Copperhead
(Agkistrodon contortrix)[1]
The Copperhead has the largest range of all the venomous snakes in North Carolina. They can be found in most environments throughout North Carolina. In fact, the range of the Copperhead is interstate; from western Texas to southern New York.
Range of Copperheads in North Carolina[4]
Description:
The Copperhead is typically 2-3 feet in length with a broad head wider than the body of the snake. Its eyes are cat-slit and of a brownish-copper tint. The color tone of the snake can be light tan, gray or brown in color with darker brown hourglass shapes along the length of the snake. These typically have a dark outline with the inner portion being a light tan to pink. The juvenile Copperhead snakes tend to have a darker tone. The juveniles can also have spots in between the hourglass shapes or a bright green tip to their tail (Norris 2004).
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| Dark coloration[2] |
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Green tailed juvenile[3]
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Toxins & Bite Statistics:
A survey was conducted of Copperhead bites in North Carolina from 1997-2000. During that time there were 178 reported cases of bites. Only 6% were considered severe. All other reported bites were considered either mild or moderate with 7% being dry. A dry bite is when a snake bites down and does not use venom. Occasionally snakes will also bite without using their teeth. The bite left 93% of patients with pain and bite wounds. Tissue death occurred in 8% with about half of the individuals experiencing discoloration or bruising (Thorson, 2003). While no individuals died from these bites during this time, several individuals could not reach treatment and needed surgery for skin restoration or amputation of a digit. 18 individuals also had dysfunction in the bitten limb for several days (Toschlog 2013). The Copperhead bite is the most common in North Carolina. Copperheads use a hemotoxin. A hemotoxin affects the red blood cells of the body, degrading them and preventing clotting. While the name implies that it only affects the blood, it can also degrade proteins of the surrounding tissues and organs (Kyes, 1910; Henry, 1967).
What to do if bitten:
If you are bitten, it is important to remain calm.
Do not attempt to catch or kill the snake which bit you. Call the Carolina's Poison Center at
1-800-222-1222. When you do call, try your best to recall what snake bit you. Attempt to clean the wound if you have access to soap and water. Cleaning with warm soap and water helps to prevent further infection. Make sure that you don't cinch off the skin around the wound. If you can, elevate the wound above the heart. If you can not reach the CPC for whatever reason, call
911 immediately. The police can help you find a local hospital with antivenin. If you can, have a family member or friend take you to the nearest hospital where you can receive proper treatment.
