Copperhead

Description:

About 2 1/2' "The copperhead is one of the most frequently encountered venomous snakes in the southern Appalachians. Young copperheads have a bright, yellow-colored tail. The snake will sit among leaves on the forest floor and wriggle its tail. An unsuspecting frog or lizard may think it is potential prey and lunge for it. The copperhead will then bite the animal. This practice is called caudal (tail) luring." Tennessee Aquarium

Habitat:

Crossing the road in a mountain forest.

Notes:

The venom is toxic and a bite from a Copperhead snake is extremely painful and requires immediate medical treatment, but is very seldom fatal.