as far as I’m aware it usually stays pretty local and doesn’t get in your organs that much to damage. If I got bit on the finger I’d honestly probably run to the nearest axe before spending $16,000 per vial on anti venom! The price is absolutely insane
Its eyes in particular made me do a double-take. Beautiful.
Yes, love that fierce orange color!
They are gorgeous. I can’t believe how beautiful these snakes can be sometimes
Yeah they are stunning
My uncle, who is a Vietnam veteran, got bitten by one the other day and took some Benadryl. Then he was fine. don’t do this leave that level of insanity to the Vietnam veterans.😂
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The thing about copperheads is, they are the one snake that will not warn you. Their camouflage is super effective, they are difficult to see, and there is not an aural (sound) or display (cottonmouth) warning.
They will definitely warn you but you may not be able to hear it. All snakes rattle their tail but unless they are in dry leaves you won't hear it plus now days everyone is running around with ear buds in and they wouldn't hear a train coming. That being said you are right about the camouflage they aren't more aggressive they are just the most stepped on snake and any and all snakes will absolutely bite you when you step on it and break it's bones or accidentally grab it while picking up sticks or brush. They are the leaf litter king of the east and virtually disappear in most environments.
In my experience, they do warn you. The ones I've seen usually run away or rattle their tail in the leaves
Beautiful snake
It was an absolute stunner!
Bold choice to compare a copperhead bite to a bee sting… (I know it was indirect comparison but still)
The baby copperheads is more aggressive than the adults are
Honey bee venom... please. Beautiful snake but you need to be real with people. If you get bit, please seek medical care
Yes, you should seek medical attention, but copperhead ld50 has indeed been shown to be similar to that of a honey bee.
IOW, it's the quantity that's significant.
Shovel please
A bee sting cant coagulate your blood, or kill you soo probably not the best comparison. @TheWildReportOfficial
He's Soo Cute..
Which snake causes the most snake bites in NC? Yep Copperhead
Idk where you snake weirdos come from, but in Mississippi when a person is bitten by a copperhead they die 8 out of 10 times. Also, they are the most aggressive snake I've ever dealt with. Rattlesnakes, and most other try to get away from you and avoid contact. These copper heads will pursue you. They constantly try to get in my boat or if I'm on land they will pop up where I'm fishing and watch me and If throw a stick or rock they just disappear and pop back up on the otherside of me. They do not fear humans. They will get into your wood piles, children's toys, car tires, porch drop offs and steps.
I was hiking on a trail in North Carolina and I was entering a fairly dense bit of forest. I had one of my toddlers with me and maneuvering that stroller was backbreaking work. Anyway, a sweet little copperhead perched at the edge of a tiny creek gave me all the momentum I needed to turn my ass around and leave. I snapped a picture first, just to prove it was actually a copperhead
Haha that will definitely give you an extra adrenaline hit!
Copperheads are NOT your friend!...
Of course they are! I have 12 as pets and they’re wonderful creatures. So fun to look at and even more fun to feed
To each their own but id rather get bit by a dog..thats all im sayin
@@Snakelizardexoticskeeper3 I am also a keeper of venomous snakes, from copperheads to a 15' king cobra lol. Most people aren't going to understand our love for these animals, but they truly are amazing creatures who deserve respect and who deserve to be on this planet just as much as we do! While kings are my favorite, I do love copperheads, too. Kings are just so smart and I can interact with my boy in a way I can no other snake. Can't let my guard down, of course, as you can't with any hot snake, but we have a mutual respect for each other.
@@adamhawkins3036 Well yeah, obviously taking a bite from any venomous snake isn't ideal lol. But if you know what you're doing, you won't get bit. You just can't make ANY mistakes.
Not your enemy either
I see at least 50 a year here in NW Houston, Tx with 119 being the most. I rescue, relocate and photograph them. I've had some stunning specimens. I need to make a post about them on my FB tomorrow and show the pics from this yr and years past.
Boyd Everitt is my name there.
Yours is a good looking one for sure
Neat, do you get broad-bands?
OH THATS A GORGEOUS COPPERHEAD!!! I've always wanted to find one in the wild, they are native to my area but they're extremely hard to find. Though a friend of mine lives in Virginia and also loves snakes, so one day I'd like to go out looking for copperheads there with her.
Absolutely gorgeous animal, thanks for sharing this with us!!!
It was a stunner to be sure, I hope you have a chance to encounter one in the wild one day. Thanks for watching!
its a little more powerful than honey bees. my cousins wife just spent 4 days in hospital when she got bitlast month
They have higher venom yield than a bee, but the venom toxicity is similar.
