Spring just might be extra busy in Pennsylvania this year, especially for the wildlife around us. With the emergence of the Brood X cicadas in Pennsylvania, the state will also likely see an increase in copperheads slithering about. Next time you’re exploring outdoors, don’t be too surprised if you come across a copperhead snacking on cicadas.

After a 17-year absence, the brood cicadas have emerged from their underground homes in much of Pennsylvania, including Bucks, Dauphin, and York Counties.
Flickr/Jane Kirkland
The cicadas typically journey back above ground in April when the temperature remains a consistent 64 degrees Fahrenheit and will return back underground sometime in June. That means their loud buzz won’t be around too long.
Flickr/Jane Kirkland
While cicadas typically fill up on tree sap and twigs, they, in turn, are a favorite snack of copperheads.
Flickr/smashtonlee05

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Eastern copperheads are common in much of Pennsylvania, except in some northern areas, and with the reemergence of the cicadas, they may come out in even greater numbers this spring and early summer.
Paul Starosta / Stone via Getty Images
While eastern copperheads are generally considered timid, they are venomous, which can pose a danger to humans. Steer clear if you happen to see one when you’re exploring outdoors.
Flickr/Andy Reago and Chrissy McClarren
Generally the most active in the later hours of the afternoon and the evening, eastern copperheads can easily find cicadas, due to the loud buzzing noise the males make.
Flickr/Jane Kirkland
Filled with fat and protein, the cicadas – which are sometimes clustered together in groups – are easy to grab, especially right after they’ve emerged from underground. Unfortunately for the cicadas, they don’t have a way to defend themselves from the copperheads.
Flickr/Jodi Green

Have you seen copperheads or cicadas in Pennsylvania yet this spring? Or how about a copperhead snacking cicadas? Share your experience in the comments! Spring also means the return of the timberhead rattlesnakes, so watch your step when you’re outdoors exploring Pennsylvania.

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