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Glad some have chimed in to say the snake is harmless.
A copperhead is very distinct, and a juvenile copperhead (read; smaller than 14" or so) will definitely have a yellow tail like the one is this image.http://www.kingsnake.com/stha/western-cottonmouth-southern-copperhead.jpeg (broken link)
Note also the very pronounced v-shaped head... and how large it appears in relation to the body.
Here's a pic of an adult Copperhead, the striping is very obvious...
Here's a picture of a ratsnake... they are sometime confused with copperheads, but with a second look it's easy to discern between the two... ratsnake, long and narrow.... copperhead, short and fat... plus they are colored and striped differently.
Glad some have chimed in to say the snake is harmless.
A copperhead is very distinct, and a juvenile copperhead (read; smaller than 14" or so) will definitely have a yellow tail like the one is this image.
Note also the very pronounced v-shaped head... and how large it appears in relation to the body.
Here's a pic of an adult Copperhead, the striping is very obvious...
Here's a picture of a ratsnake... they are sometime confused with copperheads, but with a second look it's easy to discern between the two... ratsnake, long and narrow.... copperhead, short and fat... plus they are colored and striped differently.
AWESOME POST! This is the info people need (though I myself can't bear the sight of these creatures and am typing one handed to have one hand to shield my eyes from having to look at your post too closely!!!)
You know, you can have your dogs vaccinated against rattlesnake bites. I'm not sure that protection extends to all of the crotalids, but ask your vet about it. Something to consider if they spend a lot of time outside in snakey areas.
Hm, I think even if it were a copperhead you're probably more likely to get bit trying to kill it then if you just leave it be. It was probably just sunning itself on the warm sidewalk. Maybe if you put a rock somewhere away from the house in your yard the snakes would go there instead?
This is a Rough Earth Snake they are completely harmless and not often seen in the open. I own a wildlife control business in Charlotte and deal with snakes all the time.
Last edited by mm34b; 10-21-2008 at 01:34 PM..
Reason: Edited to comply with Terms of Service.
If it is one of those they are good as they eat snails and slugs along with worms though. They will poop on you as a defense if you try to pick them up. Wierd snake.
Here's a photo of a Copperhead recently discovered on a home patio in the Winston-Salem area. Notice the distinct body markings and triangular shape of the head. The only venomous species native to all regions of the state. Though their bite may be very painful, it is rarely fatal to humans.
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