The other day, we were leaving the community garden. Our house is behind the garden, and we formally walk through the woods to and from the garden. My oldest son was in front of me and he said "its a snake" I came around thw corner and there it was a copperhead. It was my first time seeing one in person. We got to chopping. It was litterly laying in wait for someone to get close. I am so thankful my son spotted it because it was almost dark out. Even after it was chopped into pieces it was supper aggressive. His head was bouncing in the air striking and coming towards us. 😮 you have to do what you have to do with those copperheads they're feisty.
Here in the Missouri Ozarks the copperhead is a darker tan and can be aggressive if provoked. What we have to really watch out for is the very aggressive water moccasin. Your copperhead has beautiful patterns on it's skin.
I've always wanted to see one in that part of their range!
Might be a bit misleading to compare a copperhead bite to a honeybee sting. Even if the LD50 is similar, the dose is profoundly different. That said, I agree that they don’t deserve their bad reputation.
Docile?? No, mean…..these sonsabitches are becoming entirely too common in a lot of areas. The bite can be deadly but usually is just wicked in trying to heal.
Beautiful indeed .... As a hat band
As someone who has caught snakes since i was 10, and have caught, rescued too many copper heads to even count. They are surprising chill snakes and rarely bite unless stepped on or if they truly feel threatened. I was bit 1 time on my hand by a copperhead when i was 14 and it was my fault (wasnt even looking for snakes was just cleaning up a pile of leaves and didnt see it bc it was camouflaged in the leaves and it got me right between my thumb and pointer finger)
I have 12 copperheads as pets! I have a Southern copperhead and I managed to purchase a female Northern who was gravid with 11 babies. They’re incredible and so beautiful.
My high school coach was bitten In mississippi while removing logs to put in his fireplace. He spent 3 weeks in the hospital in agonizing pain. Cost him over a $100000. I stay clear of snakes.
“My niece done got bit a copperhead”. What? Really? “….my niece done got bit by a copperhead”
What an absolute beauty! We had one have her babies every year in august under our house. Her name was Isabella. For 9 years she showed up. Then no more. I still miss her. Some of her offspring have come back but never to have their young. Awesome snakes! 😎
Baby copperheads flooding the whole perimeter of your house, No thanks😂
That's awesome, I'm jealous!
@@Gage_r they never bothered anything. I did have to protect them from the cats and dogs till they wondered off. Especially the cats. They spent a lot of August and September indoors. 🤗
It’s beautiful I know , I heard you the first time
Saw my first ever yesterday. Gorgeous specimen sitting amid leaves on top of a downed log in a popular nature preserve.
Awesome, congrats on the lifer!
I've seen the wounds from their bites. If you are bitten go to the hospital immediately. It probably won't kill you but it will be extremely painful and the swelling can be immense. This dude is wrong.
Wow! you might remember me from camp burton i was with Hayes elementary and i still have your sticker!
Oh no way, so glad you're still here on the channel!
you were my counselor when i went to tybee island with my grade
Oh no way, glad to see you here on the channel!
Definitely a stunner 😍💜
Yeah truly!
Where I live you sometimes see copperheads that were run over by cars in the night. A guy who had been bitten by a copperhead two different times said their bite is very painful, but I think that kind of thing varies from person to person. It's a matter of how your body reacts to the venom. Some people who were bit by a copperhead are stove up for months.
A copperhead snake is very aggressive. Their venom is NOTHING like a bee sting.
You don't know anything, snakes aren't aggressive. No snake is. He didn't say they are like bee stings, they are similar in venom. Obviously a big difference in the yield of them. Maybe learn something like he's trying to do
Not aggressive at all. Just defensive.
They always look like they are smiling.
Copperheads are abundant here in MD and PA. I THINK their high stats we see/hear come from the fact we just run into them a lot and we don’t see them until it’s too late.
Yep that's exactly right! They are amazingly adaptable and their cryptic camouflage does not make detecting them easy.
Yea some areas they are very aggressive. Around here they are more aggressive than timber rattlers. Iv been to other states where it’s exactly opposite. Our timber rattlers hardley even rattle or strike. But Iv had several copperheads strike at the air when I was 6 feet away
So beautiful!
It really is!
I thought copperheads were more of a rusty peach color?
It depends on the individual!
Y’all must have a different species of Copper Heads in North Carolina. The ones we have in South Texas are quite aggressive
Love it keep it up
Thanks! Will do!
Everybody's this days are movie producers!
Beauty!
I'm in South Carolina
We have them too
They are the least dangerous venomous snake in the US. They're actually quite survivable.
Physically they may be survivable, but the financial costs of medical care after a bite can be devastating...
When you say mild venom, could you take your time getting to a hospital or does it need to be treated asap?
It is 100% depending on how the venom compounds react with your body, just like an insect sting!
