[Garden & Gun] During September and into early October, copperheads are born all over the South, meaning it’s a time to be careful around the yard and keep an extra eye on curious pups. Copperhead bites are the most common snakebites in the U.S., and though they are almost never fatal, the severe swelling and bruising will land you in the emergency room. Here’s what to know about the feisty little vipers, according to Ben Morrison, a South Carolina—based herpetologist who works for the Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy. IDENTIFICATION IS KEY
Copperheads, as the name suggests, have a golden-brown head that, paired with their unique pattern, makes them easy to differentiate from other snakes. "I would say the biggest thing is looking for darker-colored hourglass shapes on the body," Morrison says. "There’s really no other snake around that has this color and pattern." It’s a better indicator than following the old adage about triangular heads, as nonvenomous snakes (including water snakes) can in fact have triangle-shaped heads. (Snakes themselves seem to be aware of this myth; some, when threatened, can flatten their heads to look triangular.)
Despite their venom, very few young copperheads make it to adulthood; soon after birth, they are picked off by everything from birds to bullfrogs. To aid with foraging in the first and most difficult year of their lives, baby copperheads have a secret weapon: a bright green tail that looks just like a worm. Later, they’ll rely on ambushing, but when they are so small they can’t yet go after larger prey, wiggling their green tail helps them bait small amphibians and reptiles.