The Copperhead snake (Agkistrodon spp.) got its name because of the copper-like coloration on the dorsal side of its head. The Copperhead snake is brown and has alternating cross bands that are light and brownish in different variations. The size of an adult copperhead is 20 to 40 inches (51-102 cm). The Copperhead snake belongs to the viper family.
Myths about the Copperhead snake
Some strange myths circulate about Copperhead snakes. One is that Black snakes can interbreed with Copperheads to make a venomous Black snake – the Black snake is probably a Rat Snake. Another one is that it smells like cucumber – which is generally not true, as they only secrete an odor resembling cucumber when they feel threatened such as when intruders bypass. The funniest myth about the Copperhead snake is that juvenile Copperhead snakes are more venomous than adults. Also, Copperhead snakes do not hunt in pairs as sometimes told.
Diet
Both juvenile and adult Copperheads feed on a diet of rodents, other reptiles and amphibians. During their first years, invertebrates are eaten as a protein rich supplement to the larger animals that may be to difficult to catch for the young snakes. As they grow older a larger and larger proportion of their diet become rodents.