SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – You may have noticed an increase in copperhead snakes over the last couple of weeks. But don’t be alarmed, it’s normal for this time of year.
Copperhead mating season spans from mid-spring to mid-summer, and by late summer, most female copperhead snakes give birth. Yes, female copperhead snakes give birth to live young. There are also several rumors surrounding young copperheads.
First, young copperhead venom is allegedly more toxic than that of adults. This is not true because copperhead snakes carry a proportionate amount of venom to the rest of their body. This means younger snakes carry less venom. Despite this, they are still dangerous, as any amount of copperhead venom can lead to serious health conditions.
Additionally, many folks believe young copperheads have no control over the amount of venom used in a bite. Again, this is false. “If you ever hear about somebody being bitten more than once by a copperhead, usually that means that someone was trying to catch the copperhead. It strikes its victim, pumps it with venom, and then releases,” said Francis Skalicky, the Media Specialist for the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Copperheads bite to kill their prey and are not considered to be an aggressive species of snake. They typically will not bite people unless threatened. One of the best ways to keep snakes off your property is to clear large rocks and woodpiles, as copperhead snakes like to nest in those areas. You can also limit food sources for snakes on your property, such as mice.
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