Copperhead snake

Description:

I felt very lucky the day I saw this snake. I had had to step into the woods for a "bathroom break" as there were no restrooms around. I thought I had looked around carefully but was perhaps distracted by the idea that I needed to finish fast before people came near. When I looked down, I saw that my right foot was next to the head of this copperhead snake. It didn't move so I did as quickly as I could manage yet in a fairly calm manner. I returned to the car to get my camera so I could get a shot using my zoom lens. :)

Habitat:

Penny's Bend nature reserve

Notes:

Copperhead snake bites need medical attention as the venom destroys tissue and can cause scarring and loss of use of the affected area; the bites are extremely painful.