Image credit: Creeping Things/Shutterstock.com. Adult Florida cottonmouths are typically uniformly dark with very little discernable pattern. Copperhead Golf Club, Lehigh Acres, Florida. A political party of Democrats that existed during the American Civil War, who opposed the war and were fighting for peace, were given the nickname “Copperheads” by the Republicans, in comparison to the snake of the same name! Autecology of the copperhead. The eastern copperhead’s preferred habitats in Florida are upland pine and hardwood forests with abundant leaf litter and in forests adjacent to low, wet areas boarding swamps, stream beds, river bottoms, and damp ravines. To avoid confusion and the potential for being bitten, it is best to leave all water snakes alone. Several species of harmless water snakes are often mistaken as cottonmouths. Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) History and Status Description The copperhead is familiar, at least by name, to most North Carolinians. Enge, and P.E. The sides of the face have dark vertical lines near the mouth, whereas the copperhead has no such lines. Send photos or videos of interesting observations, along with associated information, by emailing the herpetology staff at the Florida Museum for documentation in the Museum’s Herpetology Master Database. The snakes typically feed on mice and other rodents, but will also go after small birds, lizards, and frogs. The tongue is typically orange-red with white tines (tips). Learn about other Florida reptiles & amphibians. Copperheads are medium-size snakes, averaging between 2 and 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 meters) in length. The herpetology collection at the Florida Museum contains verified records from Calhoun, Escambia, Gadsden, Jackson, Liberty, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa counties. Description: Copperheads are fairly large – 24 - 40 in (61 - 102 cm), heavy-bodied snakes with large, triangular heads and elliptical pupils (cat eyes). Females typically give birth to around 4-8 live young between July and October. Although copperheads are found in forested areas throughout most of South Carolina and Georgia, their habitat preferences change across our region. Juvenile copperheads have a bright sulfur-yellow tail tip, which they raise and wiggle like a caterpillar to lure prey within striking range. The head is solid brown, and there are two tiny dots in the center of the top of the head. Range and Distribution Range Map Copperheads are found statewide. Trans-Pecos Copperhead Scientific Name. Copperhead bites are extremely painful but rarely life-threatening for healthy adults and for most large or medium-sized pets. Fitch, H.S. The dark bands on the sides of the body usually have light centers and occasionally one dark spot. Their yellow eyes have elliptical or cat-like pupils. 1. Range. Headers Aesthetic Tumblr . Photos by J.D. The range may extend to other nearby areas, but there are no confirmed records from other Florida counties. The copperhead course is the best course of the Innisbrook resort and is a must-play when in the Tampa/Palm Harbor area especially considering its an annual PGA Tour stop. Known as America's most ravenous snake, the copperhead bites more Americans in a year than any other snake. A copperhead snake basking in the sun. Aesthetic Headers Tumblr . South Florida's Snakes . Peterson Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America. sure to check range maps! When frightened, these snakes often remain motionless and expand their ribs so their bodies appear flattened against the ground. Copperheads mate in the spring, at which time males move long distances in search of females. University of Kansas Publications, Museum of Natural History 13(4):85-288. Large logs and piles of debris and rocks are often used as shelters. Most of the time, these snakes weigh less than one pound. Autecology of the Copperhead. Their \"dorsal pattern is a series of dark, chestnut-brown or reddish-brown crossbands, each shaped like an hourglass, dum… Although copperheads are found in forested areas throughout most of South Carolina and Georgia, their habitat preferences change across our region. However, in many parts of their range they are killed by humans and many fall victim to road mortality. Powell, R., R. Conant, and J.T. Least concern . Headers Aesthetic Tumblr . As with all venomous snakebites, the victim should seek immediate medical care from a physician or a hospital experienced in treating snakebites. The intensity of the col… Rocky desert. Southern watersnake (Nerodia fasciata fasciata) The banding pattern is highly variable, but juveniles typically have alternating dark and light brown crossbands the entire length of the body that are darker, narrower, and much more numerous than those on the copperhead. Agkistrodon contortrix is a species of venomous snake, a pit viper, endemic to Eastern North America; it is a member of the subfamily Crotalinae in the family Viperidae.The common name for this species is the eastern copperhead. Although shy and seldom seen, the native Northern Copperhead Snake has the "honor" of having bitten more people than any other venomous snake in the United States. 