Copperhead Snake Identification: Venomous—Observe, Don't Touch

Excellent photos show a Southern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix). Key ID: vertical pupils in daylight, hourglass/bowtie bands, two black dots on head, 45° head cock = alert, not aggressive. Venomous—bites rarely fatal but cause severe tissue damage and 12+ hours of unrelievable pain.

Safe relocation: Spray with hose from distance to guide away. Or use long stick (>snake length) to guide into 30-gal can. Never pick up. Never tilt stick up—snake slides down.

Copperhead snake

Copperhead snake

Copperhead snake