If bitten by any venomous snake species seek medical treatment asap CRO FAB antivenin is available for all species of North American pitvipers and North American Coral snake ( Eqine ) Pfizer Laboratory antivenin is available for all species of Coral snakes.
Super ❤❤❤❤
My nightmare....😬
Misunderstood my behind…! Yup, it’s beautiful and I will leave it to its environment as not to get bit!
Walking in the woods in a single line one in front will not get bit always 2nd or 3rd person
They’re pretty alright. Around here, pretty dead.
I don't want bit by one!
And he is ready to strike at you sir.
I don't see anything beautiful about a snake that is clearly dangerous
They are in Dallas and as a kid I didnt worry about them I would go to creeks without fear now as a adult hell naw
Give it a little kiss if you love it so much 😊
And tasty fried.
I'm OK with snakes as long as they're over there and I'm over here. Once they start heading my way, then we have issues lol! With that said, I don't want to get bitten by any of them!
"perfect size" never hear of that
So cute 🥰 she's calm just like my king snake 🐍 you can do anything around him and he wont bite
I got a pair of these guys 7 yrs ago im surprised on their speed or im just acostomed to asiatic vipers in my region
They can definitely be speedy when they want, as long as they are warm enough.
I remember the story a while back of some little boy thought he found some worms and said "dad why are these worms biting me?" and they were baby copperhead and then the boy died
Lol that story is a myth that has been told for years in the Southeastern quarter of the United States 🇺🇸 Same as the water skiers falling into a nest of cottonmouths 😅😊
@@richardhincemon probably so
It's not rare anymore for people to die from copperhead bites. 5 people have died in the last 15 years from copperhead bites so that does not equate to "rare". If you want I can send you the links to the death arricles.
Reply
I saw a video of years ago on RUclips of a guy claiming the copperhead bit his dog and injected dog with Venom. And he took a handgun out not knowing what snake extra did his dog and put a bullet in the snake's head. And there were several copperheads in that area but he just chose the first one he saw to shoot.
And that is what lowers my faith in humanity
Disgusting.
He thinks he's the crocodile hunter lol
Isn't this boy's father killed by an animal??
He’s a snuggle buddy
Idk boutta bee sting, my mom got bit by one on her foot and her whole leg turned black in like 3 hours
This man looks and sounds nervous.
I was definitely wary of this individual, always want to make sure I am keeping situations safe for me and the animals that I work with.
They get a bad reputation around my ranch because the dogs and us can't go outside without having to basically survey the ground with a fine tooth comb so we don't get bit. And mild bite or not, you don't wanna get bit trust me, it hurts! And you accidentally step on one it will bite you. The babies are worse. So yeah we deal with them with extreme prejudice around here.
Beautiful? Yes. Aggressive? Not super. Super venomous? Eh, not really. Do I still avoid if at all possible? Yes absolutely
Fair enough!
There's no such thing as an "aggressive" snake. They are simply defensive.
@@Lovell93 what I more mean is temperamental. It is absolutely true that some snake species are more prone to “getting defensive” than others.
❤️👍
Why can't it be both beautiful and dangerous?
Well it's not that they are exclusive, it's more that copperheads legitimately are not dangerous except in very specific and unfortunate circumstances.
Nature has many examples of creatures, both beautiful and dangerous. The human female comes to mind…
Lmao he's scared Asf...you can here it in his voice. See it in his face😂😂😂...
Lucky, the only one I’ve seen here in Missouri was super boring, barely any color variation, not very cool pattern. Maybe because it was a juvenile, but still disappointing lol
Aww man, hope you can find some more variable individuals soon!
Yeah this guy is gonna get someone hurt.
As far as venomous snakes go they are not very dangerous at all.
What do you consider dangerous ? If you mean lethal I would agree in North America a rattlesnake would generally be more lethal. As far as permanent disfigurement and possible amputations of appendages a copperhead bite can cause that very easily. I saw a snakebite in the ER where a guy tried pinning the head of copperhead and the snake got one fang in the guys index finger and barley punctured the skin. After a few hours being in the hospital his finger looked like a hotdog after you cook it in a microwave oven for a few mins.
@@jasonpearce6322 my uncle was bit on the hand , he had some bad swelling and intense pain. I've heard different localities have more or less potent venom but are basically never life threatening. Only venomous snake where I live is prairie rattlers which are the weakest rattlesnake but seriously no joke.
@@nadagainagain4987 I live in SC we have Easter diamondbacks, Lots of Canebrake, and pigmy Rattlesnakes, Cottonmouths, copperheads, and coral snakes. I saw a guy in the ER years ago that got bitten on the hand by a pigmy and it was bad. I don’t know how well he recovered but from the level of swelling i’m sure he had permanent damage.
yeah man . I hunt and fish eastern Carolinas. We got plenty.@@jasonpearce6322
@@nadagainagain4987 It really depends on your body and how you react to the venom.