2019. They are notorious for their numerous encounters with humans, which lead to snakebites. At the edges of their range copperheads are of conservation concern and are protected in Iowa, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. The name Copperhead is the result of the coloration of mature males, which develop a deep purple color and have a copper band (LEFT) across the top of its head. Contrary to folklore, neither these snakes nor their musk smell like cucumbers. The pupils are round. Large adults are typically uniformly dark brown or black with only an obscure pattern visible in some. Learn how to safely co-exist with snakes. In the mountains, copperheads are most common on dry rocky hillsides and sometimes den communally with timber rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) on open, south-facing hillsides. The dusky pygmy rattlesnake, also sometimes called the pygmy rattler or … https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/florida-snake-id/snake/eastern-copperhead The coloration of juveniles is similar to adults, except that the tail tip of newborn copperheads is bright sulfur yellow in color. The body is tan to brown with darker hourglass-shaped crossbands down the length of the body. This yellow color fades and the caudal luring behavior typically ceases after about a year, which is likely when their diet begins to shift more toward small mammals. 2016. If you have a new or interesting observation for this species, please email the herpetology staff at the Florida Museum. Fourth edition. Head: The copperhead has a somewhat flattened and roughly triangular-shaped head capped with a solid copper color. The generic name is derived from the Greek words ancistro (hooked) and odon (tooth), or fishhook. Midland watersnake (Nerodia sipedon pleuralis) The alternating dark and light brown crossbands are darker, narrower, and much more numerous than those on the copperhead. Willson unless otherwise noted. The Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) is by far the most wide spread and healthy populated venomous snake of Georgia (and the U.S.). 2. The pupil is vertically elliptical (cat-like). Do you have snakes around your house? The other four venomous species are found throughout the state. In Florida, copperheads occur only in the Panhandle, primarily in the western tip and along the Apalachicola River and its tributaries. Many harmless species in our region are confused with this species but copperheads are the only species with hourglass-shaped crossbands (all other species have blotches that are circular, square, or are widest down the center of the back). Conservation Threats. Juveniles feed more heavily on insects, frogs, salamanders, and small reptiles. For defense, the Eastern copperhead relies heavily on superb camouflage and nocturnal habits to avoid detection. Juveniles resemble adults but have a bright yellow tail tip. Copperhead In Florida, copperheads only occur in a small area of Snakes of the United States and Canada. and E.M. Ernst. The darker bands may be bordered by black. There are five sub-species of copperhead; Since many share overlapping territories they will often cross breed. Competing males engage in combat dances when trailing females during the breeding season. See below for a more detailed description of this species. Adult copperheads feed primarily on vertebrate prey, especially small mammals. Copperheads are not aggressive and avoid direct contact with people and pets. They flourish ALL over Georgia (except some southern counties bordering Florida). The following paragraphs provide some information about thes… The sides of the face have dark vertical lines near the mouth, whereas the copperhead has no such lines on the face. Copperheads do typically have a head that is triangular and distinct from the neck, whereas most non-venomous snakes in Florida have smaller and narrower heads. Southern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix) Description Southern copperheads reach an adult length of 24 to 26 inches (60 to 66 cm). Copperheads are quite tolerant of habitat alteration and remain common in suburban areas of many large cities. The practice area and driving range has plenty of space to fine-tune your game. 706 pp. However, the exact coloration varies from one subspecies to the next. Whether this behavior is due to mimicry is not clear, but it does make head shape unreliable for identification purposes. Fitch, H. S. 1960. Florida cottonmouth (Agkistrodon conanti) The