This baby Copperhead Snake was seen in the woods during a nature activity at Tremont. It was about 15 inches long. I was attending a naturalist week, so all the other people in the group were as interested in the little snake as I was! Baby snakes are as dangerous as adults. Sometimes they are more dangerous because they are not able to control the amount of venom that they inject as well as an adult snake.
was photographed through glass at the Chattanooga Aquarium. I was glad to finally be able to get this close to a live one (safely!) to get a good picture! Note the hourglass pattern of the dark brown bands on the back, vertical slit pupil in the eye, and the pit between the eye and mouth. This is the most common venomous snake in the eastern United States, however they are the least venomous. They are very well camouflaged, so they aren't often seen in the woods. Copperheads give birth to live young (meaning the eggs hatched inside the mother). These snakes eat birds, small rodents, insects, lizards, snakes, and amphibians. Although the bite of a copperhead is seldom fatal in healthy humans, the venom does cause tissue destruction and must be treated in a hospital. Small dogs can die from being bitten by a copperhead.
. Note the "hourglass" pattern of the dark brown bands. This poor snake did not make it across the road. It is a shame that so many snakes are ruthlessly killed, regardless of whether or not they are venomous. Many people dislike snakes due to fear or religious beliefs, however, these animals are an important part of the ecosystem and they do have a place in the natural world!
