ROCKWOOD PARK, Va. (WWBT) – A wide variety of wildlife calls Virginia home. That includes copperhead snakes.
Known for it’s distinct pattern, it is one of the three native venomous snakes.
“The copperhead is the least deadliest or dangerous of the venomous snakes,” Richard Perry, with Virginia Wildlife Management and Control, said.
Copperhead Snake(KY 3)
Perry travels all over the commonwealth capturing and removing snakes. He said the warmer months tend to be their busiest times of year, but even in the winter, you can find a snake slithering around.
“If you have a mild winter, snake activity tends to pick up. When the warmer weather comes out, if there’s a warm snap, they’re on the go. They’re storing up food for the rest of the season,” he said.
Perry said one popular copperhead hub is Rockwood Park. It’s also a popular place for kids to spend time on the playground, or for adults to go on a hike.
“99% of the time if you just leave it alone, it’ll leave you alone. But yeah, they’re difficult to see, but especially walking through the trials or walking through your yard or something like that, like I said, just be cautious and aware of your surroundings,” he said.
Copperhead
If you’re curious on whether a snake is venomous:
Look out for slit-shaped eyes.A more triangular head instead of circular.A stocky or loaf-like body.
However, Perry said copperheads keep to themselves and are often misunderstood.
“Believe it or not, copperheads are actually docile snake, they’re a very shy snake. We deal with hundreds of them. They do not chase after you, they don’t just see you and bite you for whatever. They will actually just stay put,” he said.
Copperheads tend to hide under leaf and log piles, and even in gardens. That’s why Perry urges people to wear boots and gloves if you’re doing yard work. While the bite is the least toxic, it still packs a punch.
“Are you going to die from a copperhead, no. You’re going to wish you died,” he said.
If you are actually bit by a venomous snake, see a doctor as soon as you can.
It’s important to note that killing copperheads is illegal unless they are absolutely a direct threat to you, someone else or a pet.
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