Northern Copperhead

The northern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen) is a venomous pitviper subspecies.

Size: The northern copperhead has an average length of about twenty-four to thirty-six inches and weighs under one pound.

Life Span: The lifespan of the copperhead is about 18 years.

Color: This snake is a light copper to orange-brown color; it has broad, reddish-brown "saddle" markings along its back.

Continent: North America

Range: The Appalachian Mountain region; they live throughout the eastern and southeastern United States and are abundant in Pennsylvania.

Habitat: The copperhead will hibernate throughout the winter in rocky ledges, dry stone walls, stony outcroppings, and abandoned buildings. In the summer they prefer to live near water in rocky areas where they may sun themselves.

Reproduction: These snakes mate in the spring and bear young in late August or early September, giving birth to one to fourteen live young. At birth, a copperhead is about ten inches long and has a bright yellow tail. Baby copperheads are venomous very shortly after birth.

Fun Facts: The northern copperhead is one of only three venomous snakes in Pennsylvania.