It’s really unhealthy to live in a home with rodent infestation. These serpents are happy to help. Don’t run over them as they bask on the road. (Unless you enjoy rodents and their incessant activity. )
Dude, can I make a little suggestion make sure that you have a cell phone and a satellite phone also and make sure that you have a snakebite kit and also go and get yourself one of those snake grabbers. Don’t be just using a stick. Take care of yourself things happen.
don't like them one bit my dog in the face
Thats your fault
Did the dog survive? If so, may I ask how big a dog he was and what type of treatment he received?
That's your dog's fault for messing with the snake.
Horrible reps because its the one that bites ppl the most
They're in Ohio too, right?
Nobody has died from a bite of a copperhead! There I said it!
Yes, they have.
Well there are cases of mortality but only from allergic reaction.
@@TheWildReportOfficial
That is my understanding also. Allergic reactions can happen to anyone at anytime.
A person can suffer anaphylactic shock from a wasp sting one day and have no reaction to a sting at another time.
I do know a woman who, as a child,was bitten by a copperhead on the top of her foot . No medical facilities were available back then, so her foot withered from the venom and she has walked with a limp ever since. She is now in her late 80's.
@@panthercreek60 They are extremely rare.
They are demonic
They're such an adorable and sweet snake. They really love to cuddle. 😆
It is a constant internal struggle for me not to snuggle with one
Lol! I live in NC near crowders mountain. They are beautiful, but a lot of dumbasses try to catch them and pick them up. These things are quicker than you think and I have a buddy missing a thumb because of one! I usually let them go about their business!
Yes, it is dangerous. No, it is not misunderstood. Pick it up with your hands and give it a kiss if you disagree.
Snakes are misunderstood by people who think they are out to kill you
@@CherryBotV2 Nobody thinks snakes are out to kill them. Geez.
@@jbred6049 Actually, they do. There are plenty of people out there who will kill a venomous snake on sight just for existing because they think they're "aggressive." Disgusting behavior. No, it's not dangerous in the grand scheme of things. Their toxicity level truly is very low, but there's always the chance your body could not react well to the venom. That being said, deaths from copperhead bites are very rare. Only one snake I'll give a kiss on the back of his head, and that's my king cobra.
@@jbred6049 I mean this in the kindest way, you're an idiot if you genuinely believe that.
Go to any video where someone is showing off their pet snake and look in the comments. Or try telling people about snakes
I won't kill most snakes, but copperheads are a real problem where I live. They like to hang out by my entry doors, they like to hang out by curbs where people walk, they are a real nuisance, and the bite is very serious. I have told people not to kill king snakes and racers, these snakes eat other snakes, even venomous ones.
Mild venom?😂 one bite WILL KILL YOU unless you get to the hospital FAST! Oh and did anyone else notice that while this (inexperienced) kid was holding up the snake on the stick that the snake was in its striking stance. That snake will fuck you up if you move it a few inches closer to you. You’ll be crying and praying you don’t die.
Copperhead Akistrodon contortrix ld 50 10.9 mgkg SC is the least toxic venomous snake in the United States bites are easily treated by Crofab antivenom only if you have a severe allergic reaction to the venom causing Anaphylaxis or heart attacks is not fatal.
That’s a odd way of writing your a idiot
Ummmmm ... they can off people!!! Get rid of them!
It’s like less than a one percent chance to die from a copper head you are more likely to develop a allergy to bees get stung and die
are u a actor
Your information on Copperheads isn't completely correct, young man. You absolutely need to do alot more research before posting educational videos. They are aggressive.
Mild he sey thet joke venom pretty brutal not venom worry me it bite see wide cen open mouth bite multi time this snake are nasty
I hate snake
Snake hate you. Snakes are awesome creatures. Very important to the environment.
Make a great hatband. This guy is a fool. Copperhead can kill you. I see one i will make a good snake outta it.
Copperheads kill 1 person a year, fool. I just got out of the hospital from a copperhead bite. Stop making them look bad because you don't know shit
Got a crater in the end of one finger on my right hand because of a copperhead bite when I was a kid. Only one fang got me. I spent the night in the hospital because of a reaction to the antivenin. I wouldn't say the bite was mild. I would say exterminate with extreme prejudice.
That's ignorant. Just because a snake has a dangerous potential doesn't mean we should exterminate them. They are very important to their ecosystem to control the population of smaller mammals, and they are simply amazing creatures. Leave them alone and they'll leave you alone. I've been a dealing with these animals for almost 15 years, from copperheads to king cobras.. Treat them with respect, and they'll do the same. They don't want to waste their venom on you, because they can't eat you.
Demasiado Hermosa 👌