Copperhead SneakBy Erika Gomez

Name and General Characteristics

Copperhead Sneakgenus species- Agkistrodon contortrixTo obtain a permit for keeping dangerous wild animals you must contact Karen Pianka Wildlife Permits Coordinator.Texas Parks & Wildlife4200 Smith School RoadAustin, Texas 78744(512) 389-4491

Energy Transfer

Ecology• They prefer low-lying areas near streams and swamps, and are often

confused with the cottonmouth water moccasin, which is larger and readily swims. Copperheads prefer to avoid the water. Wooded areas with brush piles, fallen trees or logs are good habitat.

• They are ambush predators, generally lying in wait for a meal. Copperheads typically feed on mice and often take the young while they are still in the nest. These predators are known to also eat frogs and toads, insects, caterpillars, salamanders, small birds and shrews.

• It is prey to kingsnakes, hawks, owls or wild pigs. Kingsnakes and opossums are immune to their venom.

Evolution

Special adaptations• They will generally depend on the ability of their bodies to

blend in with their environment to obtain prey and avoid enemies.

• Snake venom's most important function is to kill animals to be eaten.

• Southern copperheads use the "heat seeking pits" behind their eyes to help locate their prey.

Fun Facts

• Copperheads are ovoviviparous, which means that eggs incubate inside the mother's body.

• A chemical in copperhead venom may be helpful in stopping the growth of cancerous tumors.

• The length of a copperhead's fangs is related to the length of the snake.

• They are considered endangered in Iowa and Massachusetts.

Media

https://youtu.be/MSmnY_jFNrc

Resources

Jessie Szalay, Matt Jeppson , E., More, K., Andrew, M., Sunderland, L., & Braze, A. (2014, Nov 19). Web form. Retrieved from http://www.livescience.com/43641-copperhead-snake.htmlJoel T. La Rocque. Snakes as 'Pets‘. Retrieved April 18, 2016, from

http://www.venomousreptiles.org/articles/29Frank, L. (2007, February 12). Captive Care of the American Copperheads. Retrieved April 17, 2016, from http://arachnophiliac.com/burrow/copperhead_care.htm