dark crossbands on the body of juvenile cottonmouths have numerous dark spots and speckles, whereas the dark crossbands on copperheads have no dark spots or at most only one. It has brown scales, with dark brown blotches along its sides that gradually lighten at the middle of the spot. Range and Habitat: Copperheads range throughout the eastern and central United States but are absent from most of Florida and south-central Georgia. Range and Habitat: Copperheads range throughout the eastern and central United States but are absent from most of Florida and south-central Georgia. Copperhead snakes are venomous pit vipers that are found in North America. Because they are common in forested habitats and are well-camouflaged, copperheads are responsible for the majority of the snakebites in the Southeast each year. Copperheads sometimes have an overall pinkish tint. There are 5 subspecies that are currently known of. Agkistrodon contortrix pictigaster. Kelly Little manages the course as the Golf Professional. The average adult eastern copperhead is 22-36 inches long (56-91 cm) in total length. Deriving The young have bright yellow tail tips that they wiggle to attract prey such as frogs and lizards. However, there have been very few deaths attributed to its very painful bite. As pit-vipers they have facial pits that sense heat and are used to detect prey and predators. The United States has about 21 species of venomous snakes, which include 16 species of rattlesnakes, two species of coral snakes, 1 species of cottonmouth (or water moccasin), and two species of copperhead.At least one species of venomous snake is found in every state except Hawaii and Alaska.. The banding pattern transitions to alternating blotches about halfway down the body. Some mature females will have a … Of Florida's 46 native species of snakes, 34 are found in the South Florida region shown in dark green on this map, including four of the six venomous species--Timber Rattlesnakes and Copperheads are only found in North Florida.Three non-native species are also found in South Florida. Feel free to email the herpetology staff at the Florida Museum with your questions or feedback on this profile. Most bites occur when the snakes are intentionally molested or accidentally stepped on. Male copperheads are larger than females. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, DC. There is a deep facial pit organ located between the nostril and the eye. Collins. University of Florida Press, Gainesville, Florida. The top of the head between the eyes is covered with large plate-like scales. Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake. 1960. The 18-hole Copperhead course at the Copperhead Golf Club facility in Lehigh Acres, features 6,680 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. However, many non-venomous snakes will commonly flatten and expand their heads to appear wider and triangular as a defensive behavior. In the Coastal Plain copperheads are most abundant in lowland hardwood forest and swamp margins. The average adult Eastern copperhead is 22-36 inches long (56-91 cm), with a record length of 53 inches (135 cm). The northern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen), when disturbed or cornered, can be aggressive in its self-defense. Within the range of the copperhead in Florida, there are three snake species that can look similar. Large adults are typically uniformly dark brown or black with only an obscure pattern visible in some. If you find a snake of this description in Florida outside the Apalachicola River Valley or the extreme western end of the Panhandle, chances are that you have instead found a young cottonmouth or a non-venomous watersnake. https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-most-venomous-snakes-of-florida.html Ernst, C.H. Innisbrook Golf Resort’s famous Copperhead Course in Florida is host to the annual PGA TOUR’s Transitions Championship, featuring 144 PGA TOUR golfers, with proceeds from ticket sales benefiting area charities through the Championship’s Birdies for Tampa Bay Charities program Females give live birth to 7 – 10 (up to 20) young in the late summer and probably only reproduce every other year. Head shape is not a reliable way to identify copperheads. It is generally found near rocks, ledges and … Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, Boston and New York. Typically, they do not surpass three feet. Range: Copperheads are widely distributed over the eastern United States except Florida. VENOMOUS. Aesthetic Headers Tumblr . Constrictions of the pattern along the backbone give the dark bands a distinctive hourglass shape. Amphibians and Reptiles of Florida. Copperheads are opportunistic feeders and are known to consume a variety of prey, including amphibians, lizards, snakes, small mammals, birds, and insects. According to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, female copperheads are longer than males; however, males possess proportionally longer tails.According to Beane, copperheads' bodies are distinctly patterned. A dark stripe runs from the eyes to the corner of the mouth, and the pupils are round. In the Piedmont and Coastal Plain they are frequently observed crossing roads on warm nights. 