Posted in West Virginia May 16, 2020 by

Watch Your Step, More Copperheads Are Emerging From Their Dens Around West Virginia

Spring is a beautiful time of year in West Virginia, and we love to get out and hike before the summer heat hits. But so do a few other creatures, including venomous snakes.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Copperheads are one of two venomous snakes found in West Virginia.
Shenandoah National Park/Flickr
The other is the timber rattlesnake.
Copperheads are part of the pit viper family, and they have the heavy overbrows above their eyes common to vipers.
Andrew Weitzel/Flickr
They are also distinguishable by the hourglass pattern on their top and sides.
In West Virginia, copperheads favor deciduous forests and rocky outcroppings, but they can be found anywhere.
Melissa McMasters/Flickr
Copperheads feed on small rodents and some insects, including cicada larvae.
During the summer, copperheads are nocturnal. During the winter, they hibernate. But in spring and fall, they are most active during the daylight hours.
bobistraveling/Flickr
Copperheads are cold-blooded reptiles that need to take advantage of the warmth during the day in seasons when the nights are still cool.
Copperheads are like most other snakes, in that they want to avoid humans whenever possible.
dogs & music/Flickr
However, rather than slithering away like some snakes, they lie still and hope to remain undiscovered. This means you are more likely to step on a copperhead than some other types of snakes. Even then, they are hesitant to strike and only do so when touched or disturbed.
When a copperhead does bite, it's rarely fatal, even in children.
John Norris/Flickr
Most initial bites from a copperhead are "dry bites" meaning no venom is injected, or "warning bites," meaning only a small amount is. Even if a person or pet receives a full dose of venom, hospitals in our area are typically well equipped to offer treatment. If you've been bitten, seek immediate medical attention. Take a picture of the snake if possible and remove any restrictive clothing (or collars from pets) immediately.
Copperheads have a bad reputation, but they are actually amazing creatures.
Heather Katsoulis/Flickr
Their venom has even been used to successfully combat cancer in lab studies! Still, watch your step when you're out in the woods, and wear sturdy hiking boots on our mountain trails.

If you do see a copperhead, give it a wide berth and continue on your way. They are an important part of the ecosystem, and you actually put yourself at greater risk of harm by coming close enough to eliminate one. To minimize the risk of encountering one at all, stay on wide, well-marked trails.

To learn to identify copperheads and other snakes you may encounter, try 10 Species Of Snakes Commonly Spotted In West Virginia And What To Do If You See Them.

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