Copperhead Snake or Highland Moccasin — Part 2

Ancistrodon contortrix, (Linn.)

When disturbed in its native haunts this snake will generally make an effort to glide quietly away if escape is open. If caught at close quarters, and flight be impossible, it defends itself vigorously, throwing the body into a series of irregular loops and striking in the direction of the enemy. At such times a rapid, vibratory movement is communicated to the tail, which produces a distinct, buzzing sound, if the serpent be among dry leaves. Throughout all these manoeuvres the snake is usually backing away in an endeavour to make a dash for safety, by gliding into a nearby friendly thicket or among the rocks. Like the moccasin, if held down with a stick in an endeavour to effect its capture, it fights furiously thrashing the body from side to side in an effort to twist itself free and often in its excitement unconsciously throwing a portion of its body against the widely distended jaws with their sharp fangs, which immediately close, inflicting a wound upon itself, which is never mortal, as the venomous snakes are immune to their own and to each other's poison.

The writer recalls an experience with a large Copperhead in the woods of Pennsylvania. Stopping to rest he seated himself on a large rock, partially covered about its base with a tangled mass of vines. While carelessly swinging a foot against the vines he was startled by a sudden buzz among the dead leaves, and glancing at the base of the rock discovered a large Copperhead, with head drawn back and tail vibrating, backing away by alternately looping and straightening its body. The snake could easily have struck the writer's shoes--although there is doubt whether the fangs would have pierced the leather. Nevertheless the watcher remained quite motionless. Backing away and around the rock the snake suddenly turned and glided for a heavy mass of undergrowth, but it was destined to accompany several harmless snakes collected during the day. Here was an instance of a venomous snake, in an admirable position to employ its fangs, giving warning of its presence by the sound of the quivering tail, then retreating from the subject of its alarm to seek refuge in the thicket without dealing a blow.

The venom of the Copperhead has been declared by reputable authorities to be more virulent than that of the moccasin. Small animals die more quickly after receiving a stab from the fangs of one of these snakes than when bitten by a moccasin of considerably larger size. The fangs are rather small in proportion to the size of the snake as compared with the majority of the Crotaline serpents, especially those of the warmer latitudes. This characteristic also applies to the moccasin. The fangs of the various rattlesnakes are considerably longer in proportion to the general dimensions of those reptiles than with the two species mentioned. By this explanation it is not intended to convey the impression that the Copperhead is not a reptile formidable to man. It is indeed a dangerously poisonous snake, and well able to cause death to man if delivering a bite well placed and followed by other than the most energetic and competent treatment.

A captive Copperhead is an interesting reptile and a satisfactory one, as it thrives well under sympathetic care. The feeding habits are rather eccentric and seemingly relate to the possibility of finding certain kinds of food during different phases of the season when the reptile is in a wild state. During the spring and fall, it is very fond of frogs, grasping them with lightning-like rapidity and retaining the hold until the prey is dead. The venom acts quickly upon the cold-blooded batrachian. During the later spring, these snakes prefer young birds, showing in fact such a decided preference to this food that some snakes will fast unless provided with the feathered prey. During the summer months captive specimens well eat small rodents, such as mice and rats, or chipmunks. This preference though not invariable is quite general as noted in caring for many of these snakes. After several years in captivity these reptiles assume a less particular appetite and live contentedly upon a diet of mice and frogs.