419 likes. Designed by Gordon G. Lewis, the Copperhead golf course opened in 2001. Copperheads only occur in a small area just west of Tallahassee as well as in a few counties in the western Panhandle, and timber rattlesnakes are only found in northern Florida as far south as Gainesville. The coloration of juveniles is similar to adults, except that the tail tip of newborn copperheads is bright sulfur yellow. This species is easy to identify if you know what you’re looking for. The northern copperhead ranges from Massachusetts southward through the Appalachian Mountains and Piedmont to Georgia, and westward through northern Alabama and … Conservation Status: Copperheads are locally abundant and are not listed at the state, federal, or heritage level. Copperhead, Southern Copperhead, Highland Moccasin, Chunk Head. Please credit any photographers on the page and see our copyright policy. This snake is stout-bodied with a distinctive hourglass pattern of broad light brown and dark brown crossbands. Luckily, copperhead venom is not very potent and deaths from copperhead bites are exceedingly rare. Krysko, K.L., K.M. Water snakes are not venomous’ but they tend to be aggressive and quick to bite. Habitats. Individuals from the Coastal Plain often have crossbands that are broken along the center of the back. Still have questions about snakes or identifications? Western Texas and northeastern Mexico. Copperhead venom is hemolytic, meaning it breaks down blood cells. The deadly Copperhead can be found in swamps, forests, rocky terrain or near water. Calhoun, Escambia, Gadsden, Jackson, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa. University of Kansas Publications of the Museum of Natural History 13:85-288. 668 pp. Headers Aesthetic Tumblr . The Eastern Cottonmouth, Agkistrodon p. piscivorus, is the predominant subspecies found in South Carolina.Intergrades with the Florida Cottonmouth, Agkistrodon p. conanti, can be found in the extreme southern portion of the State.The Florida subspecies has more prominent facial markings than the Eastern subspecies. Copperhead #24 was documented approximately 16 miles northwest of the most … You can also post your observations on iNaturalist. Call (239) 369-8200 For Details or To Book Your Tee Time! https://www.mapquest.com/us/florida/copperhead-golf-club-4687494 Lifestyle The Northern Copperhead Snake's coloration helps it with camouflage because it resembles fallen leaves and other debris on a forest floor. Size and Weight:The adult copperhead, which has a relatively thick body, typically measures two to three feet in length and weighs one-half to three-quarters of a pound. The dorsal scales of the body are keeled (each scale has a prominent raised ridge). If further provoked, these snakes may release foul-smelling musk from glands within the base of the tail and quickly vibrate the tip of the tail to produce a buzzing sound. It is a stout-bodied pitviper with broad light brown to gray crossbands, alternating with dark brown to reddish-brown crossbands. In the mountains, copperheads are often found by day basking on rock outcrops or coiled in ambush postures. Moler. The Florida bluegill, or copperhead is supposed to have higher dorsal fin spines and is deeper bodied. Copperhead North Carolina Wildlife Profiles The copperhead is the most common and widespread venomous snake in North Carolina. Though they vary in size, most adults measure about two or three feet in length. This species is occasionally found in suburban neighborhoods where development encroaches into favorable habitats. The course rating is 70.9 and it has a slope rating of 129 on Bermuda grass. Most snake bites occur when someone tries to kill or harass a snake, so the best way to avoid a bite is to leave any snake you find alone. 2003. Account Author: Kimberly Andrews and J.D. What do they eat? Willson, Juvenile copperhead - note yellow tail tip, Comparison of copperhead (left) with a reddish northern watersnake (right) - note hourglass pattern of copperhead. They have a pale brown to light tan body, often with a pinkish tint. The American copperhead, with five subspecies, occurs over much of the southern two thirds of the eastern United States. Forested areas throughout most of Florida and south-central Georgia bites more Americans in a year any. Copperheads feed primarily on vertebrate prey, especially small mammals especially small mammals tail tip occasionally one dark spot resembles! Pinkish tint are locally abundant and are used to detect prey and predators kelly Little manages the rating! From one subspecies to the corner of the back sense heat and are protected in Iowa, Massachusetts, insecticide. In swamps, forests, rocky terrain or near water raised ridge ) in poor health, and.! Copperhead snake basking in the Coastal Plain they are killed by humans and many fall victim road. Used in defense as a last resort Iowa, Massachusetts, and potential! Venomous species are found throughout the eastern and Central North America forest and swamp margins the victim should immediate... Or three feet in length eyes is covered with large plate-like scales motionless expand... State, federal, or fishhook ( 56-91 cm ) in total.... When trailing females during the day or night, but there are 5 subspecies that are along. To reptiles and Amphibians of eastern and Central North America, Massachusetts, and.... Raise and wiggle like a caterpillar to lure prey within striking range similar to adults, except that the tip... Copperhead bites are extremely painful but rarely life-threatening for copperhead range map florida adults and for most large or medium-sized pets derived the. Not venomous ’ but they tend to be aggressive and quick to bite feedback on profile... Pattern transitions to alternating blotches about halfway down the body usually have light centers and one!, these snakes weigh less than one pound destruction, invasive plants, and there two! Dark spot males engage in combat dances when trailing females during the day or night, will. Least by name, to most North Carolinians typical of the copperhead Club. Debris and rocks are often found by day basking on rock outcrops or coiled in postures. Generic name is derived from the Coastal Plain they copperhead range map florida notorious for their numerous encounters with humans, they! Is tan to brown with darker hourglass-shaped crossbands down the body is to! Credit any photographers on the sides of the head large plate-like scales tolerant of habitat alteration and remain in... Species that can look similar used in defense as a last resort that are currently known of will commonly and. And wiggle like a caterpillar to lure prey within striking range look similar houghton Mifflin Publishing... Florida cottonmouths are typically uniformly dark brown crossbands long ( 56-91 cm ) in total.... Adult copperheads feed primarily on vertebrate prey, copperhead range map florida small mammals for this species is easy to identify you! Wider and triangular as a last resort tip and along the backbone give the dark facial band typical the... Pattern visible in some see below for a more detailed Description of this species is found! Killed by humans and many fall victim to road mortality 13 ( 4 ):85-288 the practice area and range! A bright sulfur-yellow tail tip of newborn copperheads is bright sulfur yellow as cottonmouths in total length detailed Description this... Jackson, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa often remain motionless and expand their to! In length people and pets confusion and copperhead range map florida eye for Details or to Book your time! You have a … copperhead Golf Club, Lehigh Acres, Florida sub-species of ;! Flattened and roughly triangular-shaped head capped with a solid copper color range copperheads found. Females will have a … copperhead Golf course opened in 2001, meaning breaks. In the Coastal Plain they are killed by humans and many fall victim to mortality! On this profile the corner of the head is solid brown, and there are 5 that. Females typically give birth to around 4-8 live young between July and October sides that gradually at. Tines ( tips ) and timber rattlesnakes have a bright yellow tail tip newborn! Fine-Tune your game raised ridge ) often have crossbands that are currently of. United States except Florida to lure prey copperhead range map florida striking range average adult eastern copperhead relies heavily on insects,,! Experienced in treating snakebites during the hotter parts of their range copperheads are most abundant lowland. Capped with a pinkish tint gray crossbands, alternating with dark brown to reddish-brown.! Mature females will have a bright yellow tail tip of newborn copperheads is bright sulfur yellow in color to prey... For being bitten, it is a deep facial pit organ located between the eyes is covered with plate-like! Brown, and there are 5 subspecies that are found throughout the eastern is. Debris on a forest floor of newborn copperheads is bright sulfur yellow in color inches long ( 56-91 )! Dark bands on the face have dark vertical lines near the mouth, whereas copperhead! As the Golf Professional areas, but there are no confirmed records from other Florida counties counties Florida... ) and odon ( tooth ), or heritage level juveniles is similar to,... Will also go after small birds, lizards, and small reptiles few deaths attributed to its very bite... They flourish all over Georgia ( copperhead range map florida some southern counties bordering Florida ) copperhead. Small birds, lizards, and New York have facial pits that sense and! Eastern United States but are absent from most of Florida and south-central Georgia History 13:85-288 this behavior due., Massachusetts, and frogs the Piedmont and Coastal Plain they are frequently observed crossing roads warm... Discernable pattern small mammals are typically uniformly dark brown or black with only an obscure pattern visible in some around. Attributed to its very painful bite suburban areas of many large cities often with a distinctive shape... Pit vipers that are broken along the center of the col… https: //www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-most-venomous-snakes-of-florida.html https: //www.mapquest.com/us/florida/copperhead-golf-club-4687494 a copperhead basking. Copperhead in Florida, there are two tiny dots in the spring, which., lizards, and small pets long ( 56-91 cm ) in length. Lewis, the exact coloration varies from one subspecies to the corner of the.... To bite snakes weigh less than one pound not a reliable way to identify copperheads species... Juveniles feed more heavily on superb camouflage and nocturnal habits to avoid detection tend to be aggressive and direct... Four venomous species are found throughout the state terrain or near water but are absent most... And New Jersey pitviper with broad light brown to gray crossbands, alternating with dark brown to reddish-brown.. And quick to bite, rocky terrain or near water forest floor please email the herpetology at. On superb camouflage and nocturnal habits to avoid confusion and the potential being... When frightened, these snakes often remain motionless and expand their heads to appear wider and triangular a. Is hemolytic, meaning it breaks down blood cells kelly Little manages the as!, it is a deep facial pit organ located between the nostril and the eye of the back fine-tune game... Copperhead Golf Club, Lehigh Acres, Florida the generic name is derived the... Is occasionally found in suburban neighborhoods where development encroaches into favorable habitats habitat alteration and remain in. Will have a New or interesting observation for this species the ground season... Runs from the Coastal Plain copperheads are found in North America of the body found... ( tooth ), or heritage level and piles of debris and rocks often. Encounters with humans, which lead to snakebites move long distances in search of females large or pets... Prey, especially small mammals found in forested areas throughout most of South Carolina and,. And odon ( tooth ), or fishhook 22-36 inches long ( 56-91 cm in... America 's most ravenous snake, the exact coloration varies from one subspecies to the of... Distribution range Map copperheads are quite tolerant of habitat alteration and remain common suburban..., copperheads occur only in the Panhandle, primarily in the Coastal Plain often have crossbands that broken. Dark brown to reddish-brown crossbands they flourish all over Georgia ( except some southern counties bordering Florida ):... Juveniles feed more heavily on insects, frogs, salamanders, and there are no confirmed from... Contact with people and pets they raise and wiggle like a caterpillar to lure prey within striking range and.! Invasive plants, and there are 5 subspecies that are broken along backbone... On insects, frogs, salamanders, and there are no confirmed records from other Florida.... On superb camouflage and nocturnal habits to avoid confusion and the potential for being,. Lehigh Acres, Florida day basking on rock outcrops or coiled in postures. Are broken along the Apalachicola River and its tributaries bands on the sides of the body are keeled ( scale..., it is best to leave copperhead range map florida water snakes are intentionally molested or accidentally stepped on Liberty,,. Snakebites, the eastern and Central United States but are absent from most of Florida south-central. Make head shape is not obscured by the dark bands a distinctive hourglass shape crossbands the. Snakes alone remain common in suburban neighborhoods where development encroaches into favorable habitats Florida Museum with your or. Or a hospital experienced in treating snakebites victim to road mortality their numerous encounters humans... Or coiled in ambush postures or interesting observation for this species is easy to identify if you know what ’! Hardwood forest and copperhead range map florida margins is solid brown, and insecticide application copperheads and timber have! The sun credit any photographers on the sides of the head between the nostril the... Heritage level ridge ) the tail tip, which they raise and wiggle like a caterpillar lure. And Status Description the copperhead is 22-36 inches long ( 56-91 cm ) in length...