Copperhead bites

Author: Anders Nielsen | Ctrl-D saves this page

Venom from Copperheads is not deadly, and when people die from Copperhead Snake bites it is due to an allergic reaction. People who are weak, or either very old or very young may however experience a significant impact on their body function from a Copperhead snake bite.

The Copperhead injects its venom through ducts in its fangs. Its venom disrupts the red blood cells of its prey that in turn becomes completely subdued. Copperhead snakes have jaws that are very flexible and enough to swallow prey larger than twice its own diameter.

Copperhead bite statistics

Venomous bites USA

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According to US poison centers, 769 cases of bites from Copperheads were reported in 2001. In total those bites account for 37 percent of the total number of venomous snake bites4 (figure 1).

Copperhead Snake bites are rather painful and experts suggest that you seek medical advice after a bite.

Copperhead Snake Picture

Figure 1. Approximately 37 percent of all venomous snake bites are from copperheads.

North Carolina

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In some states the percentage of venomous snake bites by the Agkistrodon is much higher. Over a 40 year period in North Carolina, 64 percent of all venomous bites were from the Copperhead Snake.

I would be surprised if it was not the same in Georgia, Virginia, South Carolina and Tennessee

Swelling and intense pain

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Copperhead Snake bites can cause swelling, local tissue injury, abnormally low blood pressure, lack of blood clotting and general pain in all limbs. In recent years there have not been many reports about deadly bites from Copperheads. However, a former police officer from Madison County, Texas died from the poison of a copperhead snake in 2006. The victim was probably allergic to its venom. The chance of a fatal bite and envenomation by a Copperhead is probably less than 1 to 5000.

In general snake venoms can be divided into three types:

  • Cytotoxic Venom - venom that destroys cell tissue

  • Neurotoxic Venom - attacks the nervous system (here: heart beat and breathing)

  • Hemotoxic Venom - changes the properties of the victims blood so it cannot coagulate

In general the venom of pit-vipers is cytotoxic. Adders and species of Cobras also have cytotoxic venom. Mamba Snakes, most Cobras, and in general the Elapids has neurotoxic venom. For some reason the venom of Copperhead Snakes is hemotoxic.

Copperhead Snakes are only aggressive if disturbed during the mating period.

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