By: Ashley Rogers, Former NJSOC Intern
Our next at-risk species is the Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen), also commonly referred to as the Northern Copperhead. This reptile resides in a variety of environments, ranging from forests and wetlands to suburbs. Northern Copperheads range from the Florida panhandle to northern Massachusetts, and west to Nebraska.
Female copperheads are typically the larger sex, but males have lengthier tails. The species has a copper-colored head that is unmarked, with a reddish-brown, coppery body. The body of this species is covered with chestnut brown colored crossbands. Younger copperheads can have a grayer appearance compared to adult copperheads, with a sulfur yellow-tipped tail. These snakes primarily consume mice, along with other small animals, and survive for an average of 18 years.
While the Eastern Copperhead is a venomous species, it only employs its fangs to acquire prey or as a defense mechanism when threatened, posing a relatively low risk to humans. Unfortunately, due to misconceptions, countless copperhead snakes’ lives are taken by humans. Other risks include the pet trade and habitat degradation. As a result, these snakes are listed as threatened in New Jersey. To assist the Eastern Copperhead, advocate for stronger land and water protections, condemn the illegal pet trade, and educate others about the species. For more information, check out the Smithsonian Zoo and the IUCN Red List.
References:
https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/64297/12756101
https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/northern